Devin
Devin is a cloud-based tool designed for versatile use across Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms. Developed by Devin, it supports advanced large language models like GPT-6 and Claude 4.5, providing a robust context window of over 10 million tokens. Devin is ideal for users who require comprehensive terminal access and predictive editing capabilities. It features a custom model called Devin-Planner, which enhances its planning and execution functionalities. Despite its powerful features, Devin does not offer a free tier, and pricing details require direct contact with their sales team. The tool is certified with SOC2 Type II, ensuring enterprise-level security compliance.
Pros
- ✓ Supports multiple advanced LLMs including GPT-6.
- ✓ Large context window exceeding 10 million tokens.
- ✓ Full terminal access with predictive edits.
- ✓ SOC2 Type II certified for enterprise security.
Cons
- ✕ No free tier available.
- ✕ Requires setup for migration.
- ✕ Pricing details are not publicly available.
Windsurf (Cascade Agent)
Windsurf, developed by Windsurf, offers a cloud-based solution compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux. It supports the SWE-1.5 and GPT-5 LLMs, providing a context window of 200k tokens. Known for its Zero Data Retention privacy mode, Windsurf ensures data security and user privacy. It features a custom model, SWE-1.5, and provides full terminal access and predictive editing. Windsurf stands out with its free tier, making it accessible, with paid plans starting at $60 per user per month. The tool is certified with SOC2 Type II for security compliance, addressing enterprise needs effectively.
Pros
- ✓ Zero Data Retention (ZDR) privacy mode.
- ✓ Offers a free tier and affordable pricing plan.
- ✓ Full terminal access with predictive edits.
- ✓ SOC2 Type II certified for security.
Cons
- ✕ Smaller context window of 200k tokens.
- ✕ Limited support for advanced LLMs compared to Devin.
- ✕ Requires setup for migration.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Devin | Windsurf (Cascade Agent) |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture Type | cloud | cloud |
| Supported Os | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Developer | Devin | Windsurf |
| Supported Llms | GPT-6, GPT-5, Claude 4.5, Gemini 3.0 | SWE-1.5, SWE-1, GPT-5 |
| Custom Model | Devin-Planner | SWE-1.5 |
| Context Window | 10M+ tokens | 200k tokens |
| Agentic Editing | Yes, multi-file | Yes, multi-file |
| Terminal Access | Full | Full |
| Privacy Mode | Standard Privacy Policy | Zero Data Retention (ZDR) |
| Certifications | SOC2 Type II (Enterprise) | SOC2 Type II (Enterprise) |
| About Price | Contact Sales | Free – $60+/user/mo |
| Config File | .devinrc | .windsurfrc |
| Migration | Requires setup | Requires setup |
Conclusion
Both Devin and Windsurf offer robust cloud-based solutions, each with unique strengths. Devin excels in supporting advanced LLMs and provides a vast context window, making it ideal for complex projects. Meanwhile, Windsurf offers a strong privacy mode with its Zero Data Retention policy and provides a more accessible entry point with a free tier. The choice between them should be guided by specific project needs and budget considerations.