App comparison · category peers
Claude Code vs Windsurf
Systematic comparison of Claude Code and Windsurf across deployment, access, interfaces, automation, and sourced product capabilities. Green highlights mark stronger normalized product-surface values; qualitative tradeoffs remain neutral.
FieldAt a glance
Anthropic · ProprietaryClaude CodeCoding agent · verified Aug 28, 2026
Windsurf · ProprietaryWindsurfCoding agent · verified Aug 28, 2026
Product surface
Side-by-side app facts
| Field | Claude Code | Windsurf |
|---|---|---|
| Developer | Anthropic | Windsurf |
| Category | Coding agent | Coding agent |
| Lifecycle | Active | Active |
| Access | Proprietary | Proprietary |
| License | Unknown | Unknown |
| Self-hostable | No | No |
| Local execution | Yes | Yes |
| Cloud execution | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | macOS, Windows, Linux, Web | macOS, Windows, Linux |
| Interfaces | CLI, IDE extension, Desktop, Web | IDE, CLI |
| Model access | Anthropic Claude models | Windsurf-managed and supported frontier models |
| Automation | Headless runs, SDK workflows, hooks, and subagents | Cascade workflows, rules, memories, and tool calls |
| Multi-agent | Yes | Unknown |
| Persistent memory | Yes | Yes |
| MCP support | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing | Subscription and API-based access; limits vary | Free and paid individual and team plans |
14 comparable fields · 6 material differences · Editorially curated pair with developer-owned primary sources
Shared surface
Overlapping documented capabilities
Developer evidence