WindSurf Wave 3 is the first real competitor to Cline and Roo Code. I’m excluding Cursor from this analysis because it is no good at actually tasks. It’s only redeeming quality is UI/UX.
Three main aspects make WindSurf Wave 3 worth attention:
First, it matches most of Cline’s core functionality. The Model Context Protocol support, Turbo Mode for automated tasks, and Jump-To-Tab feature for code navigation give you the essential tools modern developers need.
Second, WindSurf adds a memory feature that sets it apart. This means your AI assistant maintains context across sessions and better understands your codebase over time.
Third, the UI/UX work is excellent. They’ve taken Cursor’s clean interface design and combined it with Cline’s power. The result feels natural and reduces friction in the development workflow.
While Roo Code still leads in certain advanced features, many developers find their interconnected tools overwhelming to master. WindSurf Wave 3 strikes a better balance.
However, I’m sticking with Cline for now. Here’s why: GitHub Copilot’s $10/month subscription includes unlimited access to the VSCode-LM-API. This lets you use unlimited Claude 3.5 Sonnet – currently the best coding model – through Cline at a fraction of the cost of direct API access.
WindSurf has similar pricing but caps usage. Until they match Cline + Copilot’s unlimited model access, the choice is clear for high-volume users.
For developers trying to pick between these tools, consider your usage patterns. If you code intensively and need unlimited AI assistance, Cline + Copilot remains the most cost-effective option. If you prefer a more streamlined experience and don’t need unlimited usage, WindSurf Wave 3 is worth exploring.
