Cursor IDE offers an extensive variety of AI models that power its intelligent features. Understanding the differences between these models, their capabilities, and when to use each one can significantly enhance your productivity and workflow. This guide will help you navigate Cursor's AI model options and make informed decisions based on your specific needs.
Understanding Cursor's Pricing Structure
Cursor offers two distinct modes of operation with different pricing models:
Normal Mode
In Normal Mode, each message costs a fixed number of requests based solely on the model you're using, regardless of context. Cursor optimizes context management without affecting your request count.
- Cost: Fixed requests per message (varies by model)
- Context: Optimized automatically by Cursor
- Best for: Everyday coding tasks and routine development work
Max Mode
Max Mode provides enhanced AI capabilities with larger context windows and more tool calls, designed for complex tasks requiring deeper analysis.
- Cost: Token-based pricing (model provider's API price + 20% margin)
- Context: Up to 200k-1M tokens depending on model
- Tool calls: Up to 200 tool calls without continuation prompts
- Best for: Complex problems requiring extensive reasoning and analysis
Comprehensive Model Comparison
Based on the latest information from Cursor's official documentation, here are all available models:
Claude Models (Anthropic)
| Model | Mode | Context Window | Cost (Normal) | Cost (Max) | Capabilities | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Claude 4 Sonnet | Normal/Max | 120k/200k | 1 request | 90/450 req/MTok | Agent, Thinking | Most advanced reasoning and coding |
| Claude 4 Opus | Max Only | 200k | - | 450/2250 req/MTok | Agent, Thinking | Highest-end complex reasoning |
| Claude 3.7 Sonnet | Normal/Max | 120k/200k | 1 request | 90/450 req/MTok | Agent, Thinking | Powerful, eager to make changes |
| Claude 3.7 Sonnet (Thinking) | Normal/Max | 120k/200k | 2 requests | 90/450 req/MTok | Agent, Thinking | Visible reasoning process |
| Claude 3.5 Sonnet | Normal/Max | 75k/200k | 1 request | 90/450 req/MTok | Agent, Thinking | Great all-rounder |
| Claude 3.5 Haiku | Normal | 60k | 0.33 requests | - | - | Fast and efficient |
| Claude 3 Opus | Normal | 60k | 2.5 requests | - | Thinking | Deep reasoning (legacy) |
OpenAI Models
| Model | Mode | Context Window | Cost (Normal) | Cost (Max) | Capabilities | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| o4-mini | Normal/Max | 128k/200k | 1 request | 33/132 req/MTok | Agent, Thinking | High reasoning efficiency |
| o3 | Max Only | 200k | - | 300/1200 req/MTok | Agent, Thinking | Complex reasoning challenges |
| o3-mini | Normal | 60k | 0.25 requests | - | Agent, Thinking | Efficient reasoning |
| o1 | Normal | 60k | 10 requests | - | Thinking | Mathematical/algorithmic tasks |
| o1 Mini | Normal | 60k | 2.5 requests | - | Thinking | Focused problem domains |
| GPT 4.5 Preview | Normal | 60k | 50 requests | - | Thinking | Cutting-edge capabilities |
| GPT 4.1 | Normal/Max | 128k/1M | 1 request | 60/240 req/MTok | Agent | Versatile and controlled |
| GPT-4o | Normal/Max | 60k/128k | 1 request | 75/300 req/MTok | Agent, Thinking | Well-rounded performance |
| GPT-4o mini | Normal | 60k | Free (500/day) | - | - | Quick iterations |
Google Models
| Model | Mode | Context Window | Cost (Normal) | Cost (Max) | Capabilities | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gemini 2.5 Flash | Normal/Max | 1M/1M | Free | 4.5/105 req/MTok | Agent, Thinking | Large context tasks |
| Gemini 2.0 Pro (exp) | Normal | 60k | 1 request | - | Thinking | Experimental features |
Other Models
| Model | Mode | Context Window | Cost (Normal) | Cost (Max) | Capabilities | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cursor Small | Normal | 60k | Free | - | - | Fast completions |
| Deepseek V3 | Normal/Max | 60k/1M | Free | 18.75/450 req/MTok | Agent | Strong coding capabilities |
| Grok 3 Beta | Normal/Max | 60k/132k | 1 request | 90/450 req/MTok | Agent, Thinking | Internet-aware AI |
| Grok 3 Mini | Normal/Max | 60k/132k | Free | 9/30 req/MTok | Agent | Efficient xAI model |
| Grok 2 | Normal | 60k | 1 request | - | - | General purpose |
Understanding Model Behavior Patterns
Thinking vs Non-Thinking Models
Thinking Models (Claude 4 Sonnet, o3, etc.):
- Infer your intent and plan ahead
- Make decisions without step-by-step guidance
- Ideal for exploration, refactoring, and independent work
- Can make bigger changes than expected
Non-Thinking Models (GPT 4.1, traditional models):
- Wait for explicit instructions
- Don't infer or guess intentions
- Ideal for precise, controlled changes
- More predictable behavior
Model Assertiveness Levels
High Assertiveness (Claude 4 Sonnet, Gemini 2.5 Flash):
- Confident and make decisions with minimal prompting
- Take initiative and move quickly
- Great for rapid prototyping and exploration
