Cursor vs GitHub Copilot vs Windsurf (Devin Desktop)
Cursor is our pick for an agent-first editor; GitHub Copilot is the safe, low-cost choice that works across many IDEs; Windsurf, now marketed as Devin Desktop, offers quota-based plans and access to Devin's cloud agents.
The verdict
You want an agent-first editor
→ Cursor
You want AI in the IDE you already use, from $10/month
You prefer quota-based plans and cloud agents
Side by side
| Attribute | Cursor | GitHub Copilot | Windsurf (Devin Desktop) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form factor | Standalone editor | Extension for many IDEs + github.com | Standalone editor |
| Usage model | Usage pools per plan | GitHub AI Credits | Daily / weekly quotas |
| Starting paid price | $8/mo | $10/mo | $20/mo |
| Free tier | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | No | No | No |
| Pricing verified | Oct 15, 2026 | Oct 15, 2026 | Oct 15, 2026 |
| Our take | Our pick for vibe coders who are ready to touch code: agent mode, chat and tab completion in a familiar editor. Its plans changed recently, so check which models your tier includes. | The safe choice if you live on GitHub: completions, chat and coding agents across popular IDEs and github.com. Plans now run on GitHub AI Credits, so heavy agent use can cost more than the sticker price. | Cognition's AI editor, formerly Windsurf and now marketed as Devin Desktop, with quota-based plans and access to Devin's cloud agents on Pro. A solid Cursor alternative if quotas suit you better than usage pools. |
| Links | Visit Cursor ↗ | Visit GitHub Copilot ↗ | Visit Windsurf (Devin Desktop) ↗ |
Prices from each vendor's official pricing page. Check site means we couldn't verify a price — we never guess.
FAQ
Is Windsurf the same as Devin Desktop?
Yes. Windsurf's pricing page now redirects to Devin's, and the editor is marketed as Devin Desktop.