OpenHands Overview
OpenHands is a cloud-based tool developed by OpenHands, supporting multiple operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux. It is compatible with advanced large language models like GPT-5, Claude 4.5, Qwen3-Coder-30B, and Gemini 3.0, offering a wide range of capabilities for developers and businesses. With a substantial context window of 200k tokens, it allows for extensive data processing and analysis. The tool provides agentic editing with multi-file support, full terminal access, and predictive editing capabilities, making it a versatile choice for technical tasks. Although it lacks a free tier, its robust features like local inference and a standard privacy policy, along with SOC2 Type II (Enterprise) certification, ensure both functionality and compliance. Its pricing details are available upon contacting sales, and setup is required for migration.
Pros
- ✓ Supports multiple advanced LLMs.
- ✓ Full terminal access.
- ✓ Predictive editing capabilities.
- ✓ Local inference supported.
- ✓ SOC2 Type II certification.
Cons
- ✕ No free tier available.
- ✕ Requires setup for migration.
- ✕ Contact sales for pricing information.
Windsurf (Cascade Agent) Overview
Windsurf, developed by Windsurf, is a cloud-based tool that offers support for major operating systems such as Windows, macOS, and Linux. It is designed to work with LLMs like SWE-1.5, SWE-1, and GPT-5, with the option to use its custom model, SWE-1.5. With a context window of 200k tokens, it provides ample room for complex data handling and processing. This tool excels in providing a Zero Data Retention (ZDR) privacy mode, which is ideal for users concerned about data privacy. It offers multi-file agentic editing, full terminal access, and predictive editing. Windsurf provides a free tier and a flexible pricing model ranging from free to $60+ per user per month, making it accessible for various budget requirements. Migration requires setup, but the overall package is attractive for businesses looking for a comprehensive solution.
Pros
- ✓ Zero Data Retention (ZDR) privacy mode.
- ✓ Free tier available.
- ✓ Supports custom model SWE-1.5.
- ✓ SOC2 Type II certification.
- ✓ Flexible pricing model.
Cons
- ✕ No local inference support.
- ✕ Requires setup for migration.
Comparison Table
| Feature | OpenHands | Windsurf (Cascade Agent) |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture Type | cloud | cloud |
| Supported Os | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Developer | OpenHands | Windsurf |
| Supported Llms | GPT-5, Claude 4.5, Qwen3-Coder-30B, Gemini 3.0 | SWE-1.5, SWE-1, GPT-5 |
| Custom Model | – | SWE-1.5 |
| Context Window | 200k 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 | .openhandsrc | .windsurfrc |
| Migration | Requires setup | Requires setup |
Conclusion
Both OpenHands and Windsurf offer robust cloud-based solutions with strong support for advanced LLMs and comprehensive features for technical users. OpenHands excels in local inference and a wide range of supported LLMs, making it suitable for enterprises needing extensive capabilities and compliance. On the other hand, Windsurf offers a unique Zero Data Retention privacy mode and a more flexible pricing structure, including a free tier, catering to users prioritizing privacy and budget flexibility. Choosing between them depends on specific needs regarding privacy, budget, and technical requirements.