Claude Code vs Windsurf
Claude Code and Windsurf are both Code Generation tools in our directory. This side-by-side comparison covers pricing, user ratings, supported platforms, key features and open-source status so you can decide which one fits your needs.
Side-by-side comparison
| Attribute | Claude Code | Windsurf |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor | Anthropic | Cognition |
| Rating | ★ 4.7 | ★ 4.5 |
| Pricing | Paid | Freemium |
| Platforms | CLI, IDE, API | Desktop |
| Key features | Whole-codebase reasoning via long context, File edits, tests and git operations, CLAUDE.md project memory | Cascade AI agent, AI code completion, Code chat |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, USA | San Francisco, USA |
| Founded | 2025 | 2024 |
| Open source | No | No |
Key differences
- Claude Code has a higher user rating (4.7★ vs 4.5★).
- Claude Code is Paid, while Windsurf is Freemium.
- Claude Code runs on CLI, IDE, API; Windsurf runs on Desktop.
Frequently asked questions
Is Claude Code or Windsurf better?
By user rating, Claude Code scores higher (4.7★ vs 4.5★). Both are capable Code Generation tools, so review the feature comparison for your use case.
Which is cheaper, Claude Code or Windsurf?
Claude Code is Paid and Windsurf is Freemium. Check each product page for current plan details.
Are Claude Code and Windsurf open source?
No — neither Claude Code nor Windsurf is open source.