Cursor AI is one of those tools that lets you integrate various AI models, and if you’re like me—someone who loves tinkering with AI without getting an unexpected invoice—then you’re in luck. There are several cursor ai free models you can use for your coding purposes within Cursor AI, and I’m here to break them down for you.
Now, just because something is free doesn’t mean it’s bad. Some of these models are legitimately powerful and can handle everything from generating text to summarizing articles, answering questions, and even coding. So, let’s go through the best free AI models you can use in Cursor AI and how to run local models if you prefer keeping everything on your machine.
1. OpenAI GPT Models (Free Tier)
You’ve probably heard of OpenAI’s GPT models. They’re everywhere, and for good reason. The free tier gives you access to GPT-3.5, which is still an excellent model for most tasks. If you’re using Cursor AI for writing, coding, or even brainstorming ideas for your next viral tweet (or apology statement when that tweet backfires), GPT-3.5 is a solid choice.
What You Can Do with the Free Tier of OpenAI GPT Models:
- Text generation (blog posts, emails, bad pickup lines—whatever you need)
- Summarization (because nobody wants to read a 10,000-word article when a 3-sentence summary will do)
- Code generation (great for when you have absolutely no idea what you’re doing but need to pretend like you do)
Limitations:
- The free tier has usage limits, meaning if you start hammering it with requests, OpenAI will eventually tell you to calm down.
- No access to GPT-4 for free, so you’ll have to make do with GPT-3.5.
- Can be a bit slow at peak times.
Still, for zero dollars, it’s a solid choice for most users inside Cursor AI.
2. Hugging Face Models
Hugging Face is basically the cool, open-source cousin of OpenAI. Instead of keeping their models locked behind a paywall, they let people use a ton of them for free. They offer various models like GPT-2, BERT, and T5, covering everything from text generation to translation and sentiment analysis.
Why Use Hugging Face Models in Cursor AI?
- You get access to a huge variety of models.
- Many models are optimized for different tasks (text generation, summarization, classification, etc.).
- They support local execution, so you can run models on your own hardware instead of relying on cloud-based solutions.
How to Integrate Hugging Face Models in Cursor AI:
- Get an API key from Hugging Face.
- Use Cursor AI’s API integration feature to connect it.
- If running locally, install the required dependencies and load models into Cursor AI.
One of the biggest perks here is that you can find smaller models that don’t require a NASA-level computer to run.
3. LLaMA Models
Meta’s LLaMA (Large Language Model Meta AI) models are a bit different. They’re primarily intended for research, but if you can get access to them (or find them hosted somewhere), they’re solid open-weight alternatives.
Why Use LLaMA in Cursor AI?
- High performance, even compared to some paid models.
- Open-weight, meaning you have more control over them.
- Can be run locally if you have the hardware.
How to Use LLaMA Models in Cursor AI:
- You’ll need access to a hosted version or run it locally.
- If running locally, tools like Ollama or LM Studio can help with setup.
- Cursor AI should allow API integrations for external models, making it possible to connect a LLaMA instance.
These models are particularly good if you want AI without worrying about OpenAI throttling your free-tier requests.
4. Mistral Models
Mistral is one of the more recent open-weight AI players, offering models like Mistral 7B that punch well above their weight class.
Why Use Mistral Models in Cursor AI?
- They’re fast and efficient, even on local hardware.
- They outperform many models of similar size.
- They’re open-source, meaning no API restrictions.
How to Use Mistral in Cursor AI:
- Find a hosted version or set up a local instance.
- Use Ollama or another framework to run it locally.
- Integrate it into Cursor AI using API settings.
Mistral models are great for those who want power and flexibility, especially when running AI on their own terms.
5. Google Gemini
Google’s Gemini models (formerly Bard, but with a glow-up) are another option. The catch? They’re not open-source, and while there are free usage tiers, heavy use could lead to API fees.
Why Use Google Gemini in Cursor AI?
- Google-quality AI responses (which means it will answer your questions and probably try to sell you an ad at the same time).
- Strong integration with Google services.
- Good for factual accuracy (most of the time).
How to Use Google Gemini in Cursor AI:
- Sign up for access via Google Cloud.
- Generate an API key and integrate it into Cursor AI.
- Be mindful of usage limits and potential fees.
It’s a solid option, but if you’re looking for something completely free, it may not be your best bet.
Running Local LLMs in Cursor AI
If you’d rather avoid APIs and keep everything running on your machine, you can set up local models in Cursor AI. Here’s how:
Option 1: Use Ollama
Ollama is one of the easiest ways to run local LLMs. You can download models like LLaMA or Mistral, and Ollama handles the rest. Simply install it, download a model, and point Cursor AI to it.
Option 2: Use LM Studio
LM Studio provides a nice UI for running local models, letting you easily download and run LLMs without dealing with complex setups.
Option 3: Use Hugging Face Pipelines
If you want more control, you can install models directly using Hugging Face’s transformers library. Just make sure your machine can handle the load.
Final Thoughts
Cursor AI gives you plenty of free options, and whether you choose OpenAI’s GPT, Hugging Face’s library, or local models like LLaMA and Mistral, there’s something for everyone. The key is figuring out what works best for your needs—whether that’s a cloud-based model with API access or a local setup where you’re fully in control.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go test another AI model that promises to write emails for me (because honestly, who likes writing emails?).
