Void: A Comprehensive Open-Source Solution
Void is a robust standalone tool developed by the open-source community, offering extensive support for various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. Designed to work with a wide array of large language models (LLMs) such as Gemini 2.5, Claude 3.7, GPT-4, and more, Void ensures versatility and adaptability. With its unique architecture, Void provides unlimited context windows through Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), making it an ideal choice for projects requiring extensive context retention. It also enables local inference, giving users the power to process data locally, thereby enhancing privacy and reducing reliance on external servers. Furthermore, Void prides itself on zero data retention, ensuring user data remains private and secure. With features like agentic editing, full terminal access, and predictive edits, Void stands out as a powerful tool for developers and researchers alike.
Pros
- ✓ Supports multiple operating systems
- ✓ Works with a wide range of LLMs
- ✓ Unlimited context window with RAG
- ✓ Local inference capability
- ✓ Zero data retention for enhanced privacy
- ✓ Free to use
Cons
- ✕ Requires configuration via settings.json
- ✕ Limited to open-source support
Windsurf: Versatile and User-Friendly
Windsurf is a standalone tool known for its user-centric design and versatility. It supports Windows, macOS, and Linux, catering to a broad user base. Windsurf’s architecture allows for the use of its proprietary model SWE-1.5, as well as user-provided models, offering flexibility for custom applications. With a substantial context window of 200k tokens, Windsurf is well-suited for complex tasks requiring significant data input. Although it does not support local inference, Windsurf provides seamless integration and ease of use, making it an attractive option for those who prioritize user experience. It adheres to a standard privacy policy, balancing data handling with functionality. Windsurf offers a free tier with optional paid upgrades, allowing users to scale according to their needs.
Pros
- ✓ Supports multiple operating systems
- ✓ Allows user-provided models
- ✓ Large context window
- ✓ User-friendly interface
- ✓ Free tier available
Cons
- ✕ No local inference capability
- ✕ Standard privacy policy may not suit all users
Comparison Table
| Feature | Void | Windsurf |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture Type | standalone | standalone |
| Supported Os | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Developer | Void (open-source) | Windsurf |
| Supported Llms | Gemini 2.5, Claude 3.7, GPT-4, Grok 3, o4-mini, Qwen 3, DeepSeek, Llama, Gemma 3 | SWE-1.5, User-provided models |
| Custom Model | – | SWE-1.5 |
| Context Window | Unlimited (RAG) | 200k tokens |
| Agentic Editing | Yes, multi-file | Yes, multi-file |
| Terminal Access | Full | Full |
| Privacy Mode | Zero Data Retention (ZDR) | Standard Privacy Policy |
| Certifications | SOC2 Type II (Enterprise) | SOC2 Type II (Enterprise) |
| About Price | Free | Free – $30/mo |
| Config File | settings.json | .windsurfrc |
| Migration | Seamless | Seamless |
Conclusion
Both Void and Windsurf offer distinct advantages tailored to different user needs. Void excels in privacy and local processing, making it ideal for users requiring extensive data security and control. In contrast, Windsurf offers a more flexible approach with its support for user-provided models and a user-friendly interface, appealing to those looking for ease of integration and scalability. Evaluating the specific requirements of your project will guide you in choosing the tool that best aligns with your objectives.