In short
- Cursor is a professional development environment based on VS Code: an editor, git, and agents that work in the repository, including in parallel and in the cloud. It’s strongest in large codebases and team development.
- NEO is an app where the conversation is the interface: you describe the result, and the agent writes the code, runs it, tests it in the built-in browser and shows the finished product next to the chat. Built-in skills guide it on how to make a website, bot, game or copy well.
Comparison
| NEO | Cursor | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it’s for | Entrepreneurs, creators, professionals with no coding experience, and developers | Developers and development teams |
| Main interface | A chat with the agent, with files, a browser, a terminal and the running app alongside | A code editor with an agent panel |
| Do you need to read code | No, you check the result in the browser and the App section | Preferably: work happens in the editor and through reviewing changes |
| Checking the result | The agent opens the site in the built-in browser, and you view it as on a computer, iPhone, Android or in Telegram | Tests, a terminal and browser control for the agent |
| Ready-made skills | Built-in skills for websites by niche, apps, bots, games and marketing copy | Rules and skills the developer sets up themselves |
| Models | Models from several companies to choose from | Models from several companies plus Cursor’s own models |
| Free | Web chat every day; the agent is on paid plans | A free plan with limits |
When to choose NEO
- You need a result — a website, a bot, a program — not a development process.
- You don’t want to deal with a code editor, git and environment setup.
- Seeing the result right away matters: the site on a phone screen, a mini app in Telegram mode.
- Besides code, you need copy, spreadsheet analysis and ideas — all in one app and in your language.
When to choose Cursor
- You’re a developer and spend your day in a code editor.
- You work with a large repository, code reviews and a team.
- You need parallel and cloud agents, GitHub integration and your familiar VS Code extensions.
Can you use both?
Yes. A project built by the NEO agent is an ordinary folder of code: you can open it in Cursor or any other editor. Many people start with NEO to get a working version quickly and then hand the project over to a developer.
This comparison is based on public information as of the date the page was updated. AI tools change fast: check the features and prices of other products on their official websites. Product names belong to their respective owners.