Sourcegraph Cody vs Windsurf

Sourcegraph Cody focuses on deep codebase understanding via Sourcegraph Search API, allowing chat with @-mentions to files, symbols, and remote repos. Its Deep Search uses a dedicated subagent for token-efficient file searches and auto-compacts conversations when approaching context limits. Smart hover summaries (now GA) provide key architectural details on hover. Cody integrates as an extension into existing IDEs (VS Code, JetBrains) and offers customizable Prompts for automating tasks like vulnerability triage with HackerOne. RBAC permissions allow granular admin control. Windsurf takes a different approach: it is a standalone VS Code-based IDE that serves as a command center for dispatching and monitoring multiple agents. Agent Command Center lets you run local agents (including SWE-1.6 free unlimited) and hand off tasks to Devin Cloud agents. Fast Context retrieves relevant files in milliseconds. Spaces share context and worktrees across agents. Agent diffs allow rapid review of changes. Windsurf now includes Security in Devin Review (catching auth bypasses, logic flaws) and a plugin system for Devin Local (v3.2.16). Notably, Claude Fable 5 has been removed following Anthropic directive. In summary, Cody excels at querying large codebases with rich context; Windsurf excels at orchestrating multiple agents and automating entire workflows.

Sourcegraph Cody offers a free tier (Cody Free) with limited LLM requests and chat history, suitable for individual exploration. Pro at $9/month (billed annually) lifts many limits and adds support for multiple LLMs, Auto-edit, and customized Prompts. Enterprise pricing is custom and includes RBAC, admin controls, SSO, and dedicated support. There is no usage-based add-on for cloud agents. Windsurf is free to download and use; its SWE-1.6 model is free and unlimited. Devin Cloud agents are billed per usage (e.g., per task or per minute) with no fixed monthly tier published. Enterprise pricing is available for teams needing dedicated support and on-premises options. For a solo developer on a tight budget, Windsurf's free unlimited SWE-1.6 is very attractive. For a team needing context-aware assistance without per-agent costs, Cody's Pro tier is predictable. Both tools have enterprise plans but Cody's is more structured around seat-based pricing; Windsurf is more consumption-based for cloud agents.