Comparison
Claude Code vs Cursor
How the two compare on the things that decide whether your setup carries over: open standards, license, models and where they run.
| Claude Code | Cursor | |
|---|---|---|
| Maker | Anthropic | Anysphere |
| License | Proprietary | Proprietary |
| Models | Anthropic Claude models | See vendor docs |
| Runs in | Terminal, IDE, Desktop, Web | IDE, CLI, Web |
| MCP | MCP: supported | MCP: supported |
| Agent Skills | Agent Skills: supported | Agent Skills: supported |
| AGENTS.md | ?AGENTS.md: not yet verified | AGENTS.md: supported |
| ACP | ACP: supported | ACP: supported |
Key differences
- Both are proprietary products from their vendors.
- Claude Code also runs in Terminal, Desktop; Cursor also runs in CLI.
- Cursor supports AGENTS.md; we have not verified it for Claude Code.
- Both support MCP, Agent Skills, ACP, so MCP servers, skills and repo instructions you set up carry over if you switch.
In their own words
Claude Code
Anthropic's agentic coding tool. Reads the codebase, edits files, runs commands, and extends through MCP servers, Skills, subagents, hooks and plugin marketplaces. Project instructions live in CLAUDE.md.
FAQ
- Is Claude Code or Cursor open source?
- Claude Code is proprietary. Cursor is proprietary.
- Do Claude Code and Cursor support MCP servers?
- Claude Code: yes. Cursor: yes.
- Can I reuse Agent Skills between Claude Code and Cursor?
- Yes. Both read the open Agent Skills (SKILL.md) format, so the same skill folder works in both.
Set up MCP servers in either one
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Reviewed Oct 5, 2026.