Orbit vs Cursor
Cursor is an AI code editor. Orbit is an AI-native development environment. Different tools, different tradeoffs.
At a glance
VS Code fork with inline completions, chat, and multi-file agent. Multi-model. Tab-autocomplete. The VS Code extension ecosystem works.
Built from scratch (Tauri + React). One agent across editor, browser, terminal, and docs. The agent takes screenshots of your running app. No inline completions. No VS Code extensions.
Key differences
Inline completions (tab-autocomplete) + chat + agentic multi-file editing. AI assists while you code.
Conversational agent. No inline completions. You describe what you want, the agent builds it across every surface.
VS Code fork. Full extension ecosystem. Extensions you already use work.
CodeMirror 6 with LSP. No VS Code extensions. Orbit has its own skills and plugin system.
No built-in browser. You check your app in a separate window.
Embedded browser. The agent takes screenshots, navigates, clicks, and fills forms. Click any element, describe the change.
Multi-model: Claude, GPT, Gemini, Grok. Choose per request.
Claude only for V1. Multi-model support is on the roadmap.
Free tier / $20 Pro / $200 Ultra. Credit-based system for premium models.
Free during early access. Sign in with Claude (any plan) or bring your own API key.
macOS, Windows, Linux.
macOS only (Apple Silicon). Windows and Linux coming.
Where Cursor is better
Tab-autocomplete. Cursor has fast inline completions as you type. Orbit has no inline completions — all AI interaction is through the agent conversation.
VS Code extensions. Your existing extensions work in Cursor. Orbit has none — it uses its own skills and plugin system.
Multi-model. Cursor supports Claude, GPT, Gemini, and Grok. Orbit is Claude-only for V1.
Cross-platform. Cursor runs on macOS, Windows, and Linux. Orbit is macOS only.
Maturity. Cursor has a large user base and years of development. Orbit is in early access.
Where Orbit is different
The agent sees your running app. Orbit has an embedded browser. The agent takes screenshots, navigates, clicks, and fills forms. You click an element and describe the change. Cursor's agent writes code but can't see the result.
Full context from every surface. The agent reads your terminal output, your docs in the vault, and your code — building its own context. You don't copy-paste error logs into a chat.
Built for non-developers too. Founders, PMs, and vibe coders can describe what they want and direct the agent. Cursor assumes you write code.
Not a VS Code fork. Orbit is built from scratch with Tauri and React. Different tradeoff: fewer editor features, more agent surfaces.
The honest take
If inline completions are essential to your workflow, Cursor is the right tool. If you need VS Code extensions, Cursor is the right tool. If you need Windows or Linux, Cursor is the right tool.
If you want an agent that can see your running app and work across every surface — editor, browser, terminal, docs — try Orbit. The approach is different: Cursor makes coding faster. Orbit gives the agent more context so it writes better code.
Free during early access
Sign in with your Claude account or bring your own API key.