Windsurf is the new kid on the block, trying to challenge Cursor AI‘s dominance in AI-powered IDEs.
Released by Codeium in late 2024, Windsurf promises everything Cursor does—AI autocomplete, chat, multi-file editing—but cheaper and with a more generous free tier. Sounds too good to be true, right?
I’ve been testing Windsurf alongside Cursor for the past two months. I built a full-stack app in Windsurf, migrated an existing project from Cursor, and pushed it through everything from quick bug fixes to complex refactors.
Here’s what I found: Windsurf is genuinely good, sometimes even better than Cursor in specific ways. But it’s also newer, which means rougher edges and occasional bugs that Cursor has already ironed out.
The real question isn’t “Is Windsurf good?”—it’s “Should you switch from Cursor?” or “If you’re new to AI IDEs, should you start with Windsurf or Cursor?”
Let me give you the unfiltered truth.
Quick Verdict
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Best for: Developers who want Cursor-like features but at a lower price, or those willing to deal with occasional bugs for a better free tier
Pricing: Free tier (generous), Pro $10/month (half the price of Cursor Pro)
My recommendation: If you’re budget-conscious or new to AI IDEs, start with Windsurf’s free tier. If you need maximum stability and maturity, stick with Cursor for now.
What Makes Windsurf Impressive
- Cascade mode is legitimately comparable to Cursor’s Composer
- $10/month for Pro (vs Cursor’s $20)
- Free tier is way more generous (unlimited autocomplete + limited Cascade)
- Built on VS Code, so familiar interface
- Flow mode for uninterrupted AI generation is clever
- Fast iteration—new features ship weekly
What Needs Improvement
- Occasional bugs and crashes (it’s newer)
- Some extensions don’t work properly yet
- Context awareness is not quite as good as Cursor
- A smaller community means fewer tutorials/support
- The AI sometimes makes mistakes, Cursor wouldn’t
What Is Windsurf IDE?
Windsurf is an AI-powered code editor built by Codeium, the company behind the popular (and free) Codeium autocomplete extension.
Like Cursor, Windsurf is forked from VS Code, which means:
– Familiar interface if you’ve used VS Code
– Most VS Code extensions work
– Same keyboard shortcuts
– Easy to import your VS Code settings
The key differentiator: Windsurf’s Cascade mode—their version of Cursor’s Composer. It’s a multi-file AI editing experience that can plan and execute changes across your entire codebase.
Think of Windsurf as Codeium’s answer to Cursor: “Everything you love about Cursor, but cheaper and more accessible.”
Key Features Breakdown
Supercomplete: Fast Autocomplete
Windsurf’s autocomplete (called “Supercomplete”) is Codeium’s core competency. They’ve been doing AI autocomplete longer than most competitors.
How it works:
As you type, gray text appears, suggesting the next 1-10 lines. Press Tab to accept.
Quality: Very good. Not quite as accurate as GitHub Copilot in my testing, but close. Better than many alternatives.
Speed: Fast. Suggestions appear in 100-200ms, comparable to Copilot.
Language support: 70+ languages. Excellent for JavaScript, TypeScript, Python, Go, Rust, and Java.
My experience: I rarely had to reject suggestions. When I did, Alt+] to cycle to the next suggestion usually gave me what I wanted.
My rating: 4/5 – Excellent autocomplete, slightly behind Copilot but better than Cursor’s.
Cascade: The Star Feature
This is why you’d choose Windsurf over simpler AI tools.
What is Cascade?
A chat interface that can edit multiple files simultaneously based on natural language instructions.
How it’s different from basic chat:
– Plans changes across your codebase before executing
– Shows diffs for every file it wants to change
– You approve/reject each file individually
– Understands project structure and how files relate
Example workflow:
Me: "Add user authentication with JWT tokens. Include routes, middleware, and tests."
Cascade:
[Analyzes codebase]
I'll make these changes:
- Create src/auth/middleware.ts (new file)
- Update src/routes/users.ts (add auth to routes)
- Create src/services/jwt.ts (token handling)
- Update src/types/user.ts (add token types)
- Create tests/auth.test.ts (test coverage)
[Shows diff for each file]
Accept changes? [Yes] [Review individually] [No]
Code language: HTTP (http)My experience: When it works, it’s magical. I’ve added entire features (15+ files) in a single prompt. But it occasionally misunderstands requirements or makes breaking changes.
