As AI continues to reshape software development, tools like GitHub Copilot, Cursor, Replit, Cline, and Claude Code are vying for developers’ attention. Each promises to streamline workflows, squash bugs, and boost productivity—but which one truly delivers? Here’s a head-to-head comparison from a developer’s lens, updated as of March 25, 2025.
Feature Breakdown
| Feature | GitHub Copilot | Cursor | Replit | Cline | Claude Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agent Mode | Limited (Public Preview, VS Code Insiders) | Yes (Composer, project-wide ops) | Limited (basic automation) | Yes (autonomous MCP tasks) | Yes (terminal-based, task-focused) |
| PR Review | Limited (IDE + GitHub.com, Public Preview) | Yes (local diff vs. main branch) | No | No | Yes (manual code analysis, terminal) |
| Bug Fixes/Identification | Yes (Autofix, fast fixes) | Yes (contextual, proactive fixes) | Limited (error detection) | Yes | Yes (issue spotting) |
| Image/Screenshot to Code | Yes (Vision, Public Preview) | Yes | No | Yes (mockups to apps) | No |
| UI/Unit Tests Creation | Yes (solid test generation) | Yes (best-in-class test gen) | Limited (basic support) | Yes (via MCP tools) | Yes (test suggestions) |
| Claude Models | Limited (Public Preview) | Yes | No | Yes | Yes (native Claude models) |
| MCP Support | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Inline Code Suggestions | Yes (fast, context-aware) | Yes (project-aware, multi-line) | Yes (basic completions) | No | No (terminal-based only) |
| Developer Experience | Good (IDE integration, reliable) | Excellent (intuitive, fast UI) | Moderate (online-first, simple) | Good (flexible) | Moderate (terminal-based, CLI devs) |
| Speed & Responsiveness | Fast (optimized for VS Code) | Very Fast (lightweight, snappy) | Moderate (cloud-based) | Fast | Moderate (API latency) |
| Enterprise Pricing | $39/user/mo (Enterprise) $20/user/mo (Business) |
$40/user/mo (Business) | $20/user/mo (Pro; custom) | $10/user/mo (Premium; custom) | ~$3/million input tokens (API; custom) |
| Downsides | No MCP, key features in preview, weaker context on large projects | Separate IDE (VS Code fork) | Online-only, limited offline use | Ties to VS Code, API costs add up | Terminal-only, no inline coding |
Cursor: The Developer’s Champion
From a developer’s perspective in March 2025, Cursor stands tall as the ultimate AI coding companion. Its Composer feature is a game-changer, offering project-wide intelligence that powers multi-file edits and proactive bug fixes—perfect for tackling complex codebases. With Model Context Protocol (MCP) support via .cursor/mcp.json, developers can customize workflows to their heart’s content. Add in best-in-class test generation, multi-line inline suggestions, and screenshot-to-code capabilities (think: turning a UI mockup into functional code), and Cursor becomes a creative powerhouse.
Powered by Claude 3.7 Sonnet, Cursor’s lightweight, snappy UI feels tailor-made for developers. Its local PR review (diffing against the main branch) is a practical touch that streamlines collaboration. At $40/user/month (Business tier), it’s a hair pricier than GitHub Copilot’s $39 (Enterprise), but the developer-first design justifies the cost.
Where Cursor Shines
- Speed: Lightning-fast responses and a sleek interface.
- Extensibility: MCP support opens doors to custom automation.
- Innovation: Screenshot-to-code and top-tier test generation.
The Catch
Cursor’s biggest downside is its reliance on a separate IDE (a VS Code fork), which might lag slightly behind VS Code’s update cycle. The MCP framework, while promising, is still evolving.
The Contenders
GitHub Copilot: The Enterprise Stalwart
GitHub Copilot remains a titan, especially for teams entrenched in the GitHub ecosystem. Its IDE integration is rock-solid, and features like Autofix and test generation are reliable. However, it stumbles with no MCP support, and key features—Agent mode, PR review, and Claude integration—are stuck in Public Preview. On sprawling projects, its context awareness pales compared to Cursor.
Best For: Enterprise teams needing GitHub.com synergy.
Pricing: $39/user/month (Enterprise), $20/user/month (Business).
Cline: The VS Code Powerhouse
Cline leans hard into VS Code, offering robust MCP support and flexibility for browser-based workflows. Converting mockups to apps is a neat trick, but its appeal wanes outside the VS Code bubble, and API costs can creep up.
Best For: VS Code loyalists who love MCP.
Pricing: $10/user/month (Premium), plus custom options.
Replit: The Simple Cloud Coder
Replit is straightforward and online-first, but it’s too basic for advanced workflows. Limited offline use and shallow AI features keep it in the beginner lane.
Best For: Quick prototyping or learning.
Pricing: $20/user/month (Pro), with custom tiers.
Claude Code: The Terminal Titan
Claude Code thrives in the terminal, excelling at task-focused automation and manual code analysis. It’s a dream for CLI purists but lacks inline coding depth, making it niche.
Best For: Terminal-driven developers.
Pricing: ~$3/million input tokens (API-based, custom).
The Verdict
Cursor takes the crown for its speed, extensibility, and intuitive power—qualities that make it a developer’s dream in 2025. It’s the tool for those craving innovation and efficiency. That said, GitHub Copilot holds strong for enterprise squads tied to GitHub, while Claude Code caters to CLI diehards. Cline and Replit fill specific niches but don’t match Cursor’s versatility.
For the developer who wants to code smarter, faster, and with more creativity, Cursor is the clear winner. What’s your pick?