Cursor vs Google Antigravity vs Claude Code: Which AI Coding Assistant Should You Choose in 2026?
Three fundamentally different approaches to AI-assisted coding. We compare Cursor (IDE-first), Google Antigravity (multi-model agent), and Claude Code (terminal-first agentic). Here's which one fits your workflow.
Quick Answer
Choose Cursor if you want the best IDE experience with multi-model support and visual diffs.
Choose Google Antigravity if you want the most generous free tier with access to multiple AI models (Gemini, Claude, GPT).
Choose Claude Code if you need deep reasoning for large codebases and autonomous multi-file refactoring.
At a Glance
Cursor
AI-Native IDE
Free tier: 2,000 completions/month
- VS Code-based IDE
- Multi-model (GPT, Claude, Gemini)
- Composer for multi-file edits
- Background agents
- Visual diffs & preview
Google Antigravity
Multi-Model Agent IDE
Free: Unlimited during public preview
- Agent-first architecture
- Gemini 3 Pro, Claude, GPT access
- Agentic workflows
- Generous free tier
- Google Cloud integration
Claude Code
Terminal-First Agent
No free tier
- Terminal/CLI + Web App
- Claude models only
- Up to 1M token context
- Deep reasoning tasks
- Autonomous refactoring
Feature Comparison
| Feature | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interface | IDE (VS Code fork) | Browser IDE | Terminal + Web |
| Pro Price | $20/month | Free (Preview) | $20/month |
| Free Tier | |||
| AI Models | GPT, Claude, Gemini | Gemini 3, Claude, GPT | Claude only |
| Context Window | 128K-200K | 1M+ (Gemini) | 200K-1M |
| Agent Workflows | Background agents | Native agentic | Deep agentic |
| Local Development | Cloud-first | ||
| Offline Mode | |||
| Team Features | SSO, Admin | GCP integration | Enterprise |
What Are These Tools?
Cursor: The IDE-First Experience
Cursor is a VS Code fork that deeply integrates AI into the IDE. It offers Tab completions, inline chat, Composer for multi-file editing, and background agents. The familiar interface means minimal learning curve for developers.
Key strength: Multi-model flexibility. Switch between Claude for reasoning, GPT-4 for speed, or Gemini for specific tasks—all within one editor.
Google Antigravity: The Multi-Model Agent
Google Antigravity (codenamed "Project Antigravity") is Google's AI-first development environment, currently in public preview. It provides access to multiple AI models including Gemini 3 Pro, Claude Sonnet/Opus, and GPT variants.
Key strength: The most generous free tier in 2026. During public preview, you get access to premium models that would cost $20-100/month elsewhere. Agent-first architecture designed for autonomous workflows.
Note: Google Antigravity is in public preview. Pricing and features may change when it moves to general availability.
Claude Code: The Terminal Powerhouse
Claude Code is Anthropic's agentic coding assistant, built for autonomous multi-step workflows. It started as CLI-only but now includes a web app interface and Claude Cowork GUI (January 2026).
Key strength: Unmatched deep reasoning for complex architectural decisions and large-scale refactoring. Can process entire codebases with up to 1M token context.
Pricing Breakdown (January 2026)
| Tier | Cursor | Google Antigravity | Claude Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | Hobby (Free)2,000 completions/mo | Public Preview (Free)Generous limits, multiple models | None |
| Entry Pro | $20/monthFast requests + agents | TBD (Post-Preview)Expected competitive pricing | $20/month~10-40 prompts/5hr |
| Power User | $200/monthUltra - highest limits | TBDEnterprise options coming | $200/monthMax 20× limits |
Feature Deep Dive
Context Window & Large Codebases
Google Antigravity leads here with Gemini 3's native 1M+ token context window. This means you can load entire monorepos without compression or truncation.
Claude Code offers 200K standard with up to 1M in extended mode (beta). Excellent for deep reasoning on large projects.
Cursor provides 128K-200K depending on mode, with smart context management. May compress older context in long sessions.
