Cline vs Windsurf
Cline 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 | Cline | Windsurf |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor | Cline Bot | Cognition |
| Rating | ★ 4.7 | ★ 4.5 |
| Pricing | Freemium | Freemium |
| Platforms | VS Code | Desktop |
| Key features | Autonomous multi-file edits, Terminal command execution, BYOK multi-model support | Cascade AI agent, AI code completion, Code chat |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, USA | San Francisco, USA |
| Founded | 2024 | 2024 |
| Open source | Yes | No |
Key differences
- Cline has a higher user rating (4.7★ vs 4.5★).
- Both Cline and Windsurf use a Freemium model.
- Cline is open source (its code is public), while Windsurf is proprietary.
- Cline runs on VS Code; Windsurf runs on Desktop.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cline or Windsurf better?
By user rating, Cline 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, Cline or Windsurf?
Both Cline and Windsurf use a Freemium pricing model.
Are Cline and Windsurf open source?
Cline is open source, while Windsurf is proprietary.