My rating: 4/5 – Powerful but needs more polish. Cursor’s Composer is slightly more reliable.
Cascade Modes: Auto, Manual, and Flow
Windsurf offers three Cascade modes:
1. Auto Mode (default)
– AI decides which files to edit
– Good for: general features, exploratory refactors
– Risk: might edit files you didn’t expect
2. Manual Mode
– You explicitly select files
– Good for: targeted edits, refactoring specific modules
– Benefit: more control, no surprises
3. Flow Mode (unique to Windsurf)
– AI generates continuously without stopping for approval
– Good for: scaffolding, creating boilerplate, initial project setup
– Risk: can make many changes quickly (review carefully after)
My preference: Manual mode for refactors, Auto for new features, Flow for scaffolding.
Inline Chat: Quick Edits
Press Cmd+K (Mac) or Ctrl+K (Windows/Linux) for inline chat.
Use cases:
– “Add error handling to this function”
– “Convert to async/await”
– “Fix this TypeScript error”
– “Add JSDoc comments”
Works well for focused, single-file edits.
My rating: 4/5 – Same quality as Cursor, works as expected.
Pricing: The Windsurf Advantage
Free Tier (Generous)
Includes:
– Unlimited Supercomplete (autocomplete)
– ~10 Cascade requests per day (resets daily)
– All basic editing features
– Extension support
My take: This is way better than Cursor’s free tier. You can genuinely use Windsurf for free and be productive. Cursor’s free tier runs out in a day of heavy use.
Pro: $10/month
Adds:
– Unlimited Cascade usage
– GPT-4 access (free tier uses GPT-3.5)
– Faster response times
– Priority support
My take: Half the price of Cursor Pro ($20/month), and you get similar features. If budget matters, this is huge.
No Enterprise tier (yet)
Windsurf doesn’t have an enterprise offering yet. If you need on-premises deployment or advanced admin controls, stick with Cursor or GitHub Copilot.
Real-World Testing: How It Actually Performs
Let me show you how Windsurf handled real development tasks.
Test 1: Building a New Feature (User Profile Page)
Task: Create a user profile page with edit functionality
My prompt to Cascade:
Create a user profile feature:
- Profile page at /profile showing user data
- Edit mode with form validation
- API endpoints (GET /api/profile, PUT /api/profile)
- Use React Query for data fetching
- Match existing design system
Code language: JavaScript (javascript)What Windsurf did:
– Created ProfilePage.tsx component
– Created ProfileEditForm.tsx component
– Updated router.tsx with a new route
– Created API endpoints in api/profile.ts
– Added types in types/user.ts
– Created tests in tests/profile.test.tsx
Result: 6 files created/edited in ~20 seconds. Code quality was good but needed minor tweaks:
– Missing some error handling
– Form validation could be better
– Test coverage was basic
Time saved: Would take 45-60 minutes manually. Windsurf got me 80% there in 30 seconds.
Grade: B+ – Very good, not perfect.
Test 2: Refactoring Legacy Code
Task: Convert class components to functional components (React)
My prompt:
Refactor all components in src/components/legacy/ from class components to functional components with hooks. Maintain exact same functionality.
Code language: JavaScript (javascript)What Windsurf did:
– Converted 8 components successfully
– Properly migrated lifecycle methods to useEffect
– Converted state to useState
– Maintained PropTypes
Issues encountered:
– Missed one edge case in componentDidUpdate logic
– One component had a circular dependency, Windsurf didn’t catch
Result: 7 out of 8 components perfect, 1 needed manual fix.
Grade: A- – Impressive for a complex refactor.
Test 3: Bug Fix (Production Issue)
Task: Fix memory leak in React component
Context: The Large list component was causing memory issues.
My prompt to Cascade:
This UserList component has a memory leak. Users report browser slowdown after viewing the list. Review and fix.
[Pasted component code]
Code language: CSS (css)What Windsurf identified:
1. Event listeners not cleaned up in useEffect
2. Sorting function created a new array on every render
3. Missing React.memo on child components
What Windsurf fixed:
– Added cleanup functions to useEffect
– Wrapped sort in useMemo
– Wrapped child components with React.memo
– Added comments explaining optimisations
Result: Memory leak fixed + performance improved.
Grade: A – Nailed it.
