Comparison

Cursor vs GitHub Copilot

How the two compare on the things that decide whether your setup carries over: open standards, license, models and where they run.

CursorGitHub Copilot
MakerAnysphereGitHub / Microsoft
LicenseProprietaryProprietary
ModelsSee vendor docsSee vendor docs
Runs inIDE, CLI, WebIDE, GitHub, CLI
MCPMCP: supportedMCP: supported
Agent SkillsAgent Skills: supportedAgent Skills: supported
AGENTS.mdAGENTS.md: supportedAGENTS.md: supported
ACPACP: supportedACP: supported

Key differences

  • Both are proprietary products from their vendors.
  • Cursor also runs in Web; GitHub Copilot also runs in GitHub.
  • Both support MCP, Agent Skills, AGENTS.md, ACP, so MCP servers, skills and repo instructions you set up carry over if you switch.

In their own words

Cursor

AI editor and coding agent. Supports MCP, Agent Skills, AGENTS.md, and runs as both an ACP agent and client.

WebsiteMCP docs

GitHub Copilot

Copilot's coding agent and VS Code agent mode. Agent Skills, AGENTS.md and MCP are supported; ACP support is in public preview.

WebsiteMCP docs

FAQ

Is Cursor or GitHub Copilot open source?
Cursor is proprietary. GitHub Copilot is proprietary.
Do Cursor and GitHub Copilot support MCP servers?
Cursor: yes. GitHub Copilot: yes.
Can I reuse Agent Skills between Cursor and GitHub Copilot?
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

MCP install guide for CursorMCP install guide for VS CodeAll official MCP servers

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Reviewed Oct 5, 2026.