# Switch from Cursor to Trae

> Developers want a lower-cost AI IDE with a builder mode and a generous free tier.

Source: https://ai.dosa.dev/switch/cursor-to-trae · AI IDE Switching · Updated 2026-10-15 · Published by dosa.dev

## Why switch

Developers want a lower-cost AI IDE with a builder mode and a generous free tier. Same entry price ($8/mo per seat).

## Cost delta

| | Cursor | Trae |
|---|---|---|
| Entry paid plan | Plus ($8/mo) | Lite ($8/mo) |
| Per-seat monthly delta | $0 | |
| 10-dev team annual delta | $0 | |

Same entry price ($8/mo per seat). Model it: https://ai.dosa.dev/tools/cost-calculator?team=10&seats=trae:Lite

## Config migration

- Cursor rules: `.cursor/rules/*.mdc`
- Trae rules: `.trae/rules/project_rules.md`
- Convert with the Rules Converter: https://ai.dosa.dev/tools/rules-converter?from=cursor-mdc&to=agents-md

## 4-step checklist

1. **Audit & export your Cursor rules** — Cursor reads repo-level rules from .cursor/rules/*.mdc. Convert them to .trae/rules/project_rules.md with the Rules Converter, then review the output before committing. (https://ai.dosa.dev/tools/rules-converter?from=cursor-mdc&to=agents-md)
2. **Install & configure Trae** — Download Trae from the official site. Trae reads plain-Markdown project rules; paste the AGENTS.md output into this file. Pricing: Freemium — entry plan Lite at $8/mo. (https://trae.ai?utm_source=ai.dosa.dev&utm_medium=referral)
3. **Adapt your daily workflow (AI IDEs → AI IDEs)** — You stay inside a full editor, but the agent surface moves — expect a short relearning curve for where edits, diffs and chat live. Trae is best for developers managing complex projects or long-running tasks who need both fine-grained IDE control and advanced AI agents to handle requirement breakdown, code generation, and debugging.
4. **Run a one-week parallel pilot, then reallocate seats** — Same entry price ($8/mo per seat). Keep Cursor active for one sprint while Trae handles new tasks; cancel seats only after velocity holds. (https://ai.dosa.dev/tools/cost-calculator?team=10&seats=trae:Lite)

## What you gain

- Trae is best for developers managing complex projects or long-running tasks who need both fine-grained IDE control and advanced AI agents to handle requirement breakdown, code generation, and debugging.
- SOLO mode for autonomous AI planning and execution.
- Multi-platform support (Desktop, Web, Mobile).
- Deep codebase context management and memory.

## What you give up

- Cursor is positioned for developers looking for a deep-integrated AI coding experience that can manage long-running tasks, codebase context, and autonomous feature building. — confirm Trae covers that before cancelling seats.
- Trae is not ideal for users seeking a simple, non-AI-integrated text editor, as the platform is heavily optimized for AI-driven, agentic development workflows that require specific configurations.

Running both: Running both is mostly redundant — pilot Trae on one repo for a sprint, then pick one.

## Spec sheet

| | [Cursor](https://ai.dosa.dev/tools/cursor) | [Trae](https://ai.dosa.dev/tools/trae) |
|---|---|---|
| Company | Anysphere | ByteDance |
| Category | AI-Native IDEs & Editors | AI-Native IDEs & Editors |
| Pricing | Freemium | Freemium |
| Entry paid plan | Plus ($8/mo) | Lite ($8/mo) |
| Rules file | .cursor/rules/*.mdc | .trae/rules/project_rules.md |

## FAQ

### How do I convert my Cursor rules to Trae?

Cursor reads .cursor/rules/*.mdc and Trae reads .trae/rules/project_rules.md. Run them through the Rules Converter (https://ai.dosa.dev/tools/rules-converter?from=cursor-mdc&to=agents-md) and review the output before committing.

### Is Trae cheaper than Cursor?

Cursor starts at Plus ($8/mo); Trae starts at Lite ($8/mo). Same entry price ($8/mo per seat).

### What do I lose when switching from Cursor to Trae?

Cursor is positioned for developers looking for a deep-integrated AI coding experience that can manage long-running tasks, codebase context, and autonomous feature building. — confirm Trae covers that before cancelling seats. Trae is not ideal for users seeking a simple, non-AI-integrated text editor, as the platform is heavily optimized for AI-driven, agentic development workflows that require specific configurations.

### Can I use Cursor and Trae together?

Running both is mostly redundant — pilot Trae on one repo for a sprint, then pick one.

## Links

- Cursor review: https://ai.dosa.dev/tools/cursor
- Trae review: https://ai.dosa.dev/tools/trae
- Cursor vs Trae: https://ai.dosa.dev/compare/cursor-vs-trae
- Rules Converter: https://ai.dosa.dev/tools/rules-converter?from=cursor-mdc&to=agents-md
- Cost calculator: https://ai.dosa.dev/tools/cost-calculator?team=10&seats=trae:Lite