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Cursor vs Windsurf (Devin Desktop)

A side-by-side comparison of Cursor and Windsurf (Devin Desktop) — ratings, pricing, strengths, weaknesses and who each one is best for.

Updated 2026

Criteria
Cursor
Coding tool
Windsurf (Devin Desktop)
Coding tool
Rating
4.8
4.6
Pricing
  • Free: Free
  • Pro: $20/mo
  • Pro+: $60/mo
  • Ultra: $200/mo
  • Teams: $40/user/mo
  • Free: Free
  • Pro: $20/mo
  • Max: $200/mo
Pros
  • ✓ Deep AI integration
  • ✓ VS Code compatible
  • ✓ Multiple models
  • ✓ Strong code understanding
  • ✓ Familiar IDE experience
  • ✓ Local + cloud agent orchestration
  • ✓ Backed by the Devin ecosystem
  • ✓ Free personal tier
Cons
  • ✗ New workflow to learn
  • ✗ Limited free tier
  • ✗ Occasional lag
  • ✗ Rebrand transition churn
  • ✗ Docs & ecosystem migrating
  • ✗ Heavy usage needs a subscription
Best forEveryday coding, Refactoring, Project development, Learning to codeAutonomous development, Code refactoring, Full-stack projects
PlatformsDesktopDesktop

Our verdict

Cursor edges ahead on our overall rating (4.8 vs 4.6 — a 0.2-point lead), but both are capable choices.

On price, Cursor starts at $20/mo (Pro) and Windsurf (Devin Desktop) starts at $20/mo (Pro).

Choose Cursor if you want Everyday coding, Refactoring. Choose Windsurf (Devin Desktop) if you need Autonomous development, Code refactoring.

Read the full Cursor review →Read the full Windsurf (Devin Desktop) review →

This verdict comes from comparing documented fields — rating, price tiers, best-for, platforms — not from running both tools on the same task. The rating is editorial judgement, not user reviews.

FAQ

Is Cursor better than Windsurf (Devin Desktop)?

In our review Cursor rates 4.8/5 and Windsurf (Devin Desktop) rates 4.6/5. Cursor is best for Everyday coding, Refactoring, while Windsurf (Devin Desktop) suits Autonomous development, Code refactoring — so the better choice depends on your priorities.

What is the difference between Cursor and Windsurf (Devin Desktop)?

Cursor: An AI-native code editor (VS Code fork) whose parallel agents can rework a whole project in one pass — a default pick for daily development. Windsurf (Devin Desktop): Formerly Windsurf - renamed Devin Desktop in 2026, Cognition's AI IDE and agent command center.

Which is cheaper, Cursor or Windsurf (Devin Desktop)?

Cursor starts at Free (Free); Windsurf (Devin Desktop) starts at Free (Free).