Cursor IDE offers a variety of AI models that power its intelligent features. Understanding the differences between these models 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 Model Types in Cursor
Cursor provides access to two main categories of AI models:
Premium Models
Premium models are typically more powerful and sophisticated, offering:
- Higher accuracy and better understanding of complex instructions
- More nuanced code generation and problem-solving capabilities
- Advanced reasoning for complex programming tasks
Premium models count against your monthly request quota, with different pricing tiers based on your subscription plan.
Free Models
Free models offer:
- Faster response times for simpler tasks
- Unlimited usage on paid plans
- Great for routine coding assistance and simpler queries
If you exceed your monthly premium model quota, you can enable usage-based pricing to continue using premium models.
Comprehensive Model Comparison
Below is a detailed comparison of all models available in Cursor:
| Model | Provider | Premium | Agent | Pricing | Strengths | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| claude-3.7-sonnet | Anthropic | ✓ | ✓ | $0.04 | Exceptional reasoning and code understanding | Complex programming tasks, debugging |
| claude-3.7-sonnet-thinking | Anthropic | ✓ | ✓ | $0.08 | Advanced reasoning with visible thinking process | Solving complex problems step-by-step |
| claude-3.5-sonnet | Anthropic | ✓ | ✓ | $0.04 | Balanced performance and speed | Everyday coding tasks with good accuracy |
| claude-3.5-haiku | Anthropic | ✓ | $0.01 | Speed and efficiency | Quick code completions and simple explanations | |
| claude-3-opus | Anthropic | ✓ | $0.10 | Highest reasoning capabilities | Complex system design and algorithm optimization | |
| cursor-small | Cursor | Free | Fast, lightweight responses | Quick code completions | ||
| deepseek-v3 | Fireworks | Soon | Free | Strong coding capabilities | Code generation and completion | |
| deepseek-r1 | Fireworks | ✓ | Soon | $0.04 | Research-focused capabilities | Complex problem solving |
| gpt-4o | OpenAI | ✓ | ✓ | $0.04 | Versatile and well-rounded | Balanced coding and explanation |
| gpt-4o-mini | OpenAI | ✓ | - | Efficiency and speed | Quick iterations and simple tasks | |
| gpt-4.5-preview | OpenAI | $2.00 | Cutting-edge capabilities | Experimental features and advanced reasoning | ||
| o1 | OpenAI | $0.40 | Specialized problem-solving | Complex mathematical and algorithmic challenges | ||
| o1-mini | OpenAI | $0.10 | Efficient specialized tasks | Focused problem domains | ||
| o3-mini | OpenAI | ✓ | ✓ | $0.01 | High reasoning in compact model | Efficient reasoning for everyday tasks |
| grok-2 | xAI | ✓ | $0.04 | Internet-aware capabilities | Tasks requiring up-to-date information |
Notes:
- claude-3.7-sonnet-thinking counts as 2x fast requests
- claude-3.5-haiku and o3-mini count as 1/3 fast request
- claude-3-opus and o1-mini include 10 requests/day on paid plans
- gpt-4o-mini offers 500 requests/day on the free plan
- o3-mini is set to the high reasoning effort
How to Select the Right Model
Based on Task Complexity
For Complex Tasks:
- claude-3.7-sonnet or claude-3-opus - When you need the highest reasoning capabilities
- gpt-4o - For versatile performance across a range of complex tasks
- o1 - For specialized mathematical or algorithmic challenges
For Everyday Coding:
- claude-3.5-sonnet - Great balance of performance and efficiency
- gpt-4o - Well-rounded capabilities for various coding tasks
- deepseek-r1 - Strong for research-oriented programming
For Quick Iterations:
- claude-3.5-haiku - Fast and efficient for simpler tasks
- cursor-small - Immediate responses for basic code completion
- o3-mini - Quick reasoning for straightforward problems
Based on Budget Considerations
Cost-Effective Options:
- cursor-small and deepseek-v3 - Free unlimited usage
- claude-3.5-haiku and o3-mini - Low-cost premium options at $0.01 per request
- gpt-4o-mini - 500 free requests/day on free plan
Premium Performance:
- claude-3.7-sonnet and gpt-4o - Great value at $0.04 per request
- claude-3-opus - High-end reasoning at $0.10 per request
- gpt-4.5-preview - Most advanced capabilities at premium pricing
How to Switch Between Models
You can easily switch between AI models in Cursor through multiple interfaces:
In the Chat Panel
- Look for the model dropdown below the AI input box
- Select your preferred model from the list
Using Cmd/Ctrl+K
- Press Cmd+K (Mac) or Ctrl+K (Windows/Linux) to open the command palette
- Look for the model dropdown at the bottom of the interface
- Select your preferred model
In Terminal
- Press Cmd+K or Ctrl+K in the terminal
- Select the model from the dropdown
In Settings
- Go to Cursor Settings > Models
- Enable or disable models according to your preferences
Enabling Auto-Select Mode
Cursor offers an intelligent auto-select feature that chooses the most appropriate model for your task:
- Look for the "Auto-select model" option in the model dropdown
- Enable this option to let Cursor choose the best model based on:
- Task complexity
- Model availability
- Your usage patterns
This option helps optimize your workflow by balancing performance needs with availability, ensuring you're never slowed down by high-demand models.
Understanding Context Windows
The context window determines how much information the AI model can consider when responding to your requests:
- Agent mode: 60,000 tokens by default (120,000 for Claude 3.7)
- Cmd+K mode: Around 10,000 tokens for balance of speed and quality
For longer conversations, Cursor automatically summarizes previous context to preserve token space and maintain performance.
Privacy and Hosting Information
All models in Cursor are hosted on US-based infrastructure, either by:
- The model's original provider (Anthropic, OpenAI, etc.)
- Cursor's own infrastructure
- Trusted partners
With Privacy Mode enabled, neither Cursor nor any model providers will store or use your data outside of the specific request you make. All data is deleted shortly after each request is fully processed.
Conclusion
Choosing the right AI model in Cursor can significantly impact your productivity and workflow. By understanding the strengths, limitations, and cost considerations of each model, you can make informed decisions that optimize your development experience.
For most users, we recommend:
- Starting with gpt-4o or claude-3.5-sonnet for a balanced experience
- Using claude-3.7-sonnet when you need the highest reasoning capabilities
- Trying cursor-small or claude-3.5-haiku when speed is essential
Experiment with different models for various tasks to discover which ones work best for your specific coding style and requirements.