AI Coding Assistants · Pricing comparison
GitHub Copilot vs Windsurf (Devin Desktop): Pricing
GitHub Copilot is the cheaper option ($10.00/mo less), both offer a free plan, GitHub Copilot rates slightly higher. Below we break down plans, free tiers, and value so you can decide which fits your budget and workflow.
Last checked September 27, 2026
At a glance
GitHub Copilot is the cheaper option ($10.00/mo less), both offer a free plan, GitHub Copilot rates slightly higher.
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GitHub Copilot vs Windsurf (Devin Desktop): side-by-side
| Feature | GitHub Copilot | Windsurf (Devin Desktop) |
|---|---|---|
| Category | AI Coding Assistants | AI Coding Assistants |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free plan details | Free tier with 2,000 completions and 50 chat/agent requests monthly. | Generous free tier with unlimited tab completions. |
| Starting price | $10/mo (Pro) | $20/mo (Pro) |
| Highest known plan | $100/mo (Max) | $200/mo (Max) |
| Trial of paid plan | No (free plan instead) | No (free plan instead) |
| Best for | Developers on GitHub and teams wanting the easiest budget approval | Developers wanting Cursor-level capability with a real free tier |
| Team support | Yes | Yes |
| API access | Yes | No |
| Editor rating | 4.5 / 5 | 4.4 / 5 |
Pricing and free plans
GitHub Copilot uses a freemium model, starting at $10/mo (Pro). Pro is $10/mo, Pro+ $39/mo and the new Max tier $100/mo, each with monthly usage credits. Business and Enterprise are sold per seat to organizations. Its free plan: Free tier with 2,000 completions and 50 chat/agent requests monthly.
Windsurf (Devin Desktop) uses a freemium model, starting at $20/mo (Pro). Windsurf was renamed Devin Desktop on June 2, 2026 by Cognition; plans carried over. Pro is $20/mo, Max $200/mo, Teams $80/mo base plus $40 per full seat. Pre-March 2026 Pro subscribers keep $15/mo. Its free plan: Generous free tier with unlimited tab completions.
Which is cheaper?
If budget is the deciding factor, GitHub Copilot wins on entry price. If output quality or specific features matter more, weigh the feature lists below before deciding.
GitHub Copilot: pros and cons
Pros
- Cheapest capable paid plan
- Widest IDE support
- Genuinely useful free tier
Cons
- Agent features trail Cursor
- Premium requests capped
- Usage-based billing incoming
Windsurf (Devin Desktop): pros and cons
Pros
- Strongest free tier of AI IDEs
- Enterprise/EU compliance
- Agent quality near Cursor
Cons
- Price rose in 2026
- Rebranded to Devin Desktop in June 2026
- Quotas can pinch sprints
Who each tool is best for
- Best for beginners: GitHub Copilot — lower barrier to entry and easier to start for free or cheaply.
- Best for teams: GitHub Copilot.
- Best if you need an API: GitHub Copilot offers API access where the other does not.
- GitHub Copilot is best for: Developers on GitHub and teams wanting the easiest budget approval.
- Windsurf (Devin Desktop) is best for: Developers wanting Cursor-level capability with a real free tier.
Verdict
On price alone, GitHub Copilot is the value pick at $10/mo (Pro). GitHub Copilot edges ahead on our editor rating. For most people, choose GitHub Copilot if you want developers on github and teams wanting the easiest budget approval, and Windsurf (Devin Desktop) if you want developers wanting cursor-level capability with a real free tier.
GitHub Copilot vs Windsurf (Devin Desktop) FAQ
Which is cheaper, GitHub Copilot or Windsurf (Devin Desktop)?
GitHub Copilot has the cheaper entry price — about $10.00/mo less. GitHub Copilot starts at $10/mo (Pro), while Windsurf (Devin Desktop) starts at $20/mo (Pro).
Does GitHub Copilot or Windsurf (Devin Desktop) have a free plan?
Both offer a free plan. GitHub Copilot: Free tier with 2,000 completions and 50 chat/agent requests monthly. Windsurf (Devin Desktop): Generous free tier with unlimited tab completions.
Is GitHub Copilot or Windsurf (Devin Desktop) better for beginners?
GitHub Copilot tends to be the easier starting point thanks to its pricing and free access, though both cover the same core ai coding assistants needs.
Which is better for teams?
GitHub Copilot is the stronger team pick given its collaboration support and rating.