VS Code
Visual Studio Code, developed by Microsoft, is a versatile and powerful standalone code editor that supports Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems. It is designed to cater to developers’ needs with its extensive range of features, including support for large language models such as GPT-5, Claude 4.5, and Gemini 3.0. One of the highlights of VS Code is its capability for local inference, allowing users to process data on their machines without relying solely on cloud services. With a context window of 200k tokens, it facilitates handling complex codebases efficiently. The integration of agentic editing across multiple files and full terminal access enhances productivity for developers. Additionally, VS Code offers predictive edits, providing suggestions that streamline coding processes.
The tool is known for its standard privacy policy and SOC2 Type II certification, ensuring data security and compliance. Users can enjoy a free tier or opt for premium features with pricing ranging from $0 to $20 per month. Configuration is made simple through the .vscode/ai.json file, and migration to the tool is seamless, allowing users to transition without hassle.
Pros
- ✓ Supports multiple operating systems.
- ✓ Local inference available.
- ✓ Full terminal access.
- ✓ Predictive edits enhance productivity.
- ✓ Seamless migration.
Cons
- ✕ Pricing can reach up to $20 per month.
- ✕ No custom model support.
Windsurf
Windsurf is a standalone development tool that offers robust support for Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms. Developed by Windsurf, it provides flexibility by supporting user-provided models alongside its own custom model, SWE-1.5. Although it lacks local inference capabilities, it maintains a competitive edge with a 200k token context window, enabling effective management of large code projects. Like VS Code, Windsurf facilitates agentic editing across multiple files and grants full terminal access, ensuring a seamless development experience.
Windsurf adheres to a standard privacy policy and holds SOC2 Type II certification, emphasizing its commitment to data security. Users can access a free tier or opt for premium features with a pricing range from free to $30 per month. The tool’s configuration is straightforward with a .windsurfrc file, and migration is designed to be seamless, promoting ease of use for new adopters.
Pros
- ✓ Supports user-provided models.
- ✓ Full terminal access.
- ✓ Predictive edits available.
- ✓ Seamless migration.
- ✓ Free tier available.
Cons
- ✕ No local inference.
- ✕ Pricing can reach up to $30 per month.
Comparison Table
| Feature | VS Code | Windsurf |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture Type | standalone | standalone |
| Supported Os | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Developer | Microsoft | Windsurf |
| Supported Llms | GPT-5, Claude 4.5, Gemini 3.0 | SWE-1.5, User-provided models |
| 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 | Standard Privacy Policy |
| Certifications | SOC2 Type II (Enterprise) | SOC2 Type II (Enterprise) |
| About Price | $0 – $20/mo | Free – $30/mo |
| Config File | .vscode/ai.json | .windsurfrc |
| Migration | Seamless | Seamless |
Conclusion
Both VS Code and Windsurf offer robust features for developers, with each having its strengths. VS Code excels in local inference and cost-effectiveness, while Windsurf offers flexibility with user-provided models. Choosing between them depends on specific development needs and budget considerations.