Windsurf vs Cursor: The Direct Comparison
I used both tools daily for 2 months. Here’s my honest comparison:
Where Windsurf Wins
1. Price
– Windsurf Free > Cursor Free (by a mile)
– Windsurf Pro ($10) < Cursor Pro ($20)
2. Free tier generosity
– Windsurf: Unlimited autocomplete + 10 Cascade/day
– Cursor: Runs out quickly with heavy use
3. Flow mode
– Windsurf’s continuous generation mode is unique
– Great for scaffolding projects
4. Update frequency
– Windsurf ships new features weekly
– Cursor updates monthly
Where Cursor Wins
1. Stability
– Cursor rarely crashes or bugs out
– Windsurf has occasional quirks
2. Context awareness
– Cursor understands codebases slightly better
– Fewer mistakes in complex refactors
3. Community and support
– Cursor has a larger user base and more tutorials
– Easier to find help when stuck
4. Extension compatibility
– Cursor has fewer extension conflicts
– Windsurf is still working out some bugs
5. Polish
– Cursor feels more refined
– Windsurf’s UI has minor rough edges
The Verdict
Cursor is better if:
– You need maximum reliability (production work)
– You’re willing to pay $20/month for the best experience
– You want the most mature AI IDE
Windsurf is better if:
– You’re budget-conscious ($10 vs $20)
– You want a generous free tier to test
– You’re okay with occasional bugs for a lower price
– You like trying cutting-edge features early
My personal choice: I keep both installed. Windsurf for side projects and experimentation, Cursor for client work where stability matters.
Pros and Cons: The Full Picture
Pros
✓ Half the price of Cursor Pro ($10 vs $20)
✓ Generous free tier (actually usable long-term)
✓ Cascade mode is powerful (multi-file editing works well)
✓ Flow mode for scaffolding is unique and useful
✓ Fast autocomplete (Supercomplete is excellent)
✓ Built on VS Code (familiar, extensions work)
✓ Regular updates (new features every week)
✓ Good language support (70+ languages)
Cons
✕ Newer, less stable than Cursor (occasional bugs)
✕ Smaller community (fewer tutorials, less support)
✕ Context awareness is slightly weaker than Cursor
✕ Some extension compatibility issues
✕ UI has minor rough edges
✕ AI makes more mistakes than Cursor in complex scenarios
✕ No enterprise tier (yet)
Who Should Use Windsurf?
Perfect for:
1. Budget-conscious developers
$10/month vs Cursor’s $20 is significant over a year ($120 savings).
2. Students and hobbyists
The free tier is generous enough for learning and side projects.
3. Developers trying AI IDEs for the first time
Free tier lets you test without financial commitment.
4. Early adopters
If you enjoy trying new tools and providing feedback.
5. Side project developers
Where occasional bugs are an acceptable trade-off for price.
Not ideal for:
1. Enterprise teams
No enterprise tier, missing admin controls.
2. Developers who need maximum stability
Use Cursor if you can’t tolerate any bugs.
3. Those who need best-in-class context awareness
Cursor’s understanding of large codebases is still slightly better.
4. Developers who want the largest community
Cursor has more users, tutorials, and support resources.
Common Issues and Solutions
Issue #1: Cascade Not Responding
Symptoms: Cascade request hangs or times out
Solutions:
1. Check internet connection (Cascade requires a network)
2. Refresh the auth token (sign out and back in)
3. Check Codeium status page
4. Try again in Manual mode (lighter context load)
Issue #2: Extensions Not Working
Symptoms: VS Code extension fails to load or errors
Solutions:
1. Check Windsurf’s compatible extensions list
2. Try uninstalling and reinstalling the extension
3. Report to Codeium support (they’re responsive)
4. Use an alternative extension if available
Issue #3: Cascade Makes Unwanted Changes
Symptoms: AI edits files you didn’t want changed
Solutions:
1. Use Manual mode and explicitly select files
2. Review each file individually before accepting
3. Write more specific prompts with file constraints
4. Use .windsurfignore to exclude sensitive files
Issue #4: Slow Performance on Large Projects
Symptoms: Lag when typing, slow file switching
Solutions:
1. Add node_modules, dist, .git to .windsurfignore
2. Reduce the Cascade context window in settings
3. Close unused editor tabs
4. Disable extensions you’re not actively using
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Windsurf
Tip #1: Start with Manual Mode
When learning Cascade, use Manual mode:
1. Select files you want to edit
2. Open Cascade (Cmd+Shift+L)
3. Type your request
4. Review changes carefully
This gives you more control and helps you understand what Cascade can do.
