---
title: Cursor vs Claude.ai (web app)
slug: cursor-vs-claude-ai
type: agent-comparison
a: cursor
b: claude-ai
canonical: https://top-agent-skills.com/compare/cursor-vs-claude-ai
rubric: 1.0
---

# Cursor vs Claude.ai (web app)

Side-by-side for SKILL.md agent Skills: install model, shell access, native support, and how many Skills are verified on each.

## At a glance

| | Cursor | Claude.ai |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Vendor | Cursor | Anthropic |
| Native SKILL.md support | Via compatibility layer | Yes |
| Verified skills indexed | 79 | 31 |
| Install model | Local folder | Upload via Settings |
| Shell / Bash access | Yes | Sandboxed |
| Tagline | AI-first IDE. SKILL.md works via the Cursor plugin layer; per-skill compatibility verified here. | The Claude web app. Enable code execution, then upload skills as zips under Customize → Skills. |

## Overlap

- Verified on both: 11
- Only Cursor: 68
- Only Claude.ai: 20

## Which should you pick?

Claude.ai (web app) 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 11 of the skills indexed here are verified on both agents.

Per-agent rankings: https://top-agent-skills.com/skills-for-cursor · https://top-agent-skills.com/skills-for-claude-ai

## Common questions

**Which is better for SKILL.md skills, Cursor or Claude.ai (web app)?**

Claude.ai (web app) has native SKILL.md support; Cursor uses a compatibility layer. Cursor has 79 verified skills indexed here; Claude.ai (web app) has 31. 11 skills work on both.

**Can I use the same Skill on Cursor and Claude.ai (web app)?**

11 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 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.

**How do I install a Skill on Claude.ai (web app)?**

Enable code execution under Settings → Capabilities, then go to Customize → Skills and upload the Skill folder as a ZIP. The Skill becomes available in all your Claude.ai conversations.

**Which agent should I pick for cross-platform skill use?**

If native SKILL.md support and the broadest skill ecosystem matter most, pick Claude.ai (web app). Cursor works for teams already invested in that platform.

---

_Top Agent Skills. Machine-readable twin of https://top-agent-skills.com/compare/cursor-vs-claude-ai._