How does Cursor Router decide which model to use?

Cursor Router runs a per-request classifier that looks at the task type and its complexity, then picks a model that matches the chosen mode. Intelligence sends the request to a frontier model, Balance picks a strong daily-driver model, and Cost prefers the cheaper Grok 4.5 when quality allows.

How much does Cursor Router cost?

Cursor Router itself does not add a fee. In Balance and Intelligence modes, Cursor bills each request at the routed model's own rate, so the cost matches whichever model actually served the reply. Cost mode leans on the cheaper Grok 4.5 to lower spend on simple tasks.

Which plans have Cursor Router turned on?

Cursor Router is enabled by default on Teams plans across desktop, web, iOS, CLI, and the SDK. Enterprise admins keep it off by default and can turn it on from the dashboard, plus restrict which modes and underlying models the team is allowed to use.

Can admins block specific models or hide routing from users?

Yes. Cursor Router lets Enterprise admins allow or block any underlying model, cap the modes a team can pick, and hide the routed model name from users. Admins can also choose soft or hard enforcement of Auto mode, so people either get a nudge or must stay on the router.

Cursor · 2026-07-22 · major

Cursor Router — automatic model picker chooses frontier or Grok 4.5 per request

Cursor Router classifies each prompt by task type and complexity, then routes it to a frontier model or the cheaper Grok 4.5. Users pick Intelligence, Balance, or Cost. Teams plans get it on by default.

Cursor Router — automatic model routing across Intelligence, Balance, and Cost modes

Cursor's new Router picks a frontier model or the cheap Grok 4.5 for every prompt so users stop guessing which model to run.

Quick facts

Maker	Cursor
Modes	Intelligence, Balance, Cost
Cheap-tier model	Grok 4.5
Billing	Balance and Intelligence bill at the routed model's rate
Default on	Teams plans (opt-in on Enterprise)
Platforms	Desktop, web, iOS, CLI, SDK
Admin controls	Restrict modes, allow or block underlying models, soft or hard Auto enforcement

What is it?

Cursor Router is a built-in model picker inside the Cursor coding agent. Instead of choosing GPT, Claude, Gemini, or Grok by hand for each chat, the user picks a mode — Intelligence, Balance, or Cost — and Router sends each request to the model that best fits.

How does it work?

Each prompt goes through a per-request classifier that tags task type and complexity. Intelligence mode picks a frontier model that matches the top options. Balance picks a strong daily-driver. Cost mode leans on Grok 4.5, the cheap tier that Cursor ships as its price-efficient default. Balance and Intelligence bill at the routed model's own rate.

Why does it matter?

Cursor users had to guess which model was worth its price for each task, which wasted time and money. Cursor Router turns that guess into a policy: teams get a middle setting that trades quality against cost automatically, and Enterprise admins can allow or block any underlying model, cap which modes are available, and hide the routed model from users.

Who is it for?

Cursor Teams and Enterprise users tired of hand-picking between GPT, Claude, Gemini, and Grok.

Frequently asked questions

How does Cursor Router decide which model to use?: Cursor Router runs a per-request classifier that looks at the task type and its complexity, then picks a model that matches the chosen mode. Intelligence sends the request to a frontier model, Balance picks a strong daily-driver model, and Cost prefers the cheaper Grok 4.5 when quality allows.
How much does Cursor Router cost?: Cursor Router itself does not add a fee. In Balance and Intelligence modes, Cursor bills each request at the routed model's own rate, so the cost matches whichever model actually served the reply. Cost mode leans on the cheaper Grok 4.5 to lower spend on simple tasks.
Which plans have Cursor Router turned on?: Cursor Router is enabled by default on Teams plans across desktop, web, iOS, CLI, and the SDK. Enterprise admins keep it off by default and can turn it on from the dashboard, plus restrict which modes and underlying models the team is allowed to use.
Can admins block specific models or hide routing from users?: Yes. Cursor Router lets Enterprise admins allow or block any underlying model, cap the modes a team can pick, and hide the routed model name from users. Admins can also choose soft or hard enforcement of Auto mode, so people either get a nudge or must stay on the router.

Try it

https://cursor.com/changelog/router