Updated for 2026
ZCodevsWindsurf(Devin)
Not sure which fits your workflow in 2026? Compare pricing, features, and trade-offs — then switch tools below to explore more options in this category.
ai-ide
ZCode
ZCode is Zhipu’s agentic coding product with a visual desktop workspace, GLM-optimized agents, MCP, and skills.
Visit ZCodeai-ide
Windsurf(Devin)
[Acquired by Devin]Windsurf (by Codeium) competes directly with Cursor on Flow/Cascade agents at a lower entry price.
Visit Windsurf(Devin)Basics
| Feature | ZCode | Windsurf(Devin) |
|---|---|---|
| Released | 2025 | 2024 |
| Company | Zhipu AI (Z.ai) | Windsurf (Codeium) |
| Country | China | United States |
| Region / Availability | Global (China-friendly) | Global |
Pricing comparison
| Plan | ZCode | Windsurf(Devin) |
|---|---|---|
| Model | subscription | freemium |
| Free tier | No | Yes |
| Starts at | $16/mo | $15/mo |
| Plan 1 | Lite: $16/mo | Free: Free |
| Plan 2 | Pro: $65/mo | Pro: $15/mo |
| Plan 3 | Max: $144/mo | Teams: Custom |
Feature checklist
| Feature | ZCode | Windsurf(Devin) |
|---|---|---|
| Visual IDE UI | ✓ | ✓ |
| OS Platforms | macOS / Windows / Linuxhttps://zcode.z.ai/en#all-downloads | macOS / Windows / Linux |
| Third-party Models | ✓https://zcode.z.ai/cn/docs/configuration | ✓ |
| MCP / Plugins | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skills Support | ✓ | ✓ |
| VS Code Extension | ✗ | ✓ |
| JetBrains Plugin | ✗ | ✓ |
| AI Autocomplete | ✓ | ✓ |
| Chat / Inline Agent | ✓ | ✓ |
| Multi-file Edit | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codebase Indexing | ✓ | ✓ |
| Terminal Integration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Local LLM Support | ✓https://zcode.z.ai/cn/docs/configuration | ✓ |
| Open Source | ✗ | ✗ |
| Team Collaboration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Privacy Mode | ✗ | ✓ |
| VS Code Compatible | ✗ | ✓ |
| Autonomous Agent | ✓ | ✓ |
| Git Integration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Use Case | AI coding assistant focused on China-region developer workflows | Windsurf / Devin-branded AI IDE for cascade-style agent coding |
Pros & cons
ZCode
- Desktop agentic workspace optimized for GLM
- MCP + skills + sub-agents
- BYOK support for other providers
- Smaller global community than Cursor
- Not a VS Code fork — migration cost
- Enterprise story still maturing
Windsurf(Devin)
- Competitive pricing vs Cursor
- Cascade agent feels fluid for multi-step tasks
- Generous free tier for evaluation
- Ecosystem younger than Cursor
- Extension parity can lag VS Code forks
- Enterprise controls still maturing
Dimension scores
Editorial 0–10 scores across shared dimensions — higher is better for that axis.
| Dimension | ZCode | Windsurf(Devin) |
|---|---|---|
| Capability | 7.5 | 8.8 |
| Privacy | 6.0 | 6.5 |
| Value | 7.5 | 7.0 |
| Depth | 6.0 | 8.5 |
| Ecosystem | 5.0 | 7.5 |
| DX | 6.8 | 8.8 |
- ZCode
- Windsurf(Devin)
FAQ
Is ZCode better than Windsurf(Devin)? (2026)
It depends on workflow. ZCode emphasizes zhipu’s agentic ai coding environment with glm models, mcp, and skills. Windsurf(Devin) emphasizes [acquired by devin]flow-driven ai ide from codeium with cascade agent workflows. Use the feature checklist above for your stack.
Which use cases fit ZCode vs Windsurf(Devin)?
- ZCode: AI coding assistant focused on China-region developer workflows
- Windsurf(Devin): Windsurf / Devin-branded AI IDE for cascade-style agent coding
What are the main differences between ZCode and Windsurf(Devin)?
- VS Code Extension: ZCode (no) vs Windsurf(Devin) (yes)
- JetBrains Plugin: ZCode (no) vs Windsurf(Devin) (yes)
- Privacy Mode: ZCode (no) vs Windsurf(Devin) (yes)
- VS Code Compatible: ZCode (no) vs Windsurf(Devin) (yes)
How do ZCode and Windsurf(Devin) compare on pricing?
ZCode pricing overview:
- No fixed free tier listed
- Pricing model: subscription
- Starting from ~$16/mo
- Plan Lite: $16/mo
- Plan Pro: $65/mo
- Plan Max: $144/mo
Windsurf(Devin) pricing overview:
- Has a free tier
- Pricing model: freemium
- Starting from ~$15/mo
- Plan Free: Free
- Plan Pro: $15/mo
- Plan Teams: Custom
Always verify current prices on the vendor site before buying.
Do ZCode and Windsurf(Devin) offer a free tier?
- ZCode: No fixed free tier listed
- Windsurf(Devin): Has a free tier
Are ZCode and Windsurf(Devin) open source?
- ZCode: no
- Windsurf(Devin): no
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Disclaimer:Not Financial or Investment Advice, Educational/Dev Tool Comparison Only. Information may change; always verify pricing on the vendor site before purchasing.