Codex vs Windsurf
Codex 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 | Codex | Windsurf |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor | OpenAI | Cognition |
| Rating | ★ 4.5 | ★ 4.5 |
| Pricing | Paid | Freemium |
| Platforms | CLI, IDE, Cloud, Web | Desktop |
| Key features | Cloud sandbox task execution, Codex CLI (open source), IDE extension | Cascade AI agent, AI code completion, Code chat |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, USA | San Francisco, USA |
| Founded | 2025 | 2024 |
| Open source | No | No |
Key differences
- Codex and Windsurf share the same user rating (4.5★).
- Codex is Paid, while Windsurf is Freemium.
- Codex runs on CLI, IDE, Cloud, Web; Windsurf runs on Desktop.
Frequently asked questions
Is Codex or Windsurf better?
Codex and Windsurf are rated equally (4.5★) by users, so the better choice depends on your needs — see the feature and platform comparison above.
Which is cheaper, Codex or Windsurf?
Codex is Paid and Windsurf is Freemium. Check each product page for current plan details.
Are Codex and Windsurf open source?
No — neither Codex nor Windsurf is open source.