# Claude Code vs Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf)

> Claude Code: Anthropic's coding agent that edits code and runs commands from terminal, IDE or browser
> Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf): Agent-first IDE for running local and cloud coding agents in one place

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

## Verdict

Claude Code and Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf) are both Coding AI tools. Claude Code scores higher in FinderAtlas's editorial review (8.7 vs 8.4 out of 10). Only Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf) has a free plan or trial. Only Claude Code is available on Web, CLI and VS Code Extension and offers an API.

### Choose Claude Code if

- You want a tool built for Multi-file refactors and migrations.
- Works across terminal, VS Code, JetBrains, desktop app, web and Slack with shared settings.
- Runs commands and tests and handles git commits and pull requests.

### 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

| | Claude Code | Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pricing model | Paid | Freemium |
| Free plan or trial | No | Yes |
| Starting price | $20 | $0 |

## Features

| Feature | Claude Code | Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Codebase understanding | Yes | Not listed |
| Multi-file editing | Yes | Not listed |
| Command execution | Yes | Not listed |
| Git and pull requests | Yes | Not listed |
| Subagents and parallel sessions | Yes | Not listed |
| MCP connections | Yes | Not listed |
| CLAUDE.md, skills and hooks | Yes | Not listed |
| Scheduled and cloud tasks | Yes | Not listed |
| Auto mode | Yes | Not listed |
| Agent SDK | 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 | Claude Code | 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 |
| CLI | Yes | No |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| VS Code Extension | Yes | No |
| JetBrains Plugin | Yes | Yes |
| Slack App | Yes | No |

## Claude Code strengths

- Works across terminal, VS Code, JetBrains, desktop app, web and Slack with shared settings
- Runs commands and tests and handles git commits and pull requests
- Included with Pro at $20 per month, with no separate purchase
- Extensible through MCP, skills, hooks, subagents and an Agent SDK
- Composable in scripts and CI through a non-interactive mode

## Claude Code limitations

- Not available on the Free plan; paid access starts at $20 per month
- Usage limits are shared with chat, and heavy users may need Max at $100 to $200 per month or per-token API billing
- JetBrains plugin requires the CLI to be installed separately
- Terminal-first workflow suits users comfortable with the command line

## 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 Claude Code better than Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf)?**

It depends on your workflow. Claude Code is built for Multi-file refactors and migrations. Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf) is built for managing multiple coding agents.

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

Claude Code: Anthropic's coding agent that edits code and runs commands from terminal, IDE or browser. Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf): Agent-first IDE for running local and cloud coding agents in one place. Claude Code is rated 5.0/5 from 1 user review.

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

Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf) has a free plan or trial; Claude Code is paid only.

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

Claude Code starts at $20 and Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf) starts at $0. See the pricing table above for what each tier includes.