Cline
Cline
FreemiumWindsurf (formerly Codeium)
Windsurf (Cognition AI)
FreemiumCline vs Windsurf (formerly Codeium): Full Comparison (2026)
Cline is open-source autonomous coding agent living in your vs code editor. Windsurf (formerly Codeium) is ai-first ide with agentic cascade engine - rebranded from codeium. Use the breakdown below to find the right fit for your needs.
This page presents factual information sourced from publicly available vendor documentation and product pages. AIHub does not endorse either product. The right tool depends on your specific use case, team, and requirements — we recommend evaluating both tools directly before making a decision.
Side-by-Side Overview
Pricing Model
Cline
FreemiumWindsurf (formerly Codeium)
FreemiumAPI Access
Cline
Not availableWindsurf (formerly Codeium)
Not availablePlatforms
Cline
VS Code Extension, Cursor, Windsurf, VS Code forksWindsurf (formerly Codeium)
WebIntegrations
Cline
7 integrationsWindsurf (formerly Codeium)
—Vendor
Cline
ClineWindsurf (formerly Codeium)
Windsurf (Cognition AI)Category
Cline
Code AssistanceWindsurf (formerly Codeium)
Code AssistanceLaunch
Cline
Jul 2024 (as Claude Dev); renamed Cline 2024Windsurf (formerly Codeium)
—| Feature | Cline | Windsurf (formerly Codeium) |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| API Access | Not available | Not available |
| Platforms | VS Code Extension, Cursor, Windsurf, VS Code forks | Web |
| Integrations | 7 integrations | — |
| Vendor | Cline | Windsurf (Cognition AI) |
| Category | Code Assistance | Code Assistance |
| Launch | Jul 2024 (as Claude Dev); renamed Cline 2024 | — |
About Cline
Cline (formerly Claude Dev) is an open-source AI coding agent that runs as a VS Code extension. It can read and edit files, execute terminal commands, use the browser, and complete multi-step engineering tasks autonomously with human-in-the-loop approval for every action. It supports any model via API (Anthropic, OpenAI, Google, OpenRouter, Ollama) and pioneered the 'Plan/Act' agent workflow now widely copied.
Designed For
- Autonomous feature development
- Multi-file refactoring
- Terminal command automation
- Bug fixing
About Windsurf (formerly Codeium)
Codeium rebranded to Windsurf in late 2024, launching an AI-first IDE (fork of VS Code) with Cascade - an agentic engine that can autonomously plan and execute multi-step coding tasks. Acquired by Cognition AI (makers of Devin) in May 2025 for $3B.
Designed For
- Code completion
- Agentic coding
- Refactoring
- Multi-file edits
Strengths & Limitations
Cline
Strengths
- Fully open-source (Apache 2.0)
- Bring your own API key / model
- Approve every file edit and command
- MCP server support
- Works with local models via Ollama
Limitations
- API token costs can add up
- Requires VS Code
- Less polished than Cursor UI
- Model quality depends on chosen provider
Windsurf (formerly Codeium)
Strengths
- Cascade agentic engine
- Free tier available
- 70+ languages
- VS Code compatible
Limitations
- New product, less mature than Cursor
- Cognition acquisition uncertainty
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Cline and Windsurf (formerly Codeium)?
Cline is open-source autonomous coding agent living in your vs code editor, while Windsurf (formerly Codeium) is ai-first ide with agentic cascade engine - rebranded from codeium. Cline is designed for Developers wanting open-source agents, Teams avoiding vendor lock-in; Windsurf (formerly Codeium) is designed for Code Assistance. The right fit depends on your specific requirements.
How do the pricing models compare?
Cline is available under a Freemium model. Windsurf (formerly Codeium) is available under a Freemium model. Cline's entry tier starts at $0. Always verify pricing on each vendor's official website as it may change.
What integrations does each tool support?
Cline integrates with Anthropic API, OpenAI API, Google Gemini, OpenRouter. Windsurf (formerly Codeium) integrates with various tools. Check each vendor's documentation for the full and current list.
How do I choose between Cline and Windsurf (formerly Codeium)?
Consider your team's technical requirements, budget, existing tooling, and use case before deciding. We recommend signing up for free trials or demos of both tools where available, and consulting each vendor's documentation. AIHub provides this comparison for informational purposes only.
Feature Snapshot
Explore Further
Cline full detailsWindsurf (formerly Codeium) full detailsCline official siteWindsurf (formerly Codeium) official siteRelated Comparisons
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Data sourced from public vendor documentation. Pricing, features, and availability may change. Always verify on official vendor websites before making purchasing decisions. AIHub is not affiliated with any of the listed vendors.