Windsurf vs Cline
Which one should you choose? Here's how they compare.
| Feature | Windsurf | Cline |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.2 | ★ 4.2 |
| Pricing | $15/mo | Free (BYO API key) |
| Type | freemium | free |
| Company | Codeium | Open Source |
| Founded | 2024 | 2023 |
Windsurf Features
- •AI chat
- •Code completion
- •Multi-file editing
- •Terminal integration
Cline Features
- •Autonomous coding
- •VS Code extension
- •Browser automation
- •Terminal commands
Windsurf Pros
- ✓Free tier generous
- ✓Fast performance
- ✓Good AI integration
Windsurf Cons
- ✗New product
- ✗Smaller community
- ✗VS Code learning curve
Cline Pros
- ✓Open source and free
- ✓Can build complete projects
- ✓Extremely powerful
Cline Cons
- ✗Requires API key
- ✗Can make mistakes on complex tasks
- ✗Steep learning curve
The Verdict
Both Windsurf and Cline are solid choices in the codingspace. Here's a quick summary:
Choose Windsurf if:
- • You need free tier generous
- • You need fast performance
Choose Cline if:
- • You need open source and free
- • You need can build complete projects