Amazon Q vs Cursor: The Complete Comparison
Which coding assistants tool is right for you? A detailed side-by-side analysis of features, pricing, and performance.
Both tools excel in different areas. Amazon Q is best for Enterprise development teams, while Cursor shines at Professional developers working on complex, multi-file projects. Read on for the full breakdown.
- Price: Amazon Q starts at Free, Cursor at Free
- Free tier: Both offer free tiers
- Best for: Amazon Q → Enterprise development teams | Cursor → Professional developers working on complex, multi-file projects
- Features: 21+ features across 7 categories
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Amazon Q | Cursor |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor | Amazon Web Services | Anysphere |
| Starting Price | Free | Free |
| Free Tier | Yes | Yes |
| API Access | Yes | No |
| Web App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile App | No | No |
| Best For | Enterprise development teams | Professional developers working on complex, multi-file projects |
Amazon Q vs Cursor Pricing
Here's how the pricing compares between both tools:
Amazon Q
Free Tier AvailableCursor
Free Tier AvailableFeatures Comparison
Amazon Q Features
- ✓ Web App
- ✓ Api Access
- ✓ Integrations
- ✓ Collaboration
- ✓ Export Options
- ✓ Custom Training
- ✓ Browser Extension
- ✓ Additional Features (one per line):
- ✓ Real-time code suggestions in 25+ programming languages
- ✓ Inline chat for editing code using natural language commands
- ✓ Natural language to Bash translation in CLI
- ✓ CLI autocompletions (locally and over SSH)
- ✓ Conversation history with search and markdown export
- ✓ 100K character context size in chat
- ✓ Model Context Protocol (MCP) support for tool integration
- ✓ Java upgrades from 8/11/17 to Java 17 or 21
- ✓ .NET porting from Windows to Linux
- ✓ Code customization based on proprietary codebase
- ✓ Unit test generation
- ✓ Security vulnerability scanning and auto-remediation
- ✓ Reference tracking for open-source code snippets
- ✓ EC2 instance type recommendations
- ✓ AWS resource listing via natural language
- ✓ AWS CLI command generation
- ✓ CloudWatch investigations and anomaly detection
- ✓ Console error diagnostics
- ✓ Cost analysis and bill breakdown
- ✓ Architectural best practices guidance
- ✓ GitLab Duo integration
- ✓ GitHub integration for code reviews (preview)
- ✓ Microsoft Teams and Slack deployment
- ✓ AWS Console Mobile Application support
- ✓ European region support (Frankfurt) with cross-region optimization
- ✓ Multi-language interface (English, Korean, Japanese, German, French, Spanish, etc.)
- ✓ Inline chat in Eclipse IDE
- ✓ Kiro CLI upgrade path
- ✓ IP indemnification (Pro tier)
- ✓ SOC, ISO, HIPAA, PCI compliance
- ✓ 90-day IAM Identity Center sessions
- ✓ Q Apps for no-code business automation
- ✓ 40+ enterprise data source connectors
- ✓ Permission-aware responses based on IAM roles
- ✓ QuickSight natural language dashboard creation
- ✓ Amazon Connect real-time agent assistance
- ✓ Supply Chain data analysis and forecasting
Cursor Features
- ✓ Agent Mode
- ✓ Custom Docs
- ✓ Chat Interface
- ✓ Code Completion
- ✓ Code Generation
- ✓ Ide Integration
- ✓ Code Explanation
- ✓ Codebase Context
- ✓ Multi File Editing
Pros and Cons
Amazon Q
Pros
- Highest code acceptance rates in the industry for multi-line suggestions
- Saved over 450,000 hours of manual technical work
- 25+ built-in secure data connectors for enterprise integration
- 80% acceleration in coding tasks with advanced agents
- Enterprise-grade security and compliance features
Cons
- Complex pricing structure with multiple tiers
- Requires AWS ecosystem for full functionality
- Learning curve for non-technical users
Cursor
Pros
- Best-in-class AI code interaction with natural language editing
- Deep codebase understanding across multiple files simultaneously
- Fast iteration cycles with intelligent refactoring suggestions
- Full VS Code compatibility with familiar interface and extensions
- Advanced agent mode for autonomous task completion
- Context-aware debugging and automatic error correction
Cons
- Requires separate installation from standard VS Code
- Usage-based pricing can become expensive for heavy users
- Steep learning curve for maximizing AI features
Who Should Use Each Tool?
