IntelliJ IDEA vs Windsurf: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between IntelliJ IDEA and Windsurf comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
IntelliJ IDEA
The capable & ergonomic Java IDE
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.1/10 vs 8.5/10)
- • Java IDE that enterprise teams rely on
- • Advanced refactoring handles complex changes
Windsurf
The AI-native code editor
Best for you if:
- • An AI-native IDE with an agentic AI (Cascade) for deep codebase understanding and real-time assistance.
- • Offers generative code, live previews, and intelligent refactoring to streamline development workflows.
| At a Glance |  IntelliJ IDEA |  Windsurf |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | IDE & Code Editors | IDE & Code Editors |
Rating | 91/100 | 85/100 |
| Feature | IntelliJ IDEA | Windsurf |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 91 | 85 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | IDE & Code EditorsVersion Control | IDE & Code EditorsCode Review |
How IntelliJ IDEA and Windsurf Compare
IntelliJ IDEA
The capable & ergonomic Java IDE
Free tier available · 91/100 score
Windsurf
The AI-native code editor
Free tier available · 85/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: IntelliJ IDEA
Want the highest-rated option?
IntelliJ IDEA: 91/100. Windsurf: 85/100.
Go with: IntelliJ IDEA
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: IntelliJ IDEA
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are ide & code editors tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
IntelliJ IDEA scores higher: 91/100 vs 85/100.
Key Takeaways
IntelliJ IDEA
- Higher score: 91/100 vs 85
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Windsurf
The Bottom Line
IntelliJ IDEA (91/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IntelliJ IDEA or Windsurf better?
IntelliJ IDEA scores 91/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are IntelliJ IDEA and Windsurf used for?
IntelliJ IDEA: The capable & ergonomic Java IDE. Windsurf: The AI-native code editor.
What does IntelliJ IDEA cost vs Windsurf?
IntelliJ IDEA is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Windsurf is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.