Roo Code vs Cursor
Roo Code and Cursor represent different approaches to AI coding. Roo Code is a free, open-source VS Code extension with multi-mode agents and BYOK flexibility. Cursor is a polished commercial AI IDE with best-in-class code completion. Roo Code is more flexible and potentially cheaper; Cursor is more polished.
Roo Code
Choose if: You want a free, open-source tool with multi-mode agents, full model choice, and no subscription lock-in.
Open-source VS Code AI coding extension — discontinued May 2026
Cursor
Choose if: You want a polished, all-in-one AI IDE with best-in-class code completion and predictable monthly pricing.
The AI code editor
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Roo Code | Cursor |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free (+ API costs)✓ | $20/mo |
| Open-source | Yes✓ | No |
| Code completion | Via LLM | Best in class✓ |
| Custom modes | Architect, reviewer, coder✓ | Single mode |
| Model flexibility | Any LLM provider✓ | Bundled models |
| Setup effort | Moderate (API key + config) | Minimal✓ |
| IDE | VS Code extension | Standalone (VS Code fork) |
| Cost predictability | Variable (per-token) | Fixed monthly✓ |
Pricing Comparison
Roo Code
| Free | $0 |
+ You pay for model API usage (Anthropic, OpenAI, etc.) directly
Cursor
| Free | $0 |
| Pro | $20/mo |
| Pro+ | $60/mo |
| Ultra | $200/mo |
| Teams | $40/mo |
| Enterprise | Custom |
+ Pro, Pro+, and Ultra are individual plans — all three are the 'Individual' tier at different usage levels, Teams plan is per-seat
Pricing last verified: 2026-07-07
Roo Code: Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Free and open-source — no subscription required
- +BYOK: use any model you want (Claude, GPT-4, Gemini, local models)
- +Cline-compatible with additional modes (Architect, Code, Debug, Ask)
Limitations
- -Discontinued May 2026 — the VS Code extension is no longer actively maintained
- -Cloud successor (Roomote) is a different product with a separate subscription
- -No official support or community update channel since discontinuation
Cursor: Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Best-in-class AI code completion
- +VS Code-based — familiar workflow
- +Excellent codebase understanding
- +Strong multi-file editing
Limitations
- -Requires coding knowledge — not for non-developers
- -Subscription cost on top of existing tools
- -Can produce incorrect suggestions on complex codebases
- -Not a full app builder — it's an IDE
Which One Should You Pick?
Roo Code is best for: Historical reference — Roo Code was a Cline fork with additional modes. See Roomote for the team's current product..
Cursor is best for: Professional developers who want AI-augmented coding.
Last updated: 2026-07-07