Model Flexibility
Google Antigravity and Cursor both support multiple models. Antigravity gives you Gemini 3 Pro, Claude Sonnet/Opus 4.5, and GPT variants. Cursor offers similar flexibility with Claude, GPT-4, and Gemini.
Claude Code is locked to Anthropic models only. While Claude excels at reasoning, you can't switch providers based on task type or cost.
Workflow Style
Cursor is GUI-first: visual diffs, Tab completions, preview-before-apply. Perfect for developers who want precise control over every change.
Google Antigravity is agent-first: describe what you want and let the agent execute multi-step workflows. Great for experimentation and rapid prototyping.
Claude Code is terminal-first with deep autonomy. Tell it "refactor the authentication system" and it plans and executes across files. Best for large architectural changes.
Best For Each Workflow
Choose Cursor if you...
- • Prefer IDE-integrated editing
- • Want visual diffs before applying
- • Need SSO and team admin features
- • Work on frequent small-medium edits
- • Want predictable subscription pricing
Choose Google Antigravity if you...
- • Want the best free tier available
- • Need access to multiple AI models
- • Prefer agent-first workflows
- • Are experimenting with AI coding
- • Use Google Cloud ecosystem
Choose Claude Code if you...
- • Work with large monorepos
- • Need autonomous refactoring
- • Want deep reasoning capabilities
- • Prefer terminal-based workflows
- • Value Claude's reasoning quality
Strengths & Limitations
Cursor
Strengths
- Familiar VS Code interface
- Multi-model support
- Visual diffs & preview
- Strong team features
Limitations
- Context may compress
- Requires IDE switch
Google Antigravity
Strengths
- Best free tier (preview)
- Multiple AI models
- 1M+ token context
- Agent-first design
Limitations
- Still in preview
- Cloud-first (no local)
Claude Code
Strengths
- Best reasoning quality
- Up to 1M context (beta)
- Deep agentic workflows
- Great for large refactors
Limitations
- No free tier
- Claude models only
Our Recommendation
For budget-conscious developers and those wanting to experiment: Start with Google Antigravity. The free preview tier is unmatched and gives you access to premium models.
For professional developers who want the best IDE experience: Cursor is the gold standard. The VS Code familiarity plus multi-model support makes it incredibly productive.
For large-scale refactoring and architectural work: Claude Code excels. Its deep reasoning and massive context window make it ideal for complex, multi-file changes.
Many developers use multiple tools: Google Antigravity for experimentation and free access, Cursor for daily coding, and Claude Code for major architectural projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use all three tools together?
Absolutely. Many developers use Google Antigravity for free experimentation, Cursor for daily IDE work, and Claude Code for large refactors. They complement each other well.
Will Google Antigravity stay free?
It's currently in public preview with generous free limits. Expect paid tiers when it reaches general availability, but Google typically maintains competitive free tiers.
Which has the best code quality output?
For reasoning-heavy tasks, Claude Code typically produces the most thoughtful code. For quick completions, all three are comparable. Google Antigravity's multi-model access lets you choose the best model per task.
Which is best for beginners?
Cursor's familiar VS Code interface makes it most approachable. Google Antigravity is also beginner-friendly with its free tier for experimentation.
Do any of these work offline?
No. All three require internet connectivity as they process requests through cloud APIs.
Important Disclaimer
Information Accuracy: The information in this comparison is based on publicly available data as of January 2026. Pricing, features, and availability may change. We recommend verifying current details directly from the official websites of Cursor, Google Antigravity, and Claude Code before making decisions.
Third-Party Logos: All product logos, names, and trademarks displayed on this page are the property of their respective owners. We use these logos for informational and comparative purposes only. This site is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Cursor, Google, Anthropic, or any of the companies mentioned.
No Guarantees: Our recommendations are based on general information and should not be considered as professional advice. Your specific needs may vary, and we encourage you to evaluate tools based on your own requirements.
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