Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to Cursor · 🛠️ dev tools
Cursor vs OpenCode
A fast local coding agent with no loyalty to any model vendor. Here is how OpenCode ($0/mo open source) stacks up against Cursor ($20/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
Cursor vs OpenCode Specification Matrix
facts verified 2026-08-10
| Dimension | Cursor (Paid) | OpenCode (Replacement) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $20 / mo | $0 / mo |
| 1-Year Cost (1 seat) | $240 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $240) |
| 1-Year Cost (5 seats) | $1,200 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $1,200) |
| 1-Year Cost (10 seats) | $2,400 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $2,400) |
| Source & License | Proprietary SaaS | open source MIT |
| Where It Runs | Vendor Cloud | Local (on your machine) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | desktopclione-click install |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ 194k (active aug 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from Cursor to OpenCode
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
It is terminal-first and does not replace Cursor's full graphical editor, low-latency autocomplete and inline review experience.
How to deploy OpenCode
Install script, Homebrew or npm
What it takes to run
Terminal comfort and a provider API key or local model server are required
Where your data lives
Source files stay local; credentials are stored under the user's OpenCode data directory and configuration under the config directory, while prompts and context go to the selected provider
Why fork OpenCode instead of vibe-coding a Cursor clone?
You can assemble VS Code plus open-source agents, but Cursor's moat is editor-native agent UX, model routing, cloud agents, context handling, and rapid product iteration.
Cursor vs OpenCode FAQ
Is OpenCode a good free alternative to Cursor?+
Yes. OpenCode is a verified open-source (MIT) replacement for Cursor. A fast local coding agent with no loyalty to any model vendor.
What is the catch when switching from Cursor to OpenCode?+
It is terminal-first and does not replace Cursor's full graphical editor, low-latency autocomplete and inline review experience.
How much do you save switching from Cursor to OpenCode?+
Cursor costs $20/mo ($240/yr) per seat, whereas OpenCode is $0/mo. Switching saves $240/yr for a solo user, $1,200/yr for a 5-person team, and $2,400/yr for a 10-person team.
How do I install or self-host OpenCode instead of Cursor?+
Install: Install script, Homebrew or npm. Setup: Terminal comfort and a provider API key or local model server are required
