Side-by-side comparison to help you choose the right tool
Cursor excels as a dedicated AI coding assistant, deeply integrated into the development workflow with support for multiple advanced models. ChatGPT, while also capable of coding, is a more general-purpose AI tool suitable for a broader range of tasks including writing, translation, and general knowledge queries.
We've analyzed Cursor, ChatGPT, and dozens of other tools to find the top performers for your specific needs.
Quick recommendations based on your use case
ChatGPT
ChatGPT's versatility in handling a wide range of academic tasks, from writing to basic coding help, makes it a more broadly useful tool for students.
Cursor
Cursor's enterprise-grade security and dedicated IDE with advanced AI assistance are better suited for professional development teams than ChatGPT's general-purpose interface.
Cursor
Cursor's specialized AI coding features and integration with multiple advanced models offer significant productivity gains for developers, making it ideal for freelancers focused on coding tasks.
| Specification | Cursor | ChatGPT |
|---|---|---|
| model | GPT-5, Claude Sonnet 4.5, Claude Opus 4.5, Gemini 3 Pro, Grok | GPT-3.5 (free), GPT-4 (Plus) |
| users | Millions of professional developers | N/A |
| security | Enterprise | N/A |
| platforms | Web, Mac, Windows | Web, Mobile |
| context window | N/A | N/A |
| gdpr compliant | N/A | N/A |
| soc2 compliant | N/A | N/A |
| enterprise features | ✓ Yes | N/A |
| free tier allowance | N/A | N/A |