Cursor vs Windsurf vs Cline: Which AI Coding Tool Reigns Supreme in 2025?
The landscape of AI-powered code editors is evolving at breakneck speed, with Cursor, Windsurf, and Cline emerging as the leading contenders for developers seeking next-level productivity. If you’re trying to decide which tool is best for your workflow, here’s a comprehensive, up-to-date comparison based on real-world user feedback and recent feature updates.
Overview: What Are They?
- Cursor: A feature-rich AI coding assistant built atop VS Code, offering deep integration with top models like GPT-4o, Claude 3.5 Sonnet, and its own custom models. Known for its powerful agentic features and customization options.
- Windsurf: Developed by Codeium, Windsurf is an “Agentic IDE” that emphasizes a streamlined, intuitive coding experience. It uses Codeium’s own models and provides access to GPT-4 and Claude for Pro users.
- Cline (and Roo-Cline): An open-source solution that lets you plug in your own API keys for models (OpenAI, Anthropic, and more), offering flexibility and cost control. Roo-Cline is a fork with enhanced automation and support for newer models like Gemini 1.5 Flash.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Cursor | Windsurf | Cline/Roo-Cline |
|---|---|---|---|
| AI Models | GPT-4o, Claude 3.5 Sonnet, o1, cursor-small | Codeium (Cascade), GPT-4, Claude 3.5 Sonnet | Any via API (Claude, GPT, Gemini, Qwen) |
| Pricing | $20/mo (unlimited prompts, custom API) | $15/mo (credit-based), free tier available | Free (pay-as-you-go via API usage) |
| Customization | High (model selection, workflow tweaks) | Moderate (streamlined, less config) | Very high (full control, open source) |
| Ease of Use | Power-user focused, more features | Beginner-friendly, “it just works” feel | Requires setup, more manual |
| Best For | Advanced users, heavy coders | Beginners, those wanting simplicity | Tinkerers, privacy/cost-conscious |
| Agentic Features | Advanced agents, AI Terminal, Composer | Automated code updates, Cascade panel | Automation via Roo-Cline, manual agent |
| Offline/Local Models | No | No | Yes (with local LLMs) |
What Real Users Are Saying
Cursor
- Pros: Unlimited prompts, deep model selection, advanced agentic features, excellent for iterating over large codebases, and powerful autocomplete.
- Cons: Slightly pricier, can be complex for beginners, sometimes lags behind in VS Code extension updates, proprietary/cloud-based (privacy concerns for some).
- Best for: Power users who want maximum control, advanced features, and are willing to pay for a premium experience.
Windsurf
- Pros: Clean UI, fast and intuitive, lower price point, strong codebase comprehension, good for beginners or those who want a “set and forget” experience.
- Cons: Prompt/action credits can run out quickly for heavy users, less customizable, some users dislike auto-apply features.
- Best for: Those new to AI coding assistants, or anyone preferring a streamlined, minimal-setup workflow.
Cline (and Roo-Cline)
- Pros: Free and open-source, lets you use your own API keys (cost control), supports a wide range of models including local LLMs, privacy-friendly, highly customizable.
- Cons: Less polished UI, fewer built-in features, can be less smooth or “agentic” than Cursor/Windsurf, API costs can add up if using premium models.
- Best for: Developers who want maximum flexibility, privacy, or who need to run local models; also great for those on a budget.
Model Showdown: o1 vs Claude Sonnet vs Others
A hot topic among power users is the rise of the o1 model, which many report is outperforming Claude Sonnet in complex reasoning and larger code tasks. However, preferences are highly individual, and some still swear by Sonnet for its poetic code generation and reliability. The ability to switch between models (as in Cursor and Cline) is a major advantage for those who want to optimize for different coding scenarios.
Which Should You Choose?
- Go with Cursor if: You want the most advanced, feature-packed experience, don’t mind paying a bit more, and need robust agentic and codebase navigation features.
- Choose Windsurf if: You value simplicity, speed, and a clean interface, or are new to AI coding tools.
- Pick Cline/Roo-Cline if: You want open-source flexibility, control over your data and costs, or need to use local or alternative models.
Final Thoughts
There’s no single “best” AI coding assistant-each excels in different areas, and the best choice depends on your workflow, budget, and preferences. The good news: all three have free tiers or trials, so you can experiment before committing. As the space continues to evolve, expect even more powerful features and models to emerge, making now an exciting time to upgrade your coding toolkit.
Try them out, see which fits your style, and enjoy the productivity boost that comes with the new generation of AI-powered coding tools.