Cursor: A Comprehensive Coding Assistant
Cursor is a standalone coding tool developed by Cursor, designed to cater to developers across multiple operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux. It supports an extensive range of large language models (LLMs) like GPT-4, GPT-4 Turbo, and more advanced models such as GPT-5 (High MAX) and Claude 3.5 Sonnet. Cursor also offers its own custom model called ‘cursor-small’, providing a unique edge in model customization. With a vast context window of 1 million tokens, Cursor facilitates a robust environment for complex code editing and predictive tasks. The tool offers full terminal access and multi-file agentic editing, making it a powerful ally for developers who require comprehensive coding solutions.
Pros
- ✓ Supports a wide range of LLMs including GPT-5.
- ✓ Custom model 'cursor-small' for specialized tasks.
- ✓ Large context window of 1M tokens.
- ✓ Full terminal access and multi-file editing.
- ✓ Free tier available.
Cons
- ✕ Higher pricing up to $20/mo.
- ✕ No local inference capabilities.
Trae: ByteDance’s Efficient Coding Tool
Developed by ByteDance, Trae is a standalone coding tool that operates seamlessly across Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms. It supports prominent LLMs such as Claude 3.5 Sonnet and GPT-4o, offering a streamlined approach to coding with a context window of 200k tokens. While Trae lacks a custom model, it compensates with reliable multi-file agentic editing and full terminal access. This tool is particularly suitable for developers seeking a straightforward solution with essential features for efficient coding. Trae is available in a free and pro version, providing flexible pricing options for users.
Pros
- ✓ Developed by ByteDance, ensuring robust performance.
- ✓ Supports popular LLMs like Claude 3.5 Sonnet.
- ✓ Offers both free and pro versions.
- ✓ Full terminal access and multi-file editing.
Cons
- ✕ Smaller context window of 200k tokens.
- ✕ No custom model available.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Cursor | Trae |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture Type | standalone | standalone |
| Supported Os | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Developer | Cursor | ByteDance |
| Supported Llms | GPT-4, GPT-4 Turbo, GPT-4o, GPT-5 (High MAX), Claude 3.5 Sonnet, Gemini, cursor-small, Supermaven | Claude 3.5 Sonnet, GPT-4o |
| Custom Model | cursor-small | – |
| Context Window | 1M tokens | 200k tokens |
| Agentic Editing | Yes, multi-file | Yes, multi-file |
| Terminal Access | Full | Full |
| Privacy Mode | Standard Privacy Policy | Standard Privacy Policy |
| Certifications | SOC2 Type II (Enterprise) | SOC2 Type II (Enterprise) |
| About Price | Free – $20/mo | Free/Pro |
| Config File | .cursorrules | .traerc |
| Migration | Seamless | Seamless |
Conclusion
Both Cursor and Trae are powerful coding tools with distinct features. Cursor stands out with its wide range of supported LLMs and large context window, making it ideal for complex projects. On the other hand, Trae offers a straightforward and efficient solution, appealing to those who prioritize simplicity and essential functionalities. Choosing between them depends on the specific needs and preferences of the developer.