An AI-powered code editor focused on agentic workflows, multi-file editing, and in-editor refactoring. Now part of OpenAI following the acquisition of Codeium in late 2025.
| Core Competency | AI-Native Development, Large Codebases, Agentic Workflows, OpenAI Ecosystem Users |
|---|---|
| AI Architecture | Primarily powered by OpenAI models (GPT-4.1, o3) with the Cascade agent for agentic workflows. Legacy Codeium models may still be used for low-latency autocomplete. |
| Context Window | Supports large context windows via OpenAI's frontier models. Cascade agent maintains multi-file context for complex refactoring tasks. |
| Deployment | Enterprise Cloud with SSO/SCIM |
| Offline Support | Limited offline capabilities; core AI features require cloud connectivity to OpenAI's infrastructure. |
| IDE Integration | Windsurf is a standalone VS Code-based editor. Also offers extensions for VS Code, JetBrains IDEs, and Neovim. |
| Company Maturity | 4 years |
| Pricing Model | Professional - Team-focused |
Visual breakdown of this tool's performance across six key evaluation criteria
See how Windsurf ranks against the top AI coding assistants in our directory
Windsurf, now part of OpenAI following the acquisition of Codeium, competes in the Cursor-class editor category with an emphasis on agentic workflows. Its Cascade agent and focus on multi-file reasoning make it well-suited for complex, iterative development. The OpenAI acquisition positions Windsurf as a strategic asset in OpenAI's developer tooling portfolio, likely benefiting from deeper model integration and enterprise backing. Watch for tighter OpenAI API integration and potential model exclusives.
Windsurf delivers enterprise-grade AI assistance with proven reliability and comprehensive feature set. Unique offline capabilities make it suitable for security-conscious enterprise environments. Best suited for developers requiring advanced AI assistance in their primary development workflow.
**Professional developers and technical leads** who need reliable, enterprise-grade AI assistance for complex projects. Ideal for **enterprise IT teams** managing developer tools across large organizations with centralized authentication needs.
Status: Acquired by OpenAI (formerly Codeium Inc.)
Founded: 2022
Backing: Codeium raised over $150M before acquisition, backed by Kleiner Perkins, General Catalyst, and Greenoaks. Acquired by OpenAI in late 2025 for a reported $3B, making it part of OpenAI's developer tools strategy alongside Codex.
Primarily powered by OpenAI models (GPT-4.1, o3) with the Cascade agent for agentic workflows. Legacy Codeium models may still be used for low-latency autocomplete.
Windsurf supports Windsurf is a standalone VS Code-based editor. Also offers extensions for VS Code, JetBrains IDEs, and Neovim..
Windsurf requires an internet connection. Limited offline capabilities; core AI features require cloud connectivity to OpenAI's infrastructure.
Windsurf scores 91/100 versus Claude Code's 98/100. Windsurf excels at AI-Native Development and Large Codebases, while Claude Code is known for Agentic Coding and Complex Refactoring.
Windsurf is best suited for AI-Native Development, Large Codebases, Agentic Workflows, OpenAI Ecosystem Users. Multi-file feature development with agent-guided refactors
Supports large context windows via OpenAI's frontier models. Cascade agent maintains multi-file context for complex refactoring tasks.
Windsurf has been a revelation for our small team. The AI flows feel natural and help us ship features faster. As a non-technical founder who codes, it's made me much more productive.
Really impressed with how Windsurf handles full-stack development. The AI understands the context between frontend and backend changes. Still early days but showing great promise.
Windsurf makes solo development less lonely! The AI collaboration features are unique compared to other tools. Occasionally slow with large projects but overall a fresh take on AI coding.
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