Base44 vs Cursor

Base44 provides a managed NoSQL database, authentication, backend functions, realtime updates, row-level permissions and file storage in the same platform as the builder.

Cursor can implement and operate backends through repository edits, terminal tools and connected services without imposing one managed stack. That flexibility comes with responsibility for architecture, credentials and infrastructure.

Direct React/Vite editing, two-way GitHub sync and local development provide real frontend code access. The 6 reflects the harder boundary: eject does not move production data, and managed backend services require a deliberate migration.

Cursor edits the user's own local or cloud-cloned repository directly, so the project remains standard source code under the user's version-control and infrastructure choices.

Support combines documentation, an in-product assistant, a support form and Discord community access. Official support routes are clear, although the peer ecosystem is less established than the largest communities in the category.

Cursor has extensive documentation and an active public forum centered on developer workflows. It is a strong technical support ecosystem, but less accessible to someone who does not work with code and repositories.

Built-in integrations, shared or per-user OAuth connectors, reusable OpenAPI connectors and custom API calls through backend functions cover broad business workflows. Catalog availability, setup and integration-credit use still vary by connector.

Cursor supports marketplace and custom MCP servers over local or remote transports, connecting Agent to databases, APIs and services such as GitHub, Linear and Notion. Capabilities depend on the installed server and its permissions.

Base44 documents SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001 and GDPR controls, encryption in transit and at rest, managed secrets, security scanning and enterprise identity and data-governance options. App owners must still configure roles and permissions correctly.

Cursor documents SOC 2 Type II, Privacy Mode that prevents training on code, encrypted isolated Cloud Agent VMs and regular penetration testing. Cloud Agents necessarily store encrypted working data, so retention and network settings still matter.

Apps can publish to managed Base44 hosting and use custom domains on eligible paid plans. The hosting path is optimized for SPA/static frontends, while backend services remain on Base44's managed infrastructure.

Cursor can run deployment commands and connect to hosting tools through the terminal or MCP, but application hosting is not bundled with the editor subscription. The user remains responsible for the provider and release configuration.

A prompt-first workspace can create and revise the interface, data, authentication and app logic together, while code editing and developer tools remain available when needed. This makes Base44 accessible without limiting it to beginner-only projects.

Cursor works around an existing codebase through files, diffs, terminal commands and repository workflows. Natural-language agents reduce typing, but users still need enough development knowledge to judge and operate the result.

Free includes 25 monthly message credits and 100 integration credits; Starter begins at $16/month when billed annually. The separate build and runtime credit pools make expected usage important when choosing a plan.

Individual Pro remains $20/month and includes extended Agent usage, frontier models, MCPs and Cloud Agents. Model choice affects how quickly included usage is consumed.

Managed database, authentication, backend functions, hosting and common integrations reduce the setup between a prompt and a working app. Complex permissions and production logic still need deliberate testing.

Agent can search a repository, edit files and run commands autonomously, and Cloud Agents can work in parallel. Unlike an integrated app builder, the user still chooses and assembles the application stack.

The responsive visual editor, theme controls, reference images and direct code access support professional interfaces. Reaching a distinctive, highly polished result still depends on the design direction and iteration supplied by the builder.

Cursor can implement any interface the repository and developer specify, but it does not provide a default visual app-builder workflow or a built-in design system. UI quality therefore depends primarily on the project's design inputs and code.