Claude Code vs Windsurf (Now Devin Desktop): What Changed and Which to Use
Windsurf was renamed Devin Desktop in June 2026 after Cognition bought it. How the AI code editor compares with Claude Code on workflow, models, pricing and where it runs — and what Windsurf users should know about the change.
If you're searching for "Claude Code vs Windsurf", the first thing to know is that Windsurf doesn't exist under that name any more.
Cognition — the company behind the Devin agent — acquired Windsurf in July 2025, and on 2 June 2026 shipped an update that renamed the editor Devin Desktop. Existing installs updated in place, with settings, extensions and plans carried over, and windsurf.com now redirects to devin.ai.
Details as of October 2026; check devin.ai/pricing for current plans.
The short version
- Windsurf / Devin Desktop is an AI-first code editor (a VS Code fork) with an agent built in, from Cognition.
- Claude Code is an AI agent from Anthropic that runs in your terminal, inside VS Code or JetBrains, in a desktop app, or in the cloud.
It's the same split as Claude Code vs Cursor: an editor with AI inside it, versus an agent you bring to your tools.
How they compare
| Claude Code | Devin Desktop (ex-Windsurf) | |
|---|---|---|
| Made by | Anthropic | Cognition |
| What it is | Agent (terminal, IDEs, desktop, web, mobile) | AI code editor |
| Models | Claude | Several providers (OpenAI, Anthropic, Google and others) plus Cognition's own |
| Autocomplete as you type | No | Yes (Tab) |
| Free plan | No | Yes, light quota |
| Paid entry | Claude Pro, $20/month | Pro, $20/month |
| Heavy-use tier | Max, from $100/month | Max, $200/month |
| Teams | Team plans | $80/month base + $40 per developer |
| Cloud agents | Yes | Yes |
Workflow
Devin Desktop is where you write code. Its strengths are those of an AI editor: fast inline completions, edits right where your cursor is, and an agent panel for bigger multi-file tasks. After the rebrand, its agent experience is tied more closely to Cognition's cloud Devin agent.
Claude Code doesn't replace your editor. You describe a task and it works through your project — reading, editing, running tests — whether you're in a terminal, VS Code, JetBrains or the desktop app. It's especially strong for long multi-step tasks, scripting (claude -p), and working on remote servers. (What is Claude Code?)
Many people use both: an AI editor for hands-on coding, Claude Code for delegated tasks. Claude Code even runs inside VS Code-based editors through its extension. (Claude Code in VS Code)
Pricing
Both start at $20/month for individuals. Devin Desktop has a free tier with a light agent quota and unlimited inline edits; Claude Code has no free tier.
Devin Desktop's paid plans include usage quotas, with overage charged at model API prices. Claude Code's subscriptions use limits that reset every five hours and weekly. (Claude Code usage limits)
If you were a Windsurf user
- Your editor updated itself; nothing needs reinstalling.
- Your plan and settings carried over.
- Rule files you wrote (
.windsurfrules,.windsurf/rules/) still work there — and Claude Code's interactive/initcan import them if you try Claude Code. (Claude Code /init)
Which to choose
- Want an AI editor with autocomplete and a free tier: Devin Desktop (or Cursor).
- Want an agent that works in any editor, the terminal or a server: Claude Code.
- Want both: run Claude Code inside your editor.
EasySpawn runs Claude Code on a persistent server next to your app — open it from your editor over SSH, a browser or your phone. See how it works or join the waitlist.
Related: Claude Code vs Cursor · Best AI Coding Tools in 2026 · Cursor vs GitHub Copilot · What Is an IDE?
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