Compare
Claude Code vs Cursor
Side-by-side comparison of Claude Code and Cursor for SKILL.md agent skills — install model, shell access, native support, skill count and best use cases.
Comparison
At a glance
| Dimension | Claude Code | Cursor |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor | Anthropic | Cursor |
| Native SKILL.md support | Yes | Via compatibility layer |
| Verified skills indexed | 124 | 73 |
| Install model | Local folder | Local folder |
| Shell / Bash access | Yes | Yes |
| Tagline | Anthropic's terminal CLI for coding agents. Filesystem skills, plugin marketplace, subagents. | AI-first IDE. SKILL.md works via the Cursor plugin layer; per-skill compatibility verified here. |
Both
73
Skills verified to work on both Claude Code and Cursor.
Only Claude Code
51
Indexed for Claude Code but not yet verified on Cursor.
Only Cursor
0
Indexed for Cursor but not yet verified on Claude Code.
Verdict
Which should you pick?
Claude Code is the deeper SKILL.md target — native support, the broadest verified skill ecosystem, and the closest fit for skill-driven workflows. Cursor works well when you are already invested in the Cursor ecosystem or need its specific integrations.
Many teams use both — Skills with the SKILL.md spec are portable, and 73 of the skills indexed here are verified on both agents. Browse the per-agent rankings to see which Skills lead on each platform: Skills for Claude Code · Skills for Cursor.
FAQ
Common questions
Which is better for SKILL.md skills, Claude Code or Cursor?
Claude Code has native SKILL.md support; Cursor uses a compatibility layer. Claude Code has 124 verified skills indexed here; Cursor has 73. 73 skills work on both.
Can I use the same Skill on Claude Code and Cursor?
73 of the skills indexed here work on both. The SKILL.md spec is shared, so most skills run cleanly on both — the exceptions are skills that depend on agent-specific tools (Bash, Workflows, MCP patterns).
How do I install a Skill on Claude Code?
Drop the Skill folder into `~/.claude/skills/` (user-wide) or `.claude/skills/` (project-scoped), or run the plugin install command. The agent picks up new Skills on next session start.
How do I install a Skill on Cursor?
Drop the folder under `.cursor/skills/` for project-scoped, or the global Cursor config dir for user-wide. The marketplace gives one-click install for popular Skills.
Which agent should I pick for cross-platform skill use?
If native SKILL.md support and the broadest skill ecosystem matter most, pick Claude Code. Cursor works for teams already invested in that platform.
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