If you’ve been using Cursor AI and thought, “Wow, this is great, but my bank account is giving me the side-eye,” you’re not alone. AI-assisted coding is amazing, but not everyone wants to drop a pile of cash just to get their code debugged while also being judged by a robotic overlord.
So, if you’re looking for free Cursor AI alternatives, you’re in the right place. Whether you need a solid AI coding assistant or a full-fledged AI-powered IDE, I’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into some fantastic options that won’t have your wallet crying in the corner.
1. Codeium – Best Free Cursor AI Alternative
If GitHub Copilot and Cursor AI had a free cousin that didn’t care about your financial situation, it would be Codeium. This AI coding assistant integrates seamlessly into VS Code, JetBrains, and other IDEs, offering autocomplete, suggestions, and general AI-powered goodness—without making you question your life choices at checkout.
Why You’ll Love It:
- 100% free for individual users (yes, actually free, not “free trial” free).
- Fast autocomplete that doesn’t just throw random code snippets at you.
- Multi-language support (because not everything revolves around Python and JavaScript, right?).
If you want a cursor-like experience but without a paywall blocking your way, Codeium is a solid choice.
2. Tabnine
Tabnine has been around for a while, and while it does have a paid version, the free tier is surprisingly generous. It uses AI-powered completion and offers relevant suggestions based on your coding style.
What Makes It Awesome:
- Works in almost any IDE – VS Code, JetBrains, Sublime Text, you name it.
- Lightweight and fast – Doesn’t hog all your RAM like it pays rent.
- Locally running option – If you don’t trust cloud-based AI to read your spaghetti code.
The free plan does have some limitations compared to the pro version, but if you’re just looking for an AI coding assistant to speed things up, Tabnine is a great bet.
3. CodeWhisperer (by Amazon)
Amazon threw its hat into the AI coding assistant ring with CodeWhisperer, and it’s actually… pretty good? It’s free for individual developers and supports multiple programming languages, giving you suggestions while you work. Think of it like Copilot, but backed by Amazon’s absurdly large cloud infrastructure.
Standout Features:
- Surprisingly good code suggestions (especially for AWS-related projects, no shock there).
- Security scanning – Alerts you if your code looks like it might be a security nightmare.
- Works with VS Code, JetBrains, AWS Cloud9, and more.
If you’re into AWS or just want a free AI assistant that doesn’t force you into a paid plan, CodeWhisperer is a solid pick.
4. Ghostwriter (by Replit)
Replit’s Ghostwriter is a fantastic AI-powered coding assistant that works right inside your browser. If you’re a Replit user (or considering it), this is a great alternative that integrates seamlessly into your workflow.
What’s Cool About It:
- Browser-based, no setup required – Great for quick projects and experiments.
- Decent free tier that gives you basic AI-powered suggestions.
- Works well with Replit’s cloud-based IDE, making it easy to code on the go.
The only downside? If you prefer desktop-based coding environments, Ghostwriter might not be your top choice. But for web-based dev work, it’s pretty handy.
5. Zed
If you’re looking for an IDE that comes with AI baked in, Zed might be your new best friend. Built by ex-Atom engineers, Zed is a lightweight, high-performance code editor that’s completely free and open-source.
Why It Stands Out:
- Built-in AI features – Smart completions and context-aware assistance.
- Designed for speed – Minimalist UI with no unnecessary bloat.
- Collaboration-friendly – Think Google Docs for coding.
If you want something that feels like Cursor AI but without the price tag, Zed is a serious contender.
Which One Should You Pick?
Honestly, it depends on what you need. If you want something close to Cursor AI, Codeium is probably your best bet. If you’re an AWS user, CodeWhisperer makes sense. Need a fully AI-powered code editor? Zed might be your jam. And if you’re worried about privacy, PolyCoder is the way to go.
AI-powered coding is getting better every day, and luckily, you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a good assistant.