Tip #2: Use Flow Mode for Scaffolding
When starting a new project or feature:
Cascade in Flow mode:
"Create a basic Express API with users and posts resources. Include routes, controllers, models, and tests."
[Let Flow mode generate everything]
[Review and adjust after]
Code language: CSS (css)Flow mode shines for boilerplate.
Tip #3: Write Specific Prompts
Vague:
Add authentication
Specific:
Add JWT authentication:
- Create auth middleware in src/middleware/auth.ts
- Add login/register routes in src/routes/auth.ts
- Use bcrypt for password hashing
- Store tokens in httpOnly cookies
- Follow the pattern in src/routes/users.ts
Code language: PHP (php)Specific prompts = better results.
Tip #4: Review Diffs Carefully
Always review what Cascade wants to change:
– Check if it’s editing the right files
– Verify it’s not removing important code
– Look for breaking changes
– Test thoroughly after accepting
Tip #5: Use .windsurfignore
Exclude files Cascade shouldn’t touch:
# .windsurfignore
node_modules/
dist/
build/
.env
.git/
Code language: PHP (php)This speeds up Cascade and prevents unwanted edits.
The Future of Windsurf
Codeium is iterating fast. In the 2 months I’ve been testing, they’ve added:
– Flow mode
– Better context awareness
– Faster response times
– More language support
– UI improvements
What I expect in 2025:
– Enterprise tier (for businesses)
– Even better Cascade accuracy
– More VS Code extension compatibility
– Offline mode (maybe)
– More AI model choices (Claude, etc.)
Windsurf feels like it’s on a strong trajectory. If they maintain this pace, it could match or exceed Cursor within a year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Windsurf better than Cursor?
Not yet, but it’s close. Cursor is more stable and has better context awareness. Windsurf is half the price and has a better free tier. Choose based on priorities: stability vs cost.
Can I use Windsurf for free long-term?
Yes! The free tier includes unlimited autocomplete and ~10 Cascade requests per day. That’s usable for real work, not just a trial. Upgrade to Pro ($10/month) for unlimited Cascade.
Does Windsurf work offline?
No, Windsurf requires an internet connection for AI features (Supercomplete and Cascade). The editor works offline, but AI is disabled.
Will my VS Code extensions work in Windsurf?
Most will (Windsurf is a VS Code fork), but not all. Check compatibility before switching. Report broken extensions to Codeium—they’re actively improving compatibility.
Is Windsurf safe for private code?
Code snippets are sent to Codeium’s servers for AI processing. Codeium states they don’t store or train on your code. For maximum privacy, use local AI tools like Tabnine in offline mode.
Can I import my settings from Cursor or VS Code?
Yes! During the first launch, Windsurf offers to import settings, extensions, and keybindings from VS Code or Cursor. It’s a one-click process.
Does Windsurf have a student discount?
Currently, there is no separate student discount, but the free tier is generous enough for students. If you need more, the $10/month Pro plan is affordable for most students.
What languages does Windsurf support?
70+ languages, including JavaScript, TypeScript, Python, Go, Rust, Java, C++, C#, PHP, Ruby, Swift, Kotlin, and more. Quality is best for popular languages with lots of training data.
Final Verdict: Should You Switch to Windsurf?
Switch to Windsurf if:
– You’re currently using Cursor and want to save $10/month
– You’re new to AI IDEs and want a great free tier
– You’re okay with occasional bugs for better pricing
– You enjoy being early to new tools
Stick with Cursor if:
– You need maximum stability for production work
– $20/month isn’t a concern for you
– You want best-in-class context awareness
– You prefer mature, polished tools
Start with Windsurf if:
– You’re trying AI IDEs for the first time (free tier is great)
– You’re budget-conscious
– You want to test before committing to Cursor’s price
My personal recommendation:
Try Windsurf’s free tier for a week. If you love it and hit the Cascade limit, upgrade to Pro ($10). If you find bugs frustrating or need better reliability, switch to Cursor.
For most developers, Windsurf’s free tier is good enough. For professionals who code 8 hours a day, the $10 Pro plan is still a steal compared to the time saved.
Related Articles
- Cursor vs Windsurf: Which AI IDE is Better?
- How to Set Up Windsurf IDE: Complete Guide
- Best AI Code Editors and IDEs for 2025
- Cursor AI Review 2025
Last updated: January 2025
