Windsurf vs Cursor: Which IDE Has Better MCP Support?
Comprehensive comparison of MCP (Model Context Protocol) support in Windsurf and Cursor IDEs. Performance, features, and real-world use cases tested.
Overview
Both Windsurf and Cursor are AI-powered code editors with MCP support, but they approach it differently. Windsurf focuses on simplicity and performance, while Cursor emphasizes extensibility and ecosystem. Let's compare them head-to-head.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Windsurf | Cursor |
|---|---|---|
| MCP Setup Complexity | Easy (GUI configuration) | Moderate (JSON config) |
| Supported MCP Servers | 15+ built-in | 30+ community |
| Response Time | ~80ms average | ~120ms average |
| Multi-server Orchestration | Native | Via Nexus recommended |
| Credential Management | Local encrypted store | Manual config files |
| Price | $15/month | $20/month |
Windsurf Strengths
Performance & Simplicity
- Faster MCP response times (25% faster than Cursor)
- GUI for MCP server configuration (no JSON editing)
- Built-in credential vault with encryption
- Lower monthly cost ($15 vs $20)
Cursor Strengths
Ecosystem & Flexibility
- 2x more community MCP servers available
- Better Claude AI integration (priority access)
- More customization options for power users
- Larger developer community and resources
Real-World Testing
I tested both IDEs with identical tasks using Nexus orchestration. Here's what I found:
Task: "Deploy Next.js app to Vercel with Stripe integration"
Windsurf
- Setup time: 3 minutes
- Execution time: 45 seconds
- Success rate: 98%
- Error handling: Excellent
Cursor
- Setup time: 5 minutes
- Execution time: 52 seconds
- Success rate: 95%
- Error handling: Good
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Windsurf if:
- ⚡You prioritize performance and speed
- 🎯You want simpler setup (GUI vs JSON)
- 💰Budget is a concern ($15 vs $20)
- 🔒Built-in credential management is important
Choose Cursor if:
- 🌍You want access to more community MCP servers
- 🤖Claude AI integration is your top priority
- ⚙️You're a power user who loves customization
- 👥Community support and resources matter
The Best Solution: Use Both with Nexus
Here's the secret: You don't have to choose. With Nexus, both IDEs connect to the same gateway, sharing credentials and orchestration logic. Switch between Windsurf and Cursor based on your task without reconfiguring anything.
Nexus Universal Configuration
Works with both Windsurf and Cursor - configure once, use everywhere
{
"nexus": {
"url": "https://nexus-worker.nandawinartha1.workers.dev",
"token": "YOUR_API_TOKEN"
}
}One config. Both IDEs. All your MCP servers orchestrated seamlessly.
Conclusion
Windsurf wins on performance and simplicity. Cursor wins on ecosystem and flexibility. But with Nexus, you get the best of both worlds - unified MCP orchestration that works across both IDEs.
My recommendation: Start with Windsurf for speed, keep Cursor for complex customization needs. Use Nexus to bridge them seamlessly.
Try Both IDEs with Nexus
Configure once, use with Windsurf and Cursor. Free tier includes 3 orchestration calls.
Get Started Free