Cursor vs Windsurf

Windsurf (Devin Desktop) focuses on managing local and cloud AI agents from a single surface, leveraging the Agent Client Protocol (ACP) for multi-model support (e.g., Devin Local, Claude Agent, Codex). Key features include Supercomplete for predicting next edits, Fast Context for instant codebase retrieval, and Session/Spaces for sharing context and Git worktrees across agents. It offers unlimited access to the SWE-1.6 model, touted as the fastest coding model, and supports background agents for continuous tasks. In contrast, Cursor provides an AI-first code editor with a specialized Tab model for autocomplete and an agent mode that autonomously builds, tests, and demos features. Cursor's Composer enables targeted edits with an autonomy slider, and it supports cloud agents that run in their own compute environment. Cursor also offers multi-agent collaboration in shadow workspaces, semantic code search, and in-tool code review with PR review on GitHub. Additionally, Cursor integrates with Slack and has a CLI-based agent accessible from the terminal. While Windsurf emphasizes unifying agent orchestration across local and cloud, Cursor focuses on embedding AI into multiple surfaces (editor, terminal, Slack, PRs) for a more integrated workflow. Windsurf's ACP allows working with various models, whereas Cursor supports the latest from OpenAI and Anthropic. Both offer agentic capabilities, but Windsurf is tailored for teams managing multiple agents, while Cursor targets individual developers with a more autonomous agent.

Windsurf is described as 'paid' with 'unlimited access to SWE-1.6 model,' but no explicit pricing tiers are listed in the provided data. It is likely enterprise-tier pricing due to its focus on teams and cloud agent orchestration. In contrast, Cursor follows a freemium model: a free tier with basic features and paid plans for premium AI model usage (e.g., faster completions, more agent runs). Cursor's pricing is more accessible for individual developers and small teams, while Windsurf's pricing may suit larger organizations needing multi-agent management. Windsurf's unlimited access to SWE-1.6 could provide cost savings for heavy users, whereas Cursor's freemium allows testing before committing. Budget-constrained teams may prefer Cursor's free tier, while those needing advanced agent orchestration might justify Windsurf's likely higher cost.