Cursor vs Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf)
Independent verdict · Updated 2026-10-26
Verdict: Both are VS Code-family AI editors with agents. Devin Desktop (renamed from Windsurf in June 2026) centers on a Kanban Agent Command Center for local and cloud Devin agents plus other ACP agents; Cursor stays editor-first with its own agent, CLI and Cloud Agents.
| Cursor | Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf) | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | AI code editor | AI code editor |
| Pricing | Free tier + paid plans (see site) | Free tier + paid plans (see site) |
| Pros | Strong multi-file agent edits; Familiar VS Code UX and extensions; Supports MCP servers; CLI and Cloud Agents for terminal and background work | Full IDE, backwards-compatible with Windsurf and VS Code extensions; Manage local and cloud Devin agents in one Kanban view; Runs other ACP-compatible agents (e.g. Codex, Claude Agent, OpenCode) |
| Cons | Requires coding comfort; Usage limits on heavy agent use | Rebrand and agent swap mean older Windsurf/Cascade guides are out of date; Overlaps heavily with Cursor |
Choose Cursor if…
- You want an editor-first experience
- You use Cursor CLI or Cloud Agents
- You want a large existing community and docs
Choose Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf) if…
- You were on Windsurf and want continuity
- You run several agents (Devin, Codex, Claude Agent) and want one board
- You already use Devin cloud agents
Where they rank
- Best AI coding tools for an existing codebase: Cursor #2, Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf) #5
- Best agent-first IDEs and agent managers: Cursor #1, Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf) #2
Recent changes
- 2026-10-22 Cursor: Cursor CLI v2026.10.22: redeploy Cloud Agent environments, team-scoped self-hosted workers, nested AGENTS.md rules applied on edit. Source
- 2026-06-02 Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf): Windsurf is renamed Devin Desktop; Devin Local replaces the Cascade agent (legacy Cascade supported through July 1, 2026). Source
Official sites: Cursor · Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf)
FAQ
Which is better, Cursor or Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf)?
Both are VS Code-family AI editors with agents. Devin Desktop (renamed from Windsurf in June 2026) centers on a Kanban Agent Command Center for local and cloud Devin agents plus other ACP agents; Cursor stays editor-first with its own agent, CLI and Cloud Agents.
When should I choose Cursor?
You want an editor-first experience. You use Cursor CLI or Cloud Agents. You want a large existing community and docs.
When should I choose Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf)?
You were on Windsurf and want continuity. You run several agents (Devin, Codex, Claude Agent) and want one board. You already use Devin cloud agents.
How much do Cursor and Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf) cost?
Cursor: Free tier + paid plans (see site). Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf): Free tier + paid plans (see site). BuildJury only states prices confirmed on official pricing pages.