Claude Code setup
Set ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL to https://api.runapi.ai and use your RunAPI key as the API key. Claude Code runs unmodified.
AI Coding Tools
Claude Code vs Cursor
Claude Code is a command-line agent from Anthropic. Cursor is an AI-powered fork of VS Code. They solve different problems — terminal automation versus in-editor assistance — and both can run on a RunAPI key at 50% off API token rates.
Updated June 18, 2026
RunAPI Editorial
At a glance
What is the difference between Claude Code and Cursor?
Claude Code runs in your terminal and edits files through an agent loop. Cursor is a full IDE with inline completions, chat, and an agent mode. Neither is strictly better — the choice depends on whether you live in the terminal or the editor.
Claude Code
CLI agent by Anthropic. Runs in the terminal, edits files, runs commands. Best for automation and headless workflows.
Cursor
AI IDE forked from VS Code. Inline completions, chat sidebar, agent mode. Best for visual, in-editor coding.
Shared need
Both consume model tokens. Cursor Pro is $20/mo; Claude Max is $100/mo. Both can instead use a metered API key.
RunAPI angle
Point either tool at RunAPI to pay per token at 50% of official rates, with no subscription and no per-seat fee.
Side by side
How do Claude Code and Cursor compare feature by feature?
The table maps each tool against the dimensions developers ask about most: interface, model access, context handling, and extensibility.
| Dimension | Claude Code | Cursor |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | Terminal CLI | Desktop IDE (VS Code fork) |
| Primary mode | Agentic — plans, edits, runs commands | Autocomplete + chat + agent mode |
| Model | Claude models by default | Claude, GPT, Gemini — switchable |
| Context window | Up to 200K tokens (1M on select models) | Depends on selected model |
| Custom API key | ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL override | OpenAI-compatible base URL override |
| Best for | Automation, CI, headless tasks | Interactive editing, refactors, exploration |
Plans and costs
How much do Claude Code and Cursor cost?
Both tools sell subscriptions, but both also accept a custom API key so you pay only for the tokens you use. The table shows the official plans next to the RunAPI metered alternative.
| Plan | Price | What you get | RunAPI alternative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cursor Pro | $20/mo | Fast premium requests, agent mode | Bring a RunAPI key, pay per token |
| Cursor Business | $40/user/mo | Team admin, privacy mode, SSO | Per-token billing, no per-seat fee |
| Claude Pro | $20/mo | Claude Code with usage caps | Metered API, no caps |
| Claude Max | $100/mo | Higher Claude Code limits | $100 buys ~6.7M Sonnet 4.6 output tokens |
One key, both tools
How does RunAPI work with Claude Code and Cursor?
Both tools accept an OpenAI-compatible or Anthropic-compatible base URL. RunAPI exposes both surfaces, so a single key drives either workflow at 50% off official token rates.
Cursor setup
In Cursor settings, set the OpenAI base URL to https://api.runapi.ai/v1 and paste your RunAPI key. Select any Claude or GPT model ID.
No subscription lock-in
Pay per token instead of $20–$100/mo. If you use both tools, one balance covers both — no double subscription.
Multi-model access
Switch between Claude, GPT, and Gemini in Cursor, or stick with Claude in the CLI, all billed at half the official rate.
Getting started
How to use one API key for both tools
1
Create a RunAPI account
Sign up at runapi.ai. The free tier needs no credit card.
2
Copy your API key
Go to Dashboard → API Keys, create a key, and save it for both tools.
3
Configure Claude Code
Set ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL to https://api.runapi.ai and your RunAPI key as the API key.
4
Configure Cursor
In Cursor settings, set the OpenAI base URL to https://api.runapi.ai/v1 and paste the same key.
Frequently asked questions
Claude Code vs Cursor FAQ
Is Claude Code better than Cursor?
Neither is better in general. Claude Code is a terminal agent that excels at automation and headless tasks. Cursor is an IDE that excels at interactive editing and inline completions. Choose based on whether you work mostly in a terminal or an editor.
Can I use Claude Code and Cursor together?
Yes. Many developers run Cursor for interactive editing in the IDE and Claude Code for terminal automation and headless tasks. The two complement each other rather than compete. A single RunAPI key powers both, so you fund one balance and pay per token instead of buying two separate monthly subscriptions.
Does Cursor use Claude models?
Yes. Cursor lets you pick Claude, GPT, or Gemini models from its settings, and many users default to Claude for agent mode. By overriding the OpenAI base URL with RunAPI, you can route any supported model through one key at 50% of the official token rate, switching models freely per request.
How much does each tool cost?
Cursor Pro is $20 a month and Claude Max is $100 a month for higher Claude Code limits. Both tools also accept a custom API key, so you can pay per token through RunAPI and skip the subscription entirely. That route is cheaper when your usage is light, bursty, or hard to predict month to month.
Which tool has a bigger context window?
Context depends on the model, not the tool. Both can use Claude models with up to 200K tokens, and select models offer 1M. The window is set by the model ID you choose, identical across Claude Code and Cursor.
Can I switch from a subscription to API billing?
Yes. Both tools accept a custom base URL and API key in their settings. Point them at RunAPI and you move from a fixed monthly fee to pay-as-you-go token billing without reinstalling anything. Your existing projects, configs, and workflows stay the same; only the billing model and the rate you pay change.
Do I need two API keys for two tools?
No. One RunAPI key works in both Claude Code and Cursor. RunAPI exposes both an Anthropic-compatible endpoint and an OpenAI-compatible endpoint, so the same key and the same balance serve either tool. You manage one account, top up one balance, and see all usage from both tools in a single dashboard.
Power both tools with one key.
Create a free RunAPI account and run Claude Code and Cursor on a single pay-as-you-go key at 50% off official API rates.