// comparisons · updated weekly
Side by side.
AI tool comparisons that don't pretend the answer is obvious. Each comparison includes a TL;DR, a when-to-pick rule for each side, a side-by-side feature matrix, when neither is the right call, and an honest verdict.
Comparisons
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Claude Desktop vs Cursor
Claude Desktop is a chat-first app with MCP tool support — best for non-coding workflows and exploration. Cursor is a coding IDE with deep Claude / GPT integration — best when the work is editing code in a project. Most builders use both for different jobs.
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Claude Sonnet 4.5 vs Claude Haiku 4.5
Sonnet is best for tasks needing nuanced reasoning, multi-step planning, or long-context work. Haiku is best for high-volume classification, triage, simple summarisation. The cost difference is 5-7x at the input/output blend most apps use, so the right pick depends on whether the extra quality justifies the bill.
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MCP servers vs Function calling (in-app)
MCP exposes tools as standalone processes that any compliant agent can call. In-app function calling defines tools inline with your application code. MCP is for tools you want reusable across clients (Claude Desktop, Cursor, etc.). In-app function calling is for tools intimately part of one app's logic.