Choose Amazon Q if you need:
- Enterprise development teams
- AWS-native organizations
- Large-scale software development projects
- Companies seeking AI-powered code assistance
- Organizations with complex data integration needs
Choose Cursor if you need:
- Professional developers working on complex, multi-file projects
- Teams focused on AI-assisted development workflows
- Developers who frequently refactor legacy codebases
- Software engineers building modern applications with advanced AI integration
- Coding bootcamp graduates transitioning to professional development
Final Verdict: Amazon Q vs Cursor
🤝 Both are excellent choices!
These tools have distinct strengths. Your choice should depend on your specific needs and workflow.
Bottom line: Use Amazon Q for Enterprise development teams. Use Cursor for Professional developers working on complex, multi-file projects. Both are excellent coding assistants tools in 2025.
What Are We Comparing?
Amazon Q
Transform your enterprise with Amazon Q, AWS's generative AI assistant that delivers industry-leading code acceptance rates and accelerates development workflows by 80%.
Amazon Q is Amazon Web Services' comprehensive generative AI assistant designed specifically for enterprise environments. This powerful AI solution offers the highest reported code acceptance rates of any coding assistant that suggests multi-line code, helping developers accelerate coding tasks by up to 80%. With over 25 built-in, managed, and secure data connectors, Amazon Q seamlessly integrates with existing enterprise systems to provide contextual assistance across development, business operations, and technical investigations. The platform has already saved organizations over 450,000 hours from manual technical work, making it an essential tool for enterprises looking to leverage AI for productivity gains. Amazon Q combines advanced code generation capabilities with robust security features and enterprise-grade compliance, ensuring that sensitive data remains protected while teams benefit from AI-powered assistance.
Cursor
Code with Cursor, the AI-first code editor built on VS Code with deep Claude and GPT-4 integration. Features intelligent code completion, multi-file editing, and natural language programming for faster development workflows.
Cursor is an advanced AI-powered code editor that revolutionizes software development by integrating cutting-edge language models directly into the coding workflow. Built on the familiar VS Code architecture, Cursor provides developers with intelligent code completion, context-aware chat assistance, and the ability to edit code using natural language commands. The editor excels at understanding entire codebases, enabling multi-file refactoring, automated bug fixes, and intelligent code generation that maintains consistency across projects. Designed for modern developers who want to accelerate their coding process, Cursor combines the reliability of VS Code with powerful AI capabilities from Claude and GPT-4. Its agent mode can execute complete tasks end-to-end, automatically running terminal commands, identifying errors, and implementing fixes. The platform is particularly valuable for complex projects requiring extensive refactoring, as it maintains context across multiple files and can suggest architectural improvements while preserving existing functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Amazon Q and Cursor?
Amazon Q is transform your enterprise with amazon q, aws's generative ai assistant that delivers industry-leading code acceptance rates and accelerates development workflows by 80%. Cursor is code with cursor, the ai-first code editor built on vs code with deep claude and gpt-4 integration. features intelligent code completion, multi-file editing, and natural language programming for faster development workflows. The main differences are in pricing (Free vs Free), target users, and specific features offered.
Which is better: Amazon Q or Cursor?
Both tools excel in different areas. Amazon Q is best for Enterprise development teams, while Cursor shines at Professional developers working on complex, multi-file projects.
Is Amazon Q free to use?
Yes, Amazon Q offers a free tier with limited features. You can upgrade to paid plans starting at Free for more capabilities.
Is Cursor free to use?
Yes, Cursor offers a free tier with limited features. Paid plans start at Free.
Can I switch from Amazon Q to Cursor?
Yes, you can switch between these tools at any time. Both are standalone services. Consider your specific needs for Enterprise development teams vs Professional developers working on complex, multi-file projects when deciding.
