# Cursor vs Factory

> Cursor: AI coding agent and VS Code-based editor for multi-file edits and cloud agents
> Factory: Agent-native software development platform where Droids handle full engineering tasks end to end

- Cursor profile: https://finderatlas.com/tools/cursor
- Factory profile: https://finderatlas.com/tools/factory
- Comparison page: https://finderatlas.com/compare/cursor-vs-factory
- Last reviewed: November 2026

## Verdict

Cursor and Factory are both Coding AI tools. Cursor scores higher in FinderAtlas's editorial review (8.7 vs 8.2 out of 10). Only Cursor has a free plan or trial. Only Cursor is available on iOS. Only Factory offers an API.

### Choose Cursor if

- You want a tool built for Multi-file feature work, codebase-wide refactoring, delegating tasks to background agents, reviewing pull requests.
- Familiar VS Code-based editor with extension and keybinding support.
- Local and cloud agents that can run in parallel on multi-file tasks.

### Choose Factory if

- You want a tool built for delegating backlog tickets, automated pull request review, test generation, incident investigation and long-running refactors or migrations.
- Covers the full delivery loop: implementation, review, testing, incident response and documentation.
- Model independence, with a router and bring-your-own-key support for custom models.

## Pricing

| | Cursor | Factory |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Paid |
| Free plan or trial | Yes | No |
| Starting price | $0 | $20 |

## Features

| Feature | Cursor | Factory |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Agents | Yes | Not listed |
| Cloud agents | Yes | Not listed |
| Tab and inline edits | Yes | Not listed |
| Codebase indexing | Yes | Not listed |
| Model choice | Yes | Not listed |
| Bugbot code review | Yes | Not listed |
| CLI | Yes | Not listed |
| Slack app and iOS app | Yes | Not listed |
| Marketplace and rules | Yes | Not listed |
| Privacy mode | Yes | Not listed |
| Droids | Not listed | Yes |
| Droid CLI | Not listed | Yes |
| Missions | Not listed | Yes |
| Automations | Not listed | Yes |
| Droid Computers | Not listed | Yes |
| Model Independence | Not listed | Yes |
| Human Approval Checkpoints | Not listed | Yes |
| Analytics | Not listed | Yes |
| Public API | Not listed | Yes |

## Platforms

| Platform | Cursor | Factory |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | No |
| Android | No | No |
| API | No | Yes |
| Browser Extension | No | No |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| CLI | Yes | Yes |

## Cursor strengths

- Familiar VS Code-based editor with extension and keybinding support
- Local and cloud agents that can run in parallel on multi-file tasks
- Choice of models from several providers, including Cursor's own
- Covers editor, CLI, web, Slack, iOS and PR review in one product
- Privacy mode and SOC 2 and ISO certifications for team use

## Cursor limitations

- Third-party model usage is billed separately from the plan at API list price
- Pricing is bundled with Grok and uses weekly usage pools, which makes costs harder to predict
- No Android app, and the iOS app only controls local agents
- Indexing can be heavy on very large repositories

## Factory strengths

- Covers the full delivery loop: implementation, review, testing, incident response and documentation.
- Model independence, with a router and bring-your-own-key support for custom models.
- Available in desktop, CLI, web and several IDEs, so work is not tied to one editor.
- Enterprise controls including SSO, audit logging, zero data retention and on-premise options.
- Public API and OpenAPI specification for building on top of the platform.

## Factory limitations

- No free tier or trial is listed; the entry plan is $20 per month.
- Usage limits are given only as multiples of Pro, so actual capacity is hard to estimate.
- Business and Enterprise pricing is contact-sales only.
- Droid Computers are limited to Plus and higher plans.

## FAQ

**Is Cursor better than Factory?**

It depends on your workflow. Cursor is built for Multi-file feature work, codebase-wide refactoring, delegating tasks to background agents, reviewing pull requests. Factory is built for delegating backlog tickets, automated pull request review, test generation, incident investigation and long-running refactors or migrations.

**What are the key feature differences between Cursor and Factory?**

Cursor: AI coding agent and VS Code-based editor for multi-file edits and cloud agents. Factory: Agent-native software development platform where Droids handle full engineering tasks end to end. Cursor is rated 5.0/5 from 1 user review.

**Does Cursor or Factory have a free plan?**

Cursor has a free plan or trial; Factory is paid only.

**Which is cheaper, Cursor or Factory?**

Cursor starts at $0 and Factory starts at $20. See the pricing table above for what each tier includes.