What is Trae?
Created by ByteDance (the tech giant behind TikTok), Trae is an innovative AI-powered code editor that’s making waves in the developer community. Launched in 2025, it represents ByteDance’s ambitious entry into developer tools.
After spending Two days using both Cursor and Trae as my daily code editors, I’ve discovered some fascinating differences that might make you consider switching.
Let me share my hands-on experience with both tools and explain why Trae could be the upgrade you’re looking for.
Quick Overview of Cursor
Cursor has earned its reputation as a pioneering AI code editor, offering seamless VS Code integration and powerful AI assistance. Its chat interface and code completion features have made it a favorite among developers.
While Cursor has revolutionized AI-assisted coding, some developers have encountered limitations:
- Occasional slowdowns with large image uploads
- Limited project scaffolding capabilities
- Premium features locked behind higher pricing tiers
- Need for more streamlined project initialization
The 5 Compelling Reasons to Choose Trae
Reason #1: Superior Image Processing Capabilities
Remember those times when you needed to implement a design from Figma? Trae’s image processing is a game-changer. Unlike Cursor’s basic image handling, Trae can:
- Convert UI mockups to code with higher accuracy
- Process multiple images simultaneously
- Generate responsive layouts from single designs
- Provide alternative implementation suggestions
Reason #2: Seamless Project Management and Git Integration
One of Trae’s standout features is its intuitive project management system. Unlike Cursor’s basic file handling, Trae offers a comprehensive project management experience:
Reason #3: Revolutionary Builder Mode for Complete Project Development
Forget everything you know about AI coding assistants – Trae’s Builder mode is a game-changer. Unlike Cursor’s basic chat interface, Builder mode is like having an entire development team at your fingertips:
- Breaks down complex tasks into manageable steps
- Generates and runs necessary shell commands
- Real-time preview of changes in a built-in webview
- Supports multimodal input (code, images, commands)
Reason #4: Complete Feature Parity Plus More
While Trae brings innovative features like Builder mode and superior image processing, it doesn’t forget the basics. Everything you love about Cursor is here, plus enhancements:
- Smart code completion with higher accuracy
- Real-time syntax suggestions
- Context-aware code generation
- In-editor chat interface
- Multi-file context understanding
- VS Code extension compatibility
Reason #5: Cost-Effective Pricing Structure
Here’s where Trae really shines. Let’s break down the pricing:
| Feature | Trae | Cursor |
| Free Tier Features | Full AI assistance, Image processing, Project templates | Basic AI features |
| Starting Price | $0/month | $20/month |
| Team Features | Included in free tier | Premium only |
| Custom API Integration | Available in free tier | Enterprise only |
Trae’s pricing philosophy is refreshingly simple:
- Free tier includes 90% of features
- No credit card required to start
- Pay only for enterprise-specific needs
Who Should Make the Switch
Trae is perfect for:
- Developers working closely with designers
- Teams starting new projects frequently
- Startups watching their budget
- Developers who value automated workflows
In conclusion
While Cursor remains a solid choice, Trae’s combination of powerful image processing, project generation capabilities, and generous free tier makes it a compelling alternative.
The ability to rapidly prototype from designs and build complete projects through chat commands, all while keeping costs low, provides significant value for modern development teams.
