Scalable Human Blog

⚡️ TL;DR:
In 2025, many developers are switching back from Cursor to VSCode paired with GitHub Copilot, citing cost savings, improved stability, and feature parity as key reasons. While Cursor remains an innovative AI IDE, VSCode’s familiarity and evolving AI tools are tipping the scales.

🎯 Why Are Devs Going Back to VSCode + Copilot?
AI-powered coding tools are evolving fast, and developers are constantly re-evaluating what works best for their workflow. Cursor, a sleek AI-first IDE, made waves with its innovative features. But now, many devs are returning to the tried-and-true combo of VSCode + GitHub Copilot. Why? It comes down to cost, reliability, and familiarity—and the fact that Copilot is quickly catching up in functionality.

🤔 Breaking Down the Shift: Cursor vs VSCode + Copilot

1. Cost Efficiency Matters

Cursor offers a polished experience, but it comes at a premium. GitHub Copilot, on the other hand, is more affordable, especially for individual developers or small teams. In a year where budgets are tight and AI tools are multiplying, many devs are opting for value over novelty.

“From my own testing, Cursor feels slicker,” one developer shared, “but Copilot is catching up—and the price difference is hard to ignore.”

2. VSCode’s Familiarity and Flexibility

VSCode has long been a favorite among developers for its customization, speed, and massive extension ecosystem. According to a recent article, it’s still a top choice for AI development thanks to features like:

• IntelliSense for smart code completion
• Integrated debugging tools
• Seamless Git integration
• Support for multiple languages and frameworks

(Source: TechTarget, 2024)

For devs already comfortable in VSCode, switching back from Cursor feels like coming home—with fewer bugs and more control.

3. Copilot’s AI Is Catching Up

Cursor set the bar with AI-native features like inline chat and context-aware suggestions. But GitHub Copilot is quickly closing the gap. With recent updates, Copilot now offers:

• Smarter code completions
• Context-aware explanations
• Better integration with terminal and testing tools

As AI capabilities in VSCode improve, the need for a separate AI IDE like Cursor becomes less compelling. According to a 2024 report, many devs find VSCode’s AI features just as effective, especially when paired with Copilot’s latest updates.

(Source: DevTech Review, 2024)

4. Stability and Fewer Hallucinations

Some developers have reported hallucinations (inaccurate code suggestions) and performance hiccups in Cursor. While these are part of the growing pains of any AI-first tool, VSCode + Copilot offers a more stable experience for now.

That reliability is critical when you’re deep in a project and need your tools to just work.

✅ Key Takeaways

• Cost is a major driver: Copilot offers solid AI support at a lower price point.
• VSCode’s familiarity and customization make it an easy platform to return to.
• Copilot’s rapid updates are closing the gap with Cursor’s advanced features.
• Stability and fewer bugs give VSCode an edge in daily development.
• Cursor remains innovative, but VSCode + Copilot is catching up fast.

🎉 Conclusion
The switch back to VSCode + Copilot isn’t necessarily a rejection of Cursor—it’s a strategic move toward reliability, affordability, and familiarity. Cursor still leads in AI-first innovation, and many devs are keeping a close eye on its next moves. But in 2025, for many developers, practicality is winning out over novelty.

Have you made the switch or stuck with Cursor? Let us know what’s working for you—and what you’re hoping to see next in your AI coding tools.

📚 Further Reading & Related Topics
If you’re exploring why developers are moving from Cursor to VSCode and Copilot, these related articles will provide deeper insights:

• 5 Reasons I Chose Cursor AI Over VS Code: A Developer’s Honest Review – This article offers a counterpoint perspective, detailing why some developers still prefer Cursor over VSCode, which complements the discussion on why others are switching away.

• Unlocking AI-Driven Coding with Agentic Mode in Cursor IDE – A deep dive into one of Cursor’s standout features, Agentic Mode, helping readers understand what they may be leaving behind when transitioning to VSCode and Copilot.

• The Future of Coding: How AI-Enhanced IDEs Are Changing the Game – This article explores the broader impact of AI in development environments, providing context for the shift toward tools like VSCode with GitHub Copilot.