GitHub Copilot vs Windsurf (formerly Codeium)

Which AI tool is right for you? We compare features, pricing, and quality to help you decide.

✓ Last verified: February 2026

|

⏱️ 5 min read

|

Updated monthly

TL;DR - Key Takeaways

📋 Table of Contents

Our Verdict

GitHub Copilot provides more sophisticated suggestions but costs $10/month. Windsurf (formerly Codeium) offers a free AI coding assistant for individuals with solid quality. Choose Copilot for best-in-class AI, Windsurf for free powerful assistance.

Winner
G

GitHub Copilot

4.7/5

Your AI pair programmer

Free to start
Try GitHub Copilot Free → Full Review
Windsurf (formerly Codeium)

Windsurf (formerly Codeium)

4.6/5

Free AI code completion for everyone

Free to start
Visit Windsurf (formerly Codeium) → Full Review

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

Category GitHub Copilot Windsurf (formerly Codeium)
Code Quality 9/10 - Industry-leading 8/10 - Very good for free
Features Completions, chat, PR summaries Completions, chat, search
IDE Support Major IDEs 40+ IDEs and editors
Enterprise Strong enterprise features Teams plan available
Best For Professional developers Individual developers, students
Starting Price Free (with paid plans) Free (with paid plans)

Who Should Choose Each Tool?

Choose GitHub Copilot if you:

  • Need the most powerful AI code completions
  • Want deep integration with your development workflow
  • Are working on complex production-level projects
  • Need enterprise-grade features and security
Try GitHub Copilot Free →

Choose Windsurf (formerly Codeium) if you:

  • Prefer a different development approach or environment
  • Want a strong free tier or more affordable pricing
  • Need specialized features for your tech stack
  • Value privacy or local code processing
Visit Windsurf (formerly Codeium) →

Read Full Reviews

GitHub Copilot Review → Windsurf (formerly Codeium) Review → All Coding Tools →

More AI Tool Comparisons

Copilot vs Cursor Copilot vs Tabnine Copilot vs Windsurf Tabnine vs Windsurf Windsurf vs Cursor Copilot vs CodeWhisperer Best AI Coding Assistants All Coding Tools Custom Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better: GitHub Copilot or Windsurf (formerly Codeium)?

GitHub Copilot provides more sophisticated suggestions but costs $10/month. Windsurf (formerly Codeium) offers a free AI coding assistant for individuals with solid quality. Choose Copilot for best-in-class AI, Windsurf for free powerful assistance.

What is the main difference between GitHub Copilot and Windsurf (formerly Codeium)?

The main difference is price: GitHub Copilot offers $10/month required, while Windsurf (formerly Codeium) provides free for individuals.

Which tool is cheaper: GitHub Copilot or Windsurf (formerly Codeium)?

GitHub Copilot starts at free (with paid upgrades), while Windsurf (formerly Codeium) starts at free (with paid upgrades). We recommend trying both to find the best value for your needs.

Can I use both GitHub Copilot and Windsurf (formerly Codeium) together?

Yes! Many developers use both tools for different purposes. GitHub Copilot excels at professional developers, while Windsurf (formerly Codeium) is great for individual developers, students. Using both can cover more of your needs.

Do GitHub Copilot and Windsurf (formerly Codeium) offer free trials?

Yes, both GitHub Copilot and Windsurf (formerly Codeium) offer ways to try before you buy. GitHub Copilot has a free tier with limited features, and Windsurf (formerly Codeium) provides a free plan to get started. We recommend testing both to see which fits your workflow better.

Which tool has better customer support?

Both GitHub Copilot and Windsurf (formerly Codeium) offer support through email and documentation. Check each tool's website for their specific support channels, response times, and community resources. Enterprise and paid plans typically include priority support.

Can I switch from Windsurf (formerly Codeium) to GitHub Copilot?

Yes, you can switch at any time. You can migrate your settings and extensions from Windsurf (formerly Codeium) before transitioning. Start by trying GitHub Copilot alongside Windsurf (formerly Codeium) to compare the experience before fully switching.

How We Rank: We evaluate tools based on features, ease of use, pricing, and editorial assessment. Learn more about our methodology

Written by the PickAI editorial team • Editorial Policy • About Us