Overview
In 2025, AI-powered IDEs are rapidly changing how front-end developers work. Two of the most promising tools in this space are Cursor and Trae. Each brings unique strengths, from AI-assisted coding to streamlined development experiences. In this article, we’ll compare them in detail to help you decide which is the right choice for you.
Cursor: The AI-Powered IDE Built on VS Code
General Info
- Base: Built on Visual Studio Code
- AI Models: Supports Claude 3.5 Sonnet, GPT-4o, and others
-
Pricing:
- Hobby: Free
- Pro: 20 USD/month
- Business: 40 USD/user/month
- Platforms: macOS, Windows, Linux
Key Features
- AI chat that understands your project structure
- Context-aware code generation and editing
- AI-powered multi-file refactors and pull request reviews
- Built-in version control interface
- Seamless GitHub integration
Pros
- Mature, stable, and widely supported
- Deep AI integration
- Ideal for complex projects
- Review window for selective application of AI changes
Cons
- Pro plan required for most AI features
- May be overkill for small or personal projects
Trae: ByteDance’s Lightweight AI IDE
General Info
- Created by: ByteDance (TikTok’s parent company)
- AI Models: Claude 3.5
- Pricing: Free
- Platforms: Initially macOS only; Windows support added in 2025
Key Features
- Code generation and editing with Claude AI
- Lightweight and minimal interface
- Real-time web previews
- Automatic environment setup for projects
- Convert image mockups to code
Pros
- 100% free to use
- Quick and easy for bootstrapping projects
- Impressive AI features for a free tool
- Image-to-code feature is innovative
Cons
- Not as stable or full-featured as Cursor
- Still maturing as a daily-driver IDE
- Less ecosystem support
Performance
| Feature | Cursor | Trae |
|---|---|---|
| AI Accuracy | Excellent | Good |
| Speed | Fast | Moderate |
| Stability | Very Stable | Still Improving |
| Refactor Support | Advanced (multi-file) | Basic |
| Pricing | Paid (Free tier limited) | Free |
| OS Compatibility | All platforms | macOS, Windows |
Verdict: Which One Is Better for Front-End Devs?
If you’re a front-end developer working with large codebases and you need precise, context-aware AI tools, Cursor is the better option. Its feature set is polished and built for professional teams.
On the other hand, if you’re experimenting, learning, or just need a quick AI-powered environment for smaller tasks, Trae offers some amazing capabilities at no cost.
Top comments (0)