BotTasks / Write code
Best AI tool to write code
One decision, not a directory. Pricing checked 2026-10-14.
Cursor
AI-first code editor with agentic coding.
Free tierFree tier; paid plans from $8/moCoding
GitHub Copilot
AI pair programmer inside your editor and GitHub.
Free tierFree tier, paid from ~$10/moCoding
- Download Cursor from cursor.com and open your existing project folder; it imports VS Code settings and extensions.
- Use Tab completion as you type for small edits and boilerplate.
- Open the agent chat, describe the change ('add a /health endpoint that returns build version'), and let it propose edits across files.
- Review every diff before accepting, then run your tests or the app to confirm it works.
- Add a rules file describing your stack and conventions so suggestions match your codebase.
Why Cursor
Cursor is a full editor built around AI, so it can read your whole repository and make coordinated multi-file changes instead of one-line suggestions.
When to choose GitHub Copilot instead
Choose GitHub Copilot if you want to stay in your current editor (VS Code, JetBrains, Visual Studio) or your company already licenses it.
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Pricing at a glance
| Tool | Pricing | Free tier |
|---|---|---|
| Cursor | Free tier; paid plans from $8/mo | Yes |
| GitHub Copilot | Free tier, paid from ~$10/mo | Yes |
| Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf) | Free tier; Pro $20/mo | Yes |
| Claude Code | Included with Claude Pro ($20/mo) and Max plans, or via API | No |
| Aider | Free and open source (bring your own API key) | Yes |
Pricing changes often; check the official site before buying.
FAQ
What is the best AI tool to write code?
Our pick is Cursor: AI-first code editor with agentic coding. Pricing: Free tier; paid plans from $8/mo.
When should I choose GitHub Copilot instead?
Choose GitHub Copilot if you want to stay in your current editor (VS Code, JetBrains, Visual Studio) or your company already licenses it.
Does Cursor have a free plan?
Yes. Cursor: Free tier; paid plans from $8/mo.