Rules and AGENTS.md
Your AGENTS.md and .cursor/rules/*.mdc files guide the agent, including nested rules for folders.
Cursor alternative
The Cursor alternative that runs in your browser
Keep the agent-first way of working you like, and drop the local setup. Altarus Nexus runs in any browser, gives every project its own cloud machine and database, and checks its work in a real browser before it hands off.
- First month free
- $0 today
- Nothing to install
What carries over
Your Cursor setup works on day one
Nexus reads the project files you already have, so your conventions come with you.
Commands and agents
Slash commands from .cursor/commands and custom agents from .cursor/agents show up in the chat.
MCP servers
Servers listed in .cursor/mcp.json are picked up, and you choose which ones to enable.
What you add
Everything a desktop editor leaves to you
A desktop editor runs on your computer and stops when you close the lid. Nexus runs the whole environment in the cloud.
A cloud machine for every project
Terminal, dev servers and live previews, with nothing installed on your laptop.
Agents that keep going
Background and parallel agents work on their own branches and open pull requests while you are away.
Proof in a real browser
Screenshots and recordings of every UI check, plus an automatic code review.
A database and file storage
Postgres and buckets linked to your project in one click, or bring your own.
Secrets the agent can't read
Keys are encrypted and injected into your app; the agent only sees their names.
Switching
Move a project over in three steps
Import from GitHub
Connect GitHub and pick the repository. It opens on its own cloud machine.
Ask Nexus to run it
Nexus reads your rules, installs dependencies and starts the app with a live preview.
Keep shipping
Work in Agent, Plan, Ask or Debug mode and open pull requests as usual.
Cursor is a trademark of Anysphere, Inc. Altarus Nexus is not affiliated with Cursor. See the full comparison.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Is Altarus Nexus a good Cursor alternative?
If you want an AI coding agent without setting up and running a local machine, yes. Nexus runs in the browser, gives every project a cloud machine and database, and verifies UI changes in a real browser. If you prefer working fully offline on your own computer, a desktop editor may suit you better.
Do my .cursor rules work in Nexus?
Yes. Nexus reads AGENTS.md and .cursor/rules/*.mdc files, slash commands in .cursor/commands, custom agents in .cursor/agents and MCP servers in .cursor/mcp.json.
Which AI models does Nexus use?
Nexus runs on leading models, including Claude, with a fast model for completions. Teams can limit which models are allowed.
How much does it cost?
Your first month is free ($0 today; a card is needed to start). After that you continue on Pro at $39/month unless you cancel, or switch to Pro at $39/month. Every plan includes agent credits and a cloud machine. See pricing.
Your next idea starts here.
Open a project in your browser and let Nexus help you build it. Your first month is free.
$0 today · Cancel any time · Your code stays yours