Windsurf vs Cursor vs Kilo Code
Windsurf is now Devin Desktop, a local-to-cloud agent editor. Cursor remains an AI-native editor, while Kilo Code is the open-source alternative for teams that want model choice, local models, and multi-surface workflows.
Quick verdict
Devin Desktop
AI editor, formerly WindsurfDevelopers who want a dedicated agent-first editor with direct handoff to Devin Cloud.
- •Local-to-cloud Devin workflow
- •Parallel agents, worktrees, and Arena
- •Free, Pro, Max, Teams, and Enterprise plans
Cursor
AI-native IDEDevelopers who want a mature AI-first editor with strong Tab autocomplete, background agents, and enterprise controls.
- •Cursor Tab and next edits
- •Background agents
- •Business controls at team tier
Kilo Code
Open-source agentTeams that prefer open-source code, transparent usage, flexible models, and agents across IDE, CLI, cloud, and Slack.
- •Open source and free for individuals
- •500+ hosted models plus local model support
- •Team billing, analytics, SSO/SCIM, and audit logs
Feature-by-feature comparison
Devin Desktop and Cursor are closest when you want a replacement editor. Kilo is strongest when you want the agent to follow your workflow rather than move your workflow into one editor.
Where Kilo fits
Kilo is the better fit when your team likes parts of the AI editor experience but does not want the editor itself to become the platform boundary. You can keep familiar IDEs, use the CLI, run cloud agents, and choose the model/provider per job.