Windsurf vs Cline
Windsurf and Cline both work in AI Coding. Here is how they stack up on pricing, access, context and our editorial scores, and which one to pick.
Side by side
The verdict
Cline edges ahead overall, with a 4.6 Setuproll editorial score and a strong fit for open agent inside vs code. Windsurf is the better pick when you want agentic flows inside a clean ide, and it stays in the running on price and access. Most teams choose Cline as the default and reach for Windsurf when their workflow leans that way.
Frequently asked questions
Is Windsurf or Cline better?
Windsurf holds a 3.7 Setuproll editorial score and is best for agentic flows inside a clean ide, while Cline holds a 4.6 and is best for open agent inside vs code. Pick Windsurf for agentic flows inside a clean ide and Cline for open agent inside vs code.
What is the difference between Windsurf and Cline?
Windsurf is reached as IDE (freemium) with Model-dependent, while Cline is reached as Plugin (open source) with Model-dependent. They overlap on AI Coding but lead in different parts of the workflow.
Is Windsurf cheaper than Cline?
Windsurf is free tier + pro $15/mo, and Cline is free, bring your own api key. Cline is open source, so it can be the cheaper option if you self-host.