Cursor vs Next Boilerplate AI: Which AI Coding Assistant Should You Choose?

I've been coding with AI since GPT-3 dropped in 2020. I've tried Cursor, Copilot, and countless other tools. When I built Next Boilerplate AI, I wanted something different—an AI that actually understands my codebase instead of guessing at it.

Here's what I've learned from using both Cursor and Next Boilerplate AI daily. This is my honest comparison based on real experience, not marketing claims.

Quick Comparison Table

Detailed Feature Comparison

1. Browser-Based vs Desktop IDE

Winner: Depends on your workflow. If you work across multiple devices or want zero setup, Next Boilerplate AI wins. If you need a full IDE with debugging, Cursor wins.

2. Codebase Understanding

This is where the biggest difference lies.

Real-World Impact: When you ask "Create a user profile feature," Next Boilerplate AI knows to generate a Mongoose model, GraphQL resolvers, React components following your exact patterns, and where to put each file. Cursor generates generic code that you'll spend 30+ minutes adapting.

3. Code Generation Quality

// Uses your generated hooks
const { data } = useGetProjectsQuery()

// Correct import paths
import { Button } from '@/features/landing-page/client/components/button'

// Follows your patterns
export default function ProjectsPage() {
  return <ProjectsList /> // Thin wrapper pattern
}

// Uses raw queries
const { data } = useQuery(gql`query { projects { id } }`)

// Generic import paths
import { Button } from './components/Button'

// Doesn't follow your patterns
export default function ProjectsPage() {
  return <div>{/* All UI directly in page file */}</div>
}

4. Pricing: Total Cost of Ownership

Let's break down the real cost over 12 months:

ROI Analysis: If you're building 2+ SaaS products per year, Next Boilerplate AI pays for itself in time savings. If you're building one project and have unlimited time, Cursor is cheaper upfront.

Real-World Scenarios: Which Tool Wins?

Why Browser-Based Matters More Than You Think

Running in the browser isn't just about convenience—it's a fundamental architectural advantage:

The Verdict

Bottom Line: Cursor is a great general-purpose AI coding assistant. Next Boilerplate AI is a specialized weapon for shipping Next.js SaaS products fast. If you're in the target audience (SaaS builders), Next Boilerplate AI will save you hundreds of hours per year. If you're not, Cursor is the better choice.