Scalable Human Blog

TL;DR: I paused my Cursor subscription after switching to Claude Code and haven’t looked back. Claude’s terminal-first, IDE-agnostic approach fits my workflow better, especially for Java development in IntelliJ. While Cursor remains a powerful tool, Claude Code offers more flexibility and better value through a single subscription.

When I first started using Cursor, it felt like magic—tight VS Code integration, AI-assisted coding, and a smooth developer experience. But recently, I made the switch to Claude Code, and it’s been a surprisingly great fit. Though I still think Cursor is excellent, especially for VS Code users, Claude Code aligns better with how I actually work day to day.

Here’s why I cancelled my Cursor subscription (for now), and why Claude Code might be worth a look if you’re juggling multiple environments or want more from your AI tools.

Why Claude Code Works Better for Me

It’s IDE-Agnostic—And That’s a Game-Changer

Unlike Cursor, which is deeply integrated into VS Code, Claude Code runs in the terminal. That means it works just as well in IntelliJ, vim, or even on remote servers. For someone like me who does a lot of Java development, IntelliJ support is non-negotiable. Cursor’s lack of native IntelliJ integration was a bottleneck.

As this post from Arsturn points out, Claude Code “just works” across environments, which is a huge win for developers not locked into a single editor.

Simpler Is Sometimes Better

Claude Code doesn’t try to do too much. It doesn’t have agentic workflows or multi-agent code generation, and I actually think that’s a good thing. A single-threaded, human-in-the-loop approach means I stay engaged with the code. It reduces the risk of introducing logic I don’t fully understand—something that can happen when AI agents start generating entire chunks of functionality without oversight.

This Medium article echoes this sentiment, noting that Claude’s minimalist design encourages you to think critically rather than blindly accept suggestions.

Better Value with a Single Subscription

With Claude Pro, I get access to the full Claude 3 model for coding, writing, research, and analysis. That means I don’t need to pay for both ChatGPT and Cursor. Claude Code is just one part of a broader AI toolkit I now use daily. For me, that’s a much better value proposition.

Cursor is fantastic for coding, but it doesn’t replace general-purpose AI tools like Claude or GPT-4. Claude Code bridges that gap—it’s a terminal-first AI coding assistant that also gives you access to a top-tier LLM for everything else.

Cursor Still Shines—Just Not for My Use Case

Let me be clear: Cursor is still an amazing tool. Its VS Code integration is arguably the best in the game. If you live inside VS Code and prefer a GUI-based AI assistant, Cursor might still be your best bet.

But tools like GitHub Copilot often feel limited outside VS Code—token limits shrink, and the experience degrades. Cursor is no exception in that regard. Claude Code, by contrast, feels consistent across the board.

And if you really want to, you can use both. There’s no rule saying it has to be one or the other.

Key Takeaways

• Claude Code works across all IDEs, including IntelliJ, vim, and remote terminals.
• Cursor excels in VS Code, but lacks support for other environments.
• Claude Pro offers better value by combining coding assistance with general AI capabilities.
• A single-threaded, human-in-the-loop workflow keeps you in control and improves maintainability.
• You don’t have to choose—both tools can be used side by side if needed.

Final Thoughts

Switching from Cursor to Claude Code wasn’t about choosing the “better” tool—it was about finding the right fit for how I work. Claude Code’s flexibility, simplicity, and value made it the right choice for me. But I’m keeping an eye on Cursor too. If they expand support beyond VS Code or introduce features that align with my workflow, I’d gladly revisit.

In the end, the best tool is the one that helps you write better code, stay engaged, and work the way you want to work.

Have you tried Claude Code or Cursor? I’d love to hear your experience. Drop a comment, share your setup, or let me know what’s working for you.

📚 Further Reading & Related Topics
If you’re exploring why someone might cancel their Cursor subscription and what’s next in the world of AI coding tools, these related articles will provide deeper insights:

• Unlocking AI-Driven Coding with Agentic Mode in Cursor IDE – This post explores one of Cursor’s most advanced features, Agentic Mode, which may have influenced the author’s experience and decision to cancel their subscription.

• How to Optimize Cursor Usage with CursorRules Files: A Comprehensive Guide – A deep dive into configuration best practices for Cursor IDE, offering context on what power users might expect from the platform before deciding to part ways.

• 24 Hours with Cursor IDE: A Glimpse into the Future of Software Development – A hands-on review of Cursor IDE that provides a broader perspective on its capabilities and limitations, helping readers understand the pros and cons that may have led to cancellation.