AI coding tools
Windsurf
AI IDEAI IDE with "Cascade" agentic flows and a generous free tier.
Key facts (mid-2026)
- Maker
- Windsurf (formerly Codeium)
- Pricing
- Free tier; Pro ~$15/mo
- Models
- Multi-model incl. own SWE models
- Platforms
- macOS, Linux, Windows (standalone editor)
- MCP support
- Yes
- Open source
- No
Strengths
- Cascade mode chains edits across files with a clean review flow
- Cheapest paid tier among the big AI IDEs
- Good free tier for evaluation
Weaknesses
- Smaller ecosystem and community than Cursor
- Ownership/direction changed hands in 2025 — roadmap continuity is a fair question
Our verdict
Best for: Budget-conscious developers who want an agentic IDE without a $20+ commitment.
A strong Cursor alternative at a lower price — evaluate both free tiers and see which flow clicks.
FAQ
How much does Windsurf cost?
Free tier; Pro ~$15/mo.
Which models does Windsurf use?
Multi-model incl. own SWE models
Who is Windsurf best for?
Budget-conscious developers who want an agentic IDE without a $20+ commitment.
No affiliate links on coding-hub pages. Opinions from daily use; pricing approximate — check the official site.