GitHub Copilot vs Windsurf
Which AI tool is better for you?
Overview
GitHub Copilot and Windsurf are both AI Coding tools, but they take different approaches. GitHub Copilot: GitHub's AI pair programmer for code completion inside your editor. Windsurf: AI-powered code editor with agentic coding workflows.
On a monthly-billing basis, GitHub Copilot starts lower at $10/month, while Windsurf starts at $20/month. Both offer a free plan, so you can try each before paying.
Platform support also differs. GitHub Copilot: VS Code, JetBrains IDEs, Neovim, Web, API · Windsurf: Windows, macOS, Linux.
Which one fits depends on your workflow and budget. The table below lines up the verified facts, and the interactive comparison lets you put GitHub Copilot, Windsurf, and any other tool side by side.
Side-by-side comparison
| GitHub Copilot | Windsurf | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $10/month | $20/month |
| Free Plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free Trial | No | No |
| Pricing Type | Freemium | Freemium |
| Supported platforms | VS Code, JetBrains IDEs, Neovim, Web, API | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Web | Yes | No |
| Mobile | No | No |
| API | Yes | No |
| Categories | AI Coding | AI Coding |
At a glance
Choose GitHub Copilot if…
- you want the lower verified starting price ($10/mo vs $20/mo)
- you need it on VS Code, JetBrains IDEs, Neovim, Web, API
- your use case matches: Autocomplete inside your existing editor, Teams already on GitHub, Quick inline code suggestions
Choose Windsurf if…
- you need it on Windows, macOS, Linux
Alternatives worth considering
Other tools in the same category.
An AI-first code editor built for pair-programming with AI.
Best for AI-first coding as your primary editor
Cloud coding platform with an AI agent that can build and deploy apps.
Best for build an app without coding
AI tool that builds full web apps from a text description.
AI tool for building and deploying full-stack web apps in the browser.
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, GitHub Copilot or Windsurf?
GitHub Copilot has the lower verified starting price: $10/month vs $20/month on a monthly-billing basis. Higher tiers and annual billing differ — check each pricing page.
Do GitHub Copilot and Windsurf have free plans?
Yes — both offer a free plan you can start with.
Do GitHub Copilot and Windsurf offer free trials?
Neither lists a free trial.
Which is better, GitHub Copilot or Windsurf?
There's no single answer — it depends on your use case and budget. Compare the verified facts above, then open the interactive comparison to line GitHub Copilot and Windsurf up with any other tools you're considering.
Can I use GitHub Copilot and Windsurf together?
Yes — nothing stops you from using both, and many people combine tools for different tasks. Add GitHub Copilot and Windsurf to the AI stack builder to see what the combination costs per month.
What platforms do GitHub Copilot and Windsurf run on?
GitHub Copilot: VS Code, JetBrains IDEs, Neovim, Web, API. Windsurf: Windows, macOS, Linux.
What are alternatives to GitHub Copilot and Windsurf?
Popular alternatives include Cursor, Replit, Lovable, Bolt, v0 — each has its own detail page on ToolScanner with verified pricing.
Where can I verify current pricing for GitHub Copilot and Windsurf?
On each official website — providers change prices and plans at any time. ToolScanner shows the monthly-billing price as of our last verification, with the date on each tool's page.