Cursor, Copilot and co.: which coding agent to choose

What you'll see in this lesson

1. Three ways to code with an agent

   There are full editors with an agent, extensions you add to your editor, and terminal agents; almost all let you choose the model.

2. Cursor: the most complete agent editor

   Cursor is a VS Code based editor with local and cloud agents and Bugbot review; since October 12, 2026 it comes with The X Subscription.

3. GitHub Copilot is now paid with credits

   Copilot measures usage in AI credits: each plan brings a monthly allowance and anything beyond it costs $0.01 per credit.

4. Antigravity: Google's agent platform

   Antigravity brings together a desktop app, an IDE, a CLI called agy and extensions for other editors, all on the same engine.

5. Devin Desktop: Windsurf by another name

   Since June 2, 2026, Windsurf is called Devin Desktop: same editor, same prices and a command center for multiple agents.

6. Open source: you choose the model and the spend

   Kilo Code, Cline and OpenCode are free and open: you only pay for the models, with your own keys or through their gateway.

7. The ones that are gone (and the ones that changed)

   In 2026 Roo Code shut down, Gemini CLI stopped serving individuals and Windsurf changed its name: check that your tool is still alive.

8. Which one to choose for your case

   There's no winner: choose based on what you already pay for, the editor you don't want to leave and how much control you want over spending.

9. Summary: choose your agent wisely

   What suits you depends on your subscription, your editor and your budget, not on the trendy tool.