# Cursor vs Kagi

> Cursor: AI coding agent and VS Code-based editor for multi-file edits and cloud agents
> Kagi: Ad-free, subscription-funded search engine with built-in AI assistant and summarization tools

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

## Verdict

Cursor is listed under Coding AI and Kagi under AI Assistants. Cursor scores higher in FinderAtlas's editorial review (8.7 vs 8.1 out of 10). Both have a free plan or trial. Only Cursor is available on Windows, macOS and Linux. Only Kagi is available on Android and 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 Kagi if

- You want a tool built for people who want ad-free, personalizable search results and are willing to pay a subscription to get them.
- No advertising; revenue comes from subscriptions.
- Site-level raise, lower and block controls let users tune results.

## Pricing

| | Cursor | Kagi |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Free trial |
| Free plan or trial | Yes | Yes |
| Starting price | $0 | $0 |

## Features

| Feature | Cursor | Kagi |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 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 |
| Ad-free search | Not listed | Yes |
| Site personalization | Not listed | Yes |
| Lenses | Not listed | Yes |
| Kagi Assistant | Not listed | Yes |
| Quick Answer and Summarize Page | Not listed | Yes |
| Developer APIs | Not listed | Yes |
| Orion browser | Not listed | Yes |
| Kagi Translate and Kagi News | Not listed | Yes |

## Platforms

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

## 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

## Kagi strengths

- No advertising; revenue comes from subscriptions.
- Site-level raise, lower and block controls let users tune results.
- Lenses give quick topic-specific filtering such as Academic or Forums.
- Ultimate bundles access to Claude, GPT and Gemini models in Assistant.
- Public APIs and an MCP server support developer use.
- Transparent funding history published by the company.

## Kagi limitations

- No permanent free tier: the trial is limited to 100 searches.
- The $5 Starter plan caps searches at 300 per month, which users report running out of quickly.
- Reviewers report that lens use and loading more results can count as extra searches.
- Full AI model access requires the $25 Ultimate plan.

## FAQ

**Is Cursor better than Kagi?**

It depends on your workflow. Cursor is built for Multi-file feature work, codebase-wide refactoring, delegating tasks to background agents, reviewing pull requests. Kagi is built for people who want ad-free, personalizable search results and are willing to pay a subscription to get them.

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

Cursor: AI coding agent and VS Code-based editor for multi-file edits and cloud agents. Kagi: Ad-free, subscription-funded search engine with built-in AI assistant and summarization tools. Cursor is rated 5.0/5 from 1 user review.

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

Yes, both do. Cursor is freemium and Kagi is free trial, and each has a free plan or trial.

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

Both can be used for free. Paid plans differ in limits and features, so compare the tiers in the pricing table above.