Comparison
Cursor vs goose
How the two compare on the things that decide whether your setup carries over: open standards, license, models and where they run.
| Cursor | goose | |
|---|---|---|
| Maker | Anysphere | Block, now at the Agentic AI Foundation |
| License | Proprietary | Apache-2.0 |
| Models | See vendor docs | Many providers, including local models |
| Runs in | IDE, CLI, Web | Desktop, Terminal, API |
| MCP | MCP: supported | MCP: supported |
| Agent Skills | Agent Skills: supported | Agent Skills: supported |
| AGENTS.md | AGENTS.md: supported | AGENTS.md: supported |
| ACP | ACP: supported | ACP: supported |
Key differences
- goose is open source (Apache-2.0); Cursor is proprietary. If you need to self-host, audit or fork the harness, that settles it.
- Cursor also runs in IDE, CLI, Web; goose also runs in Desktop, Terminal, API.
- 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.
FAQ
- Is Cursor or goose open source?
- Cursor is proprietary. goose is open source under Apache-2.0.
- Do Cursor and goose support MCP servers?
- Cursor: yes. goose: yes.
- Can I reuse Agent Skills between Cursor and goose?
- 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
More comparisons
Reviewed Oct 5, 2026.