Open source Windsurf alternatives

All Windsurf alternatives

1. 

   

   Cline

   70.2KstarsLike

   Cline is an open source AI coding agent that runs inside VS Code and compatible editors. It plans tasks, creates and edits files, runs terminal commands and can drive a browser to test web apps, asking for approval at each step unless you grant more autonomy. You bring your own API key for providers like Anthropic, OpenAI and Google or use local models, and MCP servers extend what it can do.

   9 Cline alternatives

   Pros

   • Open source agent that runs inside VS Code
   • Bring your own API key or use local models
   • Asks for approval at each step, keeping you in control

   Cons

   • API costs can climb quickly on long agent tasks
   • Step-by-step approvals can slow down routine work

   Cost / License

   FreemiumOpen source

   Categories

   AI Coding Assistants

   Platforms

   WindowsMacLinux

   Features

   Autonomous coding agentChat with your codebaseIntegrationsTerminal integration

   Visit websiteMore about Cline
2. 

   

   Visual Studio Code

   193.6KstarsLike

   Visual Studio Code is a free source code editor from Microsoft that runs on Windows, macOS, Linux and in the browser. It combines IntelliSense completion, a built-in debugger, Git tools and an integrated terminal with a large extensions marketplace. It is built on the MIT-licensed Code - OSS project and integrates GitHub Copilot for AI chat and agent workflows.

   12 Visual Studio Code alternatives

   Pros

   • Huge extensions marketplace for almost any language or tool
   • Integrated terminal, debugger and Git tools
   • Remote development over SSH, in containers and with WSL

   Cons

   • Official builds include Microsoft telemetry and proprietary components
   • As an Electron app it uses more memory than native editors
   • Large extension setups can slow it down

   Cost / License

   FreeOpen source

   Categories

   Code Editors & IDEs

   Platforms

   WebWindowsMacLinux

   Features

   AI assistantCode completionDebuggerExtensions marketplaceGit integrationRemote development

   Visit websiteMore about Visual Studio Code
3. 

   

   Zed

   91.6KstarsLike

   Zed is a code editor written in Rust by the creators of Atom and Tree-sitter, with a GPU-rendered interface that stays fast on large projects. It includes multiplayer editing, an agent panel that works with several AI models, edit predictions, Git tools, remote development over SSH and an extensions registry. Zed is open source under the GPL and runs on macOS, Linux and Windows; paid plans cover hosted AI usage.

   12 Zed alternatives

   Pros

   • GPU-rendered interface that stays fast on large projects
   • Built-in multiplayer editing and an agent panel for several AI models
   • Open source under the GPL

   Cons

   • Smaller extension ecosystem than VS Code
   • Some IDE features are less mature than in established editors
   • Hosted AI usage requires a paid plan

   Cost / License

   FreemiumOpen source

   Categories

   Code Editors & IDEsAI Coding Assistants

   Platforms

   WindowsMacLinux

   Features

   AI assistantCode completionExtensions marketplaceGit integrationReal-time collaborationRemote development

   Visit websiteMore about Zed
4. 

   

   Continue

   36.2KstarsLike

   Continue is an open source extension for VS Code and JetBrains IDEs that adds AI chat, autocomplete, inline edits and an agent mode. Its main appeal is flexibility: you choose the models, from commercial APIs to local models through Ollama, and add rules, prompts and context providers that a team can share. With local models, code never has to leave your machine.

   9 Continue alternatives

   Pros

   • Open source, with a free choice of models
   • Works with local models, so code can stay on your machine
   • Shared rules and prompts help teams standardize usage

   Cons

   • Setup takes more effort than turnkey assistants
   • Quality depends on the models you configure
   • Local models need capable hardware to run smoothly

   Cost / License

   FreemiumOpen source

   Categories

   AI Coding Assistants

   Platforms

   WindowsMacLinux

   Features

   Autonomous coding agentChat with your codebaseCode completionOffline mode

   Visit websiteMore about Continue