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May 8, 2025
The world of software development is facing a profound transformation due to AI-powered tools. Currently, the news that OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, is planning to acquire an AI development environment is at the center of attention. Initially, rumors circulated about an interest in Cursor, a well-known tool for Vibe-Coding. However, current reports indicate the acquisition of Windsurf, formerly Codeium, for a considerable sum of three billion US dollars.
Both Windsurf and Cursor offer similar functionalities. The core of both platforms is AI-powered code completion and generation. Similar to GitHub Copilot, they support developers in writing code, extending existing codebases, and even enabling the creation of complete projects through AI. Furthermore, both tools offer a chat interface for interacting with the AI and modifying code. These features form the basis of so-called Vibe-Coding.
The similarities go beyond mere functionality. Both tools are based on Microsoft's open-source editor VS Code and allow the adoption of existing VS Code settings. The selection of supported language models is also similar: OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, Deepseek, and xAI are represented on both platforms. The usage limits of the various models vary depending on the chosen subscription.
A significant difference between Windsurf and Cursor lies in the pricing models. Windsurf currently offers more affordable subscriptions. For individuals, Windsurf costs 15 US dollars per month for 500 prompts, while Cursor charges 20 US dollars. Teams pay 30 US dollars per user per month for Windsurf, and 40 US dollars for Cursor. Both platforms offer free versions with a limited selection of models. Initially, users receive two weeks of free access to the Pro subscription.
The potential acquisition of Windsurf by OpenAI raises questions about the platform's future. It is uncertain whether OpenAI will continue Windsurf in its current form. It seems unlikely that users will continue to have the free choice between models from different providers. Should OpenAI restrict Windsurf exclusively to its own models, Cursor could become the more attractive option for developers who value model diversity.
Windsurf and Cursor offer similar functionalities and are based on the same technical foundation. However, subtle differences in design and user interface can influence the decision for one tool or the other. Currently, Windsurf offers a more attractive pricing model. The future of Windsurf under OpenAI remains to be seen. Developers should closely monitor developments and choose the platform that best suits their needs.
