WebStorm
WebStorm, developed by JetBrains, is a robust standalone tool designed for developers who need a versatile and high-performance environment. It is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it accessible to a wide range of users. WebStorm supports a variety of large language models, including GPT-5, Gemini 2.0, Llama 4, and Mistral Enterprise, providing users with extensive AI capabilities. With a context window of 1M tokens and the option for local inference, it offers powerful predictive editing and full terminal access, enhancing productivity for complex projects. Priced between $8 and $15 per month, it offers a premium experience for developers, although it does not have a free tier. The tool also boasts SOC2 Type II certification, ensuring enterprise-level security and privacy standards.
Pros
- ✓ Supports multiple large language models
- ✓ Local inference available
- ✓ Full terminal access
- ✓ Predictive editing capabilities
- ✓ Enterprise-level security with SOC2 Type II certification
Cons
- ✕ No free tier available
- ✕ Requires setup for migration
Windsurf
Windsurf is a comprehensive standalone tool that caters to developers seeking a cost-effective solution with flexible AI model support. Available on Windows, macOS, and Linux, it offers the SWE-1.5 custom model and supports user-provided models, allowing for personalized AI integration. With a context window of 200k tokens, Windsurf provides multi-file agentic editing and full terminal access, making it a versatile choice for developers. The tool is SOC2 Type II certified, ensuring strong security measures. One of its key advantages is the availability of a free tier, with premium options priced up to $30 per month. Its seamless migration feature further enhances user experience, simplifying transitions between environments.
Pros
- ✓ Free tier available
- ✓ Supports user-provided models
- ✓ Seamless migration
- ✓ Full terminal access
- ✓ Enterprise-level security with SOC2 Type II certification
Cons
- ✕ No local inference capability
- ✕ Smaller context window compared to WebStorm
Comparison Table
| Feature | WebStorm | Windsurf |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture Type | standalone | standalone |
| Supported Os | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Developer | JetBrains | Windsurf |
| Supported Llms | GPT-5, Gemini 2.0, Llama 4, Mistral Enterprise | SWE-1.5, User-provided models |
| Custom Model | – | SWE-1.5 |
| Context Window | 1M 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 | $8 – $15/mo | Free – $30/mo |
| Config File | .aicofig | .windsurfrc |
| Migration | Requires setup | Seamless |
Conclusion
Both WebStorm and Windsurf offer unique advantages for developers. WebStorm excels in AI support and local inference, making it ideal for large-scale projects, whereas Windsurf provides a more budget-friendly option with flexible model support and a seamless migration process. The choice between the two will depend largely on specific needs regarding AI capabilities, budget, and platform compatibility.