Cursor 8/10
The default pick for IDE-based developers — multi-file agent edits across a large codebase feel the most natural, with near-zero ramp on top of VS Code.
Comparison
Cursor vs Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf)
How Cursor and Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf) compare for AI coding — side by side on the facts, with a clear steer on which suits your workflow.
| Dimension | Cursor | Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf) |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | IDE | IDE · Extension |
| Underlying models | Claude, GPT, Gemini, Cursor models | Claude, GPT, Gemini, SWE-1 |
| Free tier | Yes | Yes |
| Paid from | From ~$20/mo | From ~$20/mo |
| Agent capability (documented) | Very high (5/5) | Very high (5/5) |
| MCP / extensions | Yes | Yes |
| Learning curve | Easy | Easy |
| Best for | Full-time developers who live in an IDE; Large existing codebases | Developers who want an agent-first IDE flow; Managing local + cloud coding agents from one surface |
| Our score | 8/10 | 7/10 |
| Last tested | 2026-06-18 | 2026-06-18 |
Facts compiled from public sources — pricing and models change often, so
confirm current details on each vendor’s site. “Agent capability” reflects documented capability,
not our hands-on score. Vendor links are unpaid (rel="nofollow") unless an affiliate
program is disclosed.
Our take
Our hands-on verdict
Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf) 7/10
An agent-first IDE — the Devin Local agent flow is smooth; it sits in the same tier as Cursor, so it comes down to personal feel.
01 / How to choose
Which should you pick?
- Prefer a ide workflow? Cursor fits — AI-first IDE (a VS Code fork) with multi-file agent editing.
- Prefer a ide workflow? Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf) fits — Agent-management IDE (formerly Windsurf; renamed by Cognition, OTA June 2026) — bundles the Devin Local agent and manages local + cloud agents from one surface.
03 / FAQ
Frequently asked questions
- Cursor vs Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf): which is better?
- Neither is universally better. Cursor: AI-first IDE (a VS Code fork) with multi-file agent editing. Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf): Agent-management IDE (formerly Windsurf; renamed by Cognition, OTA June 2026) — bundles the Devin Local agent and manages local + cloud agents from one surface. The table above compares them on the facts, so pick by workflow — our hands-on scores publish after testing.
- Is Cursor or Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf) cheaper?
- Both Cursor and Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf) offer a free tier. Pricing changes often, so confirm the current plans on each vendor’s site before deciding on cost.
- Can I use both Cursor and Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf)?
- Often, yes. They overlap but are not mutually exclusive, and plenty of developers mix tools — using one for some tasks and the other where it is stronger. Try each on a real task before committing to one.