Open-source alternatives to Cursor
Looking to replace Cursor with something free and open-source? These 6 tools are the best open alternatives in 2026 — most are self-hostable, so you keep full control of your data and pay no subscription.
At a glance: how they compare
Click a column to sort — the best one depends on what matters to you.
| Alternative | Stars | Language | License | Last commit | In one line |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| avante.nvim | ★ 18.1k | Lua | Apache-2.0 | 14 days ago | Brings the Cursor experience into Neovim. |
| OpenCursor | ★ 6k | TypeScript | MIT | 27 days ago | Agentic AI coding for VS Code with any model provider. |
| Continue | ★ 35.7k | TypeScript | Apache-2.0 | 14 days ago | Open-source AI autocomplete and chat for VS Code and JetBrains. |
| Cline | ★ 67.1k | TypeScript | Apache-2.0 | 13 days ago | Autonomous coding agent inside VS Code that can edit and run code. |
| Void | ★ 28.8k | TypeScript | Apache-2.0 | 3 months ago | Open-source AI code editor, a direct Cursor alternative. |
| Roo Code | ★ 24.3k | TypeScript | Apache-2.0 | 4 months ago | Agentic coding extension for VS Code with autonomous edits. |
Which one should you pick?
avante.nvim
Brings the Cursor experience into Neovim. Its Apache-2.0 license is permissive — free to use commercially, embed and modify. Because it is self-hostable, your data can stay entirely on your own infrastructure.
OpenCursor
Agentic AI coding for VS Code with any model provider. Its MIT license is permissive — free to use commercially, embed and modify. Because it is self-hostable, your data can stay entirely on your own infrastructure.
Continue
Open-source AI autocomplete and chat for VS Code and JetBrains. Its Apache-2.0 license is permissive — free to use commercially, embed and modify. Because it is self-hostable, your data can stay entirely on your own infrastructure.
Cline
Autonomous coding agent inside VS Code that can edit and run code. Its Apache-2.0 license is permissive — free to use commercially, embed and modify. Because it is self-hostable, your data can stay entirely on your own infrastructure.
Void
Open-source AI code editor, a direct Cursor alternative. Its Apache-2.0 license is permissive — free to use commercially, embed and modify. Because it is self-hostable, your data can stay entirely on your own infrastructure.
Roo Code
Agentic coding extension for VS Code with autonomous edits. Its Apache-2.0 license is permissive — free to use commercially, embed and modify. Because it is self-hostable, your data can stay entirely on your own infrastructure.
Switching from Cursor without the drama
- Export your data from Cursor first — most tools above can import standard formats.
- Run your top pick in parallel for a week or two before committing; self-hosted options can be tried locally in minutes.
- Migrate one team or one project at a time, keeping the old account read-only until everything checks out.
FAQ
What is the best open-source alternative to Cursor?
The top open-source alternative is avante.nvim — Brings the Cursor experience into Neovim. The full ranked list is above.
Are these Cursor alternatives free?
Yes. Every tool listed is open-source and free to use; most can be self-hosted so you keep full control of your data.
Can I self-host an alternative to Cursor?
Most of these tools are designed to run on your own server or machine, giving you privacy and no subscription fees.
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