AI coding tools compared
| Claude Code | Cursor | GitHub Copilot | OpenAI Codex | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Terminal agent | AI code editor | IDE extension | Cloud agent |
| Approach | Autonomous terminal agent | AI-native editor (VS Code fork) | Inline suggestions + chat | Cloud sandbox execution |
| Starting price | $20/mo (Pro) or API pay-as-you-go | $20/mo (Pro) | $10/mo (Individual) | $20/mo (ChatGPT Pro) |
| Autonomy level | Very high: full task execution | Medium: interactive with Composer agent | Low to medium: suggestions + Copilot Agent | Very high: runs tasks in sandbox |
| Works with | Any editor, any terminal | Cursor editor only | VS Code, JetBrains, others | GitHub, browser based |
| Runs locally | Yes (extension) | No (cloud sandbox) | ||
| Extensibility | MCP, hooks, agents, skills | Custom rules, some extensions | Extensions, Copilot plugins | Limited |
| AI models | Claude (Opus, Sonnet, Haiku) | Multiple (Claude, GPT, etc.) | OpenAI models | OpenAI models |
| Git integration | Deep (commits, PRs, branches) | Basic (through editor) | Deep (GitHub native) | GitHub native |
| CI/CD support | Yes (headless mode) | Yes (Copilot Workspace) | Yes (GitHub integration) |
When to choose Claude Code
Claude Code is the strongest choice when you want maximum autonomy and extensibility. It excels at complex multi-file tasks, large refactors, and workflows that benefit from MCP integrations and custom automation. If you prefer a polished GUI experience and work primarily in one editor, Cursor may feel more natural. If you want lightweight suggestions while you type, GitHub Copilot is the simplest option.
Detailed breakdown by use case
- Large codebase refactors: Claude Code is the clear leader. It can explore an entire project, understand how components connect, and make coordinated changes across dozens of files. Cursor's Composer can handle some multi-file edits but requires more manual guidance. Copilot and Codex are weaker here.
- Day to day coding assistance: All four tools work well. Cursor and Copilot excel at inline suggestions as you type. Claude Code requires switching to the terminal (or sidebar). Codex is too slow for quick iterations.
- Automated workflows (CI/CD): Claude Code and Codex are the strongest here. Both support headless mode for pipeline integration. Copilot has Copilot Workspace for GitHub issues. Cursor has no CI/CD story.
- Team collaboration: Claude Code's CLAUDE.md and hooks provide team level configuration. Cursor has shared rules. Copilot integrates with GitHub's existing collaboration. Codex works through GitHub PRs.
- Cost efficiency: Copilot is cheapest at $10/month. Claude Code and Cursor both start at $20/month. API pay as you go pricing gives Claude Code the most flexibility for variable usage patterns.
You can use multiple tools together
These tools are not mutually exclusive. Many developers use Claude Code for complex tasks and large refactors while keeping Copilot or Cursor for inline completions during day to day coding. Claude Code handles the heavy lifting; your IDE tool handles the quick suggestions.