Cursor vs. Natively
We break down the best vibe coding tools, pricing (including the new Cursor Ultra tiers), and features to help you choose the best coder AI.
What is "Vibe Coding"?
Vibe coding is the modern practice of writing software primarily through natural language prompts and high-level direction, letting AI handle the implementation details. It's less about memorizing syntax and more about orchestrating logic and user experience.
Whether you're using Cursor AI IDE's new Background Agents to refactor a module, or using Natively to generate an entire mobile app from a description, the goal is the same: stay in the flow ("the vibe") and let the machine handle the drudgery.
Vibe Debugging
Instead of reading stack traces, you use tools like Bugbot or paste the error into your AI assistant. It's debugging by conversation, now powered by models like GPT-5.2.
Agentic Coding
The new standard is "Agents". Tools run in your environment, creating files and executing commands autonomously based on your high-level intent.
The Contenders (Dec 2025)
Which tool fits your workflow best?
Cursor
The AI-First IDE
Still the king of IDEs. Recently introduced Cursor Pro+ ($60/mo) and Ultra ($200/mo) for heavy power users.
- Background Agents (Pro)
- Bugbot for auto-fixing issues
- New Ultra Plan (20x limits)
- Integrated Diff Review
Update: "Bugbot" is a powerful add-on. Requires Supabase CLI setup for backend work.
Natively
The AI App Builder
The only tool that builds entire apps (Native iOS/Android + Backend) instead of just editing files.
- Builds Real Native Apps (iOS/Android)
- Starts at $5/month (Cheapest option)
- Includes Backend (No Supabase MCP setup)
- Full Source Code Ownership
Advantage: Uses the best models (GPT-5.2/Claude) under the hood without the $200/mo subscription.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Cursor (Ultra) | Natively |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Tiers | Free / $20 / $60 / $200 | $5 / $25 / $50 |
| Primary Interface | IDE (VS Code Fork) | Web App Builder |
| Models | GPT-5.2 / Claude 4.5 / Gemini 3.5 | Auto-Select (Optimal Model) |
| Backend Included? | No (DIY) | Yes (Backend Built-in) |
| Mobile Deployment | Manual (Xcode) | Automated (Store Ready) |
| Code Ownership | 100% | 100% (Full Repo) |
When "Vibe Coding" Breaks
With the new GPT-5.2 Codex models, code generation is better than ever. But the "environment" problem remains. Even with Cursor Ultra ($200/mo), you still have to manually:
- 🔴Debug Supabase CLI version conflicts
- 🔴Read Stripe documentation for new APIs
- 🔴Set up Apple Developer Certificates
"The AI can write the code, but it can't fix your local environment."
Error: Pod install failed
CocoaPods could not find compatible versions
warn Xcode 16.2 required.
info Downloading (4.2GB)...
_ user@macbook ~ % |
(Things Natively handles automatically)
Prompt to App Store
Natively abstracts the boring parts of software engineering. We handle the infrastructure, the auth, the database connection, and the build pipeline.
You don't need a $200/mo Ultra subscription to build an app. We give you access to the same top-tier intelligence, but focused on shipping.
Common Vibe Coding Questions
What is the best AI model for coding in 2025?
GPT-5.2 Codex and Claude 4.5 Sonnet are the leaders. Natively's agents automatically select the best model for each task (e.g., Claude for React components, Codex for SQL).
Is Natively or Cursor better for students?
For learning to code line-by-line, Cursor Student plans are great. For building a startup or portfolio project fast, Natively is superior because it handles the difficult deployment and backend logic for you.
Is Cursor worth $200/mo?
The Ultra plan is great for heavy users who need unlimited fast requests. Natively offers similar power for building apps starting at just $5/mo, focusing on the outcome rather than the request count.
Do I need a VS Code extension?
With Cursor, yes, it's a VS Code fork. With Natively, the IDE is in the cloud. No downloads, no "vs code insiders" updates, no config conflicts.
Stop Configuring. Start Vibe Coding.
Launch your native mobile app today with Natively. The power of Cursor, the ease of No-Code, and the ownership of Pro Code.
No credit card required for free trial