Agentic AI Comparison:
Google Antigravity vs Windsurf
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Introduction
Google Antigravity and Windsurf represent two distinct approaches to agentic AI-powered development. Google Antigravity, backed by Google's cutting-edge Gemini technology, offers a standalone AI-native IDE with extensive customization capabilities. Windsurf, developed by Codeium and now also maintained by Cognition, provides a purpose-built IDE optimized for AI workflows with its innovative Cascade feature. This comparison evaluates both platforms across five critical dimensions: autonomy, ease of use, flexibility, cost, and popularity.
Overview
Windsurf
Windsurf is a custom-built IDE forked from VS Code, designed specifically for AI-powered development workflows. It features the Cascade agent for intelligent multi-file editing and refactoring, context-aware code completion through Supercomplete, and Flows mode for agentic behavior. Built on proven VS Code architecture, Windsurf prioritizes rapid iteration and in-editor AI assistance for generation and fixes, with native support for multi-file feature development and complex codebase coordination.
Google Antigravity
Google Antigravity is an AI-native IDE powered by Google's Gemini 3 Pro model with support for Claude Sonnet 4.5 and GPT-OSS. It features dual interface modes (Editor View and Manager View), agentic development with autonomous AI agents, multimodal capabilities, and an extensive .antigravity file system for team standardization. The platform emphasizes synchronized agentic control where multiple agents maintain shared context across workspaces, enabling complex multi-step tasks with artifact transparency for trust verification.
Metrics Comparison
Autonomy
Google Antigravity: 9
Google Antigravity excels in autonomous capabilities with full agentic mode enabling planning, execution, and verification of complex multi-step tasks across entire codebases. The synchronized multi-agent control allows multiple agents to work simultaneously on different parts of a project while maintaining shared context. It includes self-improvement mechanisms learning from user feedback and can orchestrate multiple AI agents for end-to-end feature development.
Windsurf: 8
Windsurf provides strong agentic capabilities through Flows mode and the Cascade agent, which can handle multi-file edits and anticipate potential issues before they arise. However, its autonomy is somewhat more constrained compared to Antigravity's full autonomous agent mode, focusing more on agent-guided workflows and in-editor assistance rather than orchestrating multiple independent agents.
Google Antigravity edges ahead in raw autonomy with true multi-agent orchestration and independent planning capabilities, while Windsurf excels at coordinated multi-file workflows with agent guidance rather than full independence.
Ease of Use
Google Antigravity: 8
Google Antigravity features a task-oriented workflow design enabling developers to focus on high-level architecture while agents handle implementation. The dual interface (Editor View and Manager View) provides flexibility in how users interact with the system. Artifact-based verification and tab autocompletion streamline development, though the learning curve may be steeper for those unfamiliar with agentic workflows.
Windsurf: 9
Windsurf achieves higher ease-of-use by leveraging the familiar VS Code foundation, reducing learning curve for existing developers. The IDE offers low-latency responses, real-time code previews, automatic linting, and seamless integrations with popular tools like GitHub and Slack. Its Flow State score of 98/100 indicates exceptional user experience and productivity maintenance.
Windsurf achieves superior ease of use through its familiar VS Code-based interface and lower learning curve, while Google Antigravity requires more adjustment to agentic workflows but offers more powerful architectural control once mastered.
Flexibility
Google Antigravity: 9
Google Antigravity provides exceptional flexibility through multiple deployment options: standalone application or IDE extension integration with existing IDEs. Multi-model support allows switching between Gemini 3 Pro, Claude Sonnet 4.5, and GPT-OSS. The extensive .antigravity file system enables sophisticated customization for team standards and architectural patterns. Deep integration with Google Cloud ecosystem adds additional flexibility for enterprises.
Windsurf: 7
Windsurf's flexibility is somewhat constrained by its purpose-built IDE architecture. While it supports integrations and plugins, it is primarily bound to its VS Code fork design. However, it does provide multi-language support, cross-platform compatibility, and customizable themes, offering reasonable flexibility within its architectural scope.
Google Antigravity demonstrates superior flexibility with standalone or extension deployment options, multi-model selection, and extensive customization rules, while Windsurf trades some flexibility for optimization specifically within its IDE environment.
Cost
Google Antigravity: 9
Google Antigravity offers free public preview access with generous rate limits for individuals, with paid tiers to be announced. Currently available at no charge, it empowers both professionals and hobbyists to achieve productivity gains without financial barriers. This highly accessible pricing model significantly lowers entry barriers for adoption.
Windsurf: 8
Windsurf provides a free tier with unlimited usage, complemented by a Pro plan starting at $25/month. This freemium model balances accessibility with monetization, allowing users to evaluate the tool before committing to paid features. The free tier is notably generous compared to many competing solutions.
Google Antigravity currently holds a pricing advantage with completely free access during public preview, while Windsurf offers a sustainable freemium model. Antigravity's future pricing structure remains undefined, potentially affecting long-term cost comparison.
Popularity
Google Antigravity: 8
Google Antigravity benefits from Google's brand recognition and backing by cutting-edge Gemini technology. It receives significant media attention and developer interest as a novel agent-first IDE. However, as a newer platform in public preview, its adoption metrics are still building. Positioned as exploring multi-agent IDEs, it attracts forward-thinking developers interested in next-generation development paradigms.
Windsurf: 8
Windsurf competes in the established Cursor-class editor category with substantial developer adoption. Originally developed by talented founders (now employed by Google), it has established community presence and enterprise adoption, particularly for large codebases. The platform has matured through iterations since Cognition acquired it, building sustained user base.
Both tools demonstrate similar popularity levels (89-91 Vibe Scores). Google Antigravity attracts innovation-focused developers, while Windsurf appeals to teams seeking proven, enterprise-grade agentic workflows within a familiar editor paradigm. Windsurf has slightly more established community presence, while Antigravity generates more hype around cutting-edge features.
Conclusions
Google Antigravity and Windsurf each excel in distinct areas, requiring careful consideration of specific use cases. Google Antigravity emerges as the preferred choice for teams prioritizing raw autonomy, extensive customization through .antigravity rules systems, multi-agent orchestration, and access to multiple AI models. Its standalone flexibility and current free pricing make it attractive for enterprises exploring next-generation development paradigms. Windsurf better serves developers seeking immediate productivity gains, with superior ease of use leveraging familiar VS Code architecture, exceptional flow state (98/100), and proven enterprise capabilities. Its strength lies in rapid iteration, multi-file coordination through Cascade, and seamless tool integrations. For multi-agent orchestration and architectural flexibility: choose Google Antigravity. For familiar IDE experience and enterprise deployment: choose Windsurf. Both platforms score identically at 91/100 in overall capability assessments, validating that the optimal choice depends on team preference for platform flexibility versus IDE optimization.