Continue vs Windsurf (2026)
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: May 13, 2026
Continue
Continue is an open-source AI code assistant that integrates into VS Code and JetBrains, letting you use any LLM as your coding assistant.
Windsurf
Windsurf is an AI-first code editor by Codeium that competes directly with Cursor, offering agentic AI coding capabilities.
Pros
- ✓Open source and free
- ✓Use any LLM including local models
- ✓Good IDE integration
- ✓Privacy-friendly local model option
Cons
- ✗Requires LLM API keys
- ✗Less polished than Copilot
- ✗Setup required
Pros
- ✓Strong agentic coding features
- ✓Competitive with Cursor
- ✓Built on VS Code
- ✓Good free tier
Cons
- ✗Newer product still maturing
- ✗Smaller community than Cursor
- ✗Some features still in development
Continue vs Windsurf: Side by Side
| Factor | Continue | Windsurf |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | AI Coding Assistants | AI Coding Assistants |
| Pricing Model | Free and open source | Free plan available, Pro from $15/month |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | Contact for pricing |
| Best For | Privacy-conscious developers who want to use their own LLM with AI coding assistance | Developers wanting a Cursor alternative with agentic AI coding |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Continue Features
- ✓VS Code and JetBrains integration
- ✓Multiple LLM support
- ✓Local model support
- ✓Custom context
- ✓Open source
Windsurf Features
- ✓Agentic AI coding
- ✓Codebase awareness
- ✓Multi-file editing
- ✓VS Code compatible
- ✓AI chat
Pricing Comparison
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Continue if...
- →Privacy-conscious developers who want to use their own LLM with AI coding assistance
Our Take
Choose Continue if privacy-conscious developers who want to use their own llm with ai coding assistance. Choose Windsurf if developers wanting a cursor alternative with agentic ai coding.
How Continue and Windsurf Are Similar
- •Both are AI Coding Assistants platforms designed for individuals and teams
- •Both are web-based with no software installation required
- •Both use AI to automate or accelerate creative and professional tasks
- •Both offer customer support and documentation to help new users get started
- •Both offer a trial or demo to evaluate before purchasing
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Continue and Windsurf?
Continue is best for privacy-conscious developers who want to use their own llm with ai coding assistance. Windsurf is best for developers wanting a cursor alternative with agentic ai coding.
Which is better, Continue or Windsurf?
Choose Continue if privacy-conscious developers who want to use their own llm with ai coding assistance. Choose Windsurf if developers wanting a cursor alternative with agentic ai coding.
How much does Continue cost?
Visit Continue website for current pricing.
How much does Windsurf cost?
Visit Windsurf website for current pricing.
Who should use Continue?
Privacy-conscious developers who want to use their own LLM with AI coding assistance
Who should use Windsurf?
Developers wanting a Cursor alternative with agentic AI coding