Cline vs Windsurf

Detailed side-by-side comparison to help you choose the right tool

Cline

🔴Developer

AI Coding

Open-source autonomous coding agent that runs as a VS Code (and JetBrains) extension, using your own API keys to plan, edit files, run terminal commands, and iterate against real feedback — the reference implementation of a transparent agentic coding loop.

Was this helpful?

Starting Price

Free
Full ReviewVisit Site

Windsurf

🔴Developer

AI coding assistant

An agentic coding environment for editing, understanding, and generating software.

Was this helpful?

Starting Price

Free
Full ReviewVisit Site

Feature Comparison

Scroll horizontally to compare details.

FeatureClineWindsurf
CategoryAI CodingAI coding assistant
Pricing Plans3 listed plans1 listed plan
Starting PriceFreeFree
Key Features
  • • Open-source coding agent runtime for VS Code, CLI, and SDK embedding
  • • Bring-your-own-key support for OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, and other model providers
  • • MCP Marketplace for connecting agent tools and context
  • • Repository-aware code explanation and generation
  • • Agentic multi-file editing inside a developer IDE
  • • Natural-language implementation and refactoring requests

Cline - Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓Shows proposed edits and commands before execution
  • ✓Supports many hosted and local model providers instead of locking users to one
  • ✓Checkpoint history makes experimental agent runs easier to unwind
  • ✓Deep MCP support connects browsers, databases, tickets, and internal tools

Cons

  • ✗BYO-model usage can become expensive during long agent loops
  • ✗Frequent approval prompts trade autonomy for safety
  • ✗Output quality and cost vary substantially by selected model
  • ✗Managed and team pricing needs vendor confirmation

Windsurf - Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓Keeps code generation and repository exploration inside the editor
  • ✓Coordinates changes across multiple files instead of returning isolated snippets
  • ✓MCP client support expands the tools an agent can use
  • ✓Strong fit for feature work, refactoring, and unfamiliar repositories

Cons

  • ✗Homepage and pricing page returned HTTP 429, so current prices need manual verification
  • ✗Large generated diffs can increase review burden and hide regressions
  • ✗MCP servers expand the permission and security surface
  • ✗Generated code still requires tests, security review, and human approval

Not sure which to pick?

🎯 Take our quiz →

🔒 Security & Compliance Comparison

Scroll horizontally to compare details.

Security FeatureClineWindsurf
SOC2—✅ Yes
GDPR—✅ Yes
HIPAA——
SSO—✅ Yes
Self-Hosted—✅ Yes
On-Prem—✅ Yes
RBAC—✅ Yes
Audit Log—✅ Yes
Open Source—❌ No
API Key Auth—✅ Yes
Encryption at Rest—✅ Yes
Encryption in Transit—✅ Yes
Data Residency—US, EU
Data Retention—configurable
🦞

New to AI tools?

Read practical guides for choosing and using AI tools

Read Guides →
🔔

Price Drop Alerts

Get notified when AI tools lower their prices

Tracking 2 tools

We only email when prices actually change. No spam, ever.

Get weekly AI agent tool insights

Comparisons, new tool launches, and expert recommendations delivered to your inbox.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Ready to Choose?

Read the full reviews to make an informed decision

Review ClineReview Windsurf