Moderate Assertiveness (Claude 3.5 Sonnet, GPT-4o):
- Balanced approach to initiative
- Good for everyday coding tasks
- Reliable daily drivers
Low Assertiveness (GPT 4.1, controlled models):
- Follow instructions closely
- Require more explicit guidance
- Perfect for precise, well-defined tasks
Max Mode: Enhanced Capabilities
Max Mode unlocks the full potential of Cursor's AI models with:
Enhanced Context
- Larger context windows: Up to 1M tokens for some models
- Better file reading: Up to 750 lines per file read
- Massive codebase support: Handle entire frameworks
Advanced Tool Usage
- 200 tool calls: Without asking for continuation
- Deep analysis: Extensive code exploration
- Complex reasoning: Multi-step problem solving
Context Window Scale Examples
- 10k tokens: Small utility libraries (Underscore.js)
- 60k tokens: Medium libraries (most of Lodash)
- 120k tokens: Full libraries or framework cores
- 200k tokens: Complete web frameworks (Express)
- 1M tokens: Major framework cores (Django without tests)
Model Selection Guide
Based on Task Complexity
For Most Complex Tasks:
- Claude 4 Sonnet or Claude 4 Opus - Ultimate reasoning power
- o3 - Specialized for hardest problems
- o4-mini - Efficient high reasoning
For Everyday Development:
- Claude 3.5 Sonnet - Excellent balance
- GPT-4o - Well-rounded capabilities
- Claude 3.7 Sonnet - Powerful but eager to change
For Quick Tasks:
- Claude 3.5 Haiku - Fast and efficient
- Cursor Small - Instant responses
- GPT-4o mini - 500 free daily requests
Based on Working Style
If you prefer control and clear instructions:
- Claude 4 Sonnet (non-thinking mode)
- GPT 4.1
- Claude 3.5 Sonnet
If you want the model to take initiative:
- Claude 4 Opus
- Gemini 2.5 Flash
- o3
Based on Context Needs
Large Codebase Work:
- Gemini 2.5 Flash (1M context)
- Max Mode models
- Deepseek V3 (Max Mode)
Standard Projects:
- Most Normal Mode models
- 60k-120k context models
Budget Considerations
Free Options
- Cursor Small: Unlimited free usage
- Deepseek V3: Free in Normal Mode
- Gemini 2.5 Flash: Free in Normal Mode
- Grok 3 Mini: Free in Normal Mode
- GPT-4o mini: 500 free requests/day
Cost-Effective Premium
- Claude 3.5 Haiku: 0.33 requests/message
- o3-mini: 0.25 requests/message
- Grok 3 Mini: Free normal, cheap Max Mode
High-Performance Options
- Claude 4 Sonnet: 1 request/message (Normal)
- GPT-4o: 1 request/message (Normal)
- Claude 3.7 Sonnet: 1 request/message (Normal)
How to Switch Models and Enable Max Mode
Switching Models
- In Chat Panel: Use the model dropdown below the input box
- Using Cmd/Ctrl+K: Access model dropdown in command palette
- In Terminal: Press Cmd/Ctrl+K and select model
- In Settings: Go to Cursor Settings > Models
Enabling Max Mode
- Open the model picker
- Toggle "Max mode" switch
- Select a Max Mode compatible model
- Note: Requires usage-based pricing for most models
Auto-Select Feature
Enable "Auto-select model" to let Cursor choose the optimal model based on:
- Task complexity
- Model availability
- Performance requirements
- Cost considerations
When to Use Max Mode
Ideal for Max Mode:
- Complex debugging sessions
- Large codebase refactoring
- Architecture planning
- Multi-file analysis
- Deep problem exploration
Stick with Normal Mode for:
- Routine coding tasks
- Simple completions
- Quick fixes
- Well-defined changes
Privacy and Security
All models are hosted on US-based infrastructure by:
- Original model providers (Anthropic, OpenAI, etc.)
- Cursor's trusted infrastructure
- Verified partner services
With Privacy Mode enabled:
- No data storage by Cursor or providers
- Data deleted after each request
- Full request isolation
Recommendations for Different User Types
For Beginners
- Start with Claude 3.5 Sonnet or GPT-4o
- Use Normal Mode initially
- Try Auto-select for model choice
- Utilize free models for learning
For Experienced Developers
- Claude 4 Sonnet for complex reasoning
- Max Mode for large codebases
- o3 for algorithmic challenges
- Multiple models for different contexts
For Teams and Organizations
- Claude 4 Sonnet as primary model
- Max Mode for complex projects
- GPT 4.1 for controlled environments
- Usage-based pricing for flexibility
Conclusion
The landscape of AI models in Cursor has evolved significantly, offering unprecedented choice and capability. From the lightning-fast free models to the reasoning powerhouses like Claude 4 Sonnet and o3, there's a model optimized for every development scenario.
Key Takeaways:
- Choose models based on task complexity and working style
- Max Mode unlocks advanced capabilities for complex work
- Free models are excellent for routine tasks
- Auto-select is a reliable default choice
- Experiment with different models to find your preferred workflow
The future of AI-assisted development is here, and with Cursor's comprehensive model lineup, you have the tools to code faster, smarter, and more efficiently than ever before.