# Amp vs Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf)

> Amp: Coding agent that runs in cloud orbs and keeps working after you close your laptop
> Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf): Agent-first IDE for running local and cloud coding agents in one place

- Amp profile: https://finderatlas.com/tools/amp
- Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf) profile: https://finderatlas.com/tools/windsurf
- Comparison page: https://finderatlas.com/compare/amp-vs-windsurf
- Last reviewed: November 2026

## Verdict

Amp and Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf) are both Coding AI tools. Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf) scores higher in FinderAtlas's editorial review (8.4 vs 7.9 out of 10), led by value for money. Both have a free plan or trial. Only Amp is available on Web and CLI and offers an API. Only Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf) is available on JetBrains Plugin.

### Choose Amp if

- You want a tool built for Long-running agent tasks that continue unattended, parallel agent threads without managing worktrees, teams sharing an agent session.
- Per-thread cloud orbs let agents keep running unattended without worktree or port conflicts.
- Free Hobby tier includes all product features, with bring-your-own-key and own-runner options.

### Choose Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf) if

- You want a tool built for managing multiple coding agents.
- Free plan with unlimited Tab completions and inline edits.
- Full IDE that stays compatible with VS Code and Windsurf extensions.

## Pricing

| | Amp | Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Free plan or trial | Yes | Yes |
| Starting price | $0 | $0 |

## Features

| Feature | Amp | Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Orbs | Yes | Not listed |
| Portals | Yes | Not listed |
| Event-driven wake-ups | Yes | Not listed |
| Multiplayer | Yes | Not listed |
| Changes tab | Yes | Not listed |
| The Dial | Yes | Not listed |
| Puck | Yes | Not listed |
| CLI and runners | Yes | Not listed |
| amp sync | Yes | Not listed |
| Agent Command Center | Not listed | Yes |
| Spaces | Not listed | Yes |
| Full IDE | Not listed | Yes |
| Devin Local | Not listed | Yes |
| Agent Client Protocol support | Not listed | Yes |
| Tab and Supercomplete | Not listed | Yes |
| Fast Context | Not listed | Yes |
| Devin Cloud handoff | Not listed | Yes |
| MCP and extensions | Not listed | Yes |
| SWE-2 model | Not listed | Yes |

## Platforms

| Platform | Amp | Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Web | Yes | No |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | No | No |
| Android | No | No |
| API | Yes | No |
| Browser Extension | No | No |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| CLI | Yes | No |
| JetBrains Plugin | No | Yes |

## Amp strengths

- Per-thread cloud orbs let agents keep running unattended without worktree or port conflicts.
- Free Hobby tier includes all product features, with bring-your-own-key and own-runner options.
- Works across web, Mac, terminal and CI runners, with event triggers from Linear, GitHub and schedules.
- Multiplayer orbs let teammates share an agent, terminal and running app.
- Teams plan adds SSO, pooled credits and shared model routing at no extra seat charge.

## Amp limitations

- The Mac app requires macOS 26 or later and the Mac and iOS apps are labelled beta.
- No App Store iOS release yet; mobile access is through TestFlight.
- Orb rates, overage behaviour and Gigawatt pricing are not published on the pricing page.
- Pay-as-you-go orbs on the free tier make costs less predictable than a flat subscription.

## Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf) strengths

- Free plan with unlimited Tab completions and inline edits
- Full IDE that stays compatible with VS Code and Windsurf extensions
- One view for managing local, cloud and third-party agents
- Supports ACP agents such as Codex, Claude Agent and OpenCode
- Available on macOS, Windows and Linux

## Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf) limitations

- Paid plans have daily and weekly usage quotas, and extra usage is billed at API pricing
- Pro rose to $20 per month, and Max costs $200 per month
- The rename and the move to devin.ai changed menus, docs and branding, and some names such as the JetBrains plugin still say Windsurf
- Cascade was retired in favour of Devin Local, so Cascade workflows had to migrate

## FAQ

**Is Amp better than Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf)?**

It depends on your workflow. Amp is built for Long-running agent tasks that continue unattended, parallel agent threads without managing worktrees, teams sharing an agent session. Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf) is built for managing multiple coding agents.

**What are the key feature differences between Amp and Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf)?**

Amp: Coding agent that runs in cloud orbs and keeps working after you close your laptop. Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf): Agent-first IDE for running local and cloud coding agents in one place.

**Does Amp or Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf) have a free plan?**

Yes, both do. Amp is freemium and Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf) is freemium, and each has a free plan or trial.

**Which is cheaper, Amp or Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf)?**

Both can be used for free. Paid plans differ in limits and features, so compare the tiers in the pricing table above.