Agentic AI Comparison:
Roo Code vs Windsurf
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Introduction
This report compares Roo Code and Windsurf, two AI-powered coding assistants that have gained popularity in 2025. While both tools aim to enhance developer productivity through AI integration, they differ in implementation, features, and target audiences. Roo Code functions as an extension for VS Code, while Windsurf operates as a standalone IDE.
Overview
Windsurf
Windsurf is a standalone AI-native integrated development environment (IDE) available on Mac, Windows, and Linux. It introduces 'flows' that combine AI agents and co-pilots to collaborate with developers in real time. Windsurf is designed to maintain awareness of the developer's actions, proactively suggest and execute commands, and detect and debug issues. Built by the team behind Codeium, it inherits Codeium's AI autocomplete engine and emphasizes keeping developers in a flow state.
Roo Code
Roo Code is an open-source extension for Visual Studio Code that functions as an autonomous coding agent. It communicates in natural language, can read and write files directly in the workspace, run terminal commands, and even automate browser actions. Roo Code offers specialized modes including code mode, architect mode, and debug mode, allowing developers to remain in their familiar VS Code environment while leveraging AI assistance.
Metrics Comparison
Autonomy
Roo Code: 8
Roo Code leans toward higher autonomy with configurable settings that allow auto-approval of routine edits or command executions in a 'hands-off' mode. It offers adaptive autonomy settings (manual vs. hybrid vs. auto) to suit different comfort levels.
Windsurf: 7
Windsurf brands itself as an 'agentic IDE' with AI Flows that maintain real-time awareness of user actions. It can be proactive in suggesting next steps and executing commands, making it feel more autonomous than traditional IDEs.
While both tools offer high levels of autonomy, Roo Code edges ahead with its configurable auto-approval settings that can be adjusted based on user comfort, offering greater control over the balance between automation and manual oversight.
Ease of Use
Roo Code: 7
As an extension for VS Code, Roo Code integrates into a familiar environment for many developers. This reduces the learning curve but may require more configuration to achieve optimal workflow integration.
Windsurf: 9
Windsurf pushes to be very simple and beginner-friendly, with a default agentic mode that indexes and pulls relevant code as needed. It focuses on high-level, simple interactions with minimal UI clutter, and reportedly feels faster in generating responses.
Windsurf takes the lead in ease of use with its intentionally simplified, beginner-friendly interface and faster response times. Roo Code, while benefiting from VS Code familiarity, may require more setup and customization to achieve the same streamlined experience.
Flexibility
Roo Code: 9
Roo Code offers specialized modes like code mode, architect mode, debug mode, and allows creation of custom personas for specialized tasks such as security auditing or documentation. Being open-source, it also allows for greater customization and community contributions.
Windsurf: 6
As a standalone IDE, Windsurf offers less flexibility in terms of integration with existing workflows and tools. While powerful within its ecosystem, it may not adapt as readily to diverse development environments or specialized workflows.
Roo Code significantly outperforms Windsurf in flexibility, particularly through its specialized modes, custom personas, and open-source nature that allows for community-driven improvements and adaptations to various coding scenarios.
Cost
Roo Code: 10
As an open-source tool, Roo Code is freely available, making it accessible to individual developers, small teams, and organizations with limited budgets.
Windsurf: 7
Windsurf starts at $15 per seat, which is more affordable compared to some competitors like Cursor at $20 per seat. However, as a paid product, it represents an ongoing cost for development teams.
Roo Code has a clear advantage in cost, being completely free as an open-source tool. While Windsurf is reasonably priced compared to similar AI-assisted IDEs, any cost creates a barrier to adoption that doesn't exist with Roo Code.
Popularity
Roo Code: 8
As part of the community-driven open-source ecosystem, Roo Code has gained significant traction. Similar tools in this category have surpassed 1 million installs, indicating strong community adoption and support.
Windsurf: 7
Windsurf has gained attention as a dedicated AI-powered IDE, particularly for its connection to Codeium. While it has generated buzz in the developer community, it may have a smaller user base due to being a standalone product rather than an extension.
Both tools enjoy good popularity, but Roo Code likely has broader adoption due to its integration with VS Code's massive user base and free availability. Windsurf is gaining traction but faces the challenges of convincing developers to switch from their established IDE.
Conclusions
Both Roo Code and Windsurf represent the cutting edge of AI-assisted development tools in 2025, each with distinct strengths. Roo Code excels in flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and customization, making it ideal for developers who want to enhance their existing VS Code setup with powerful AI capabilities while maintaining control over the development process. Windsurf shines in ease of use and seamless AI integration, offering a more unified and streamlined experience for developers willing to adopt a new IDE. The choice between these tools ultimately depends on individual preferences: those who prioritize working within their familiar environment with maximum customization will prefer Roo Code, while developers seeking a simplified, purpose-built AI coding experience may find Windsurf more appealing. Both tools use Claude 3.5 Sonnet as their underlying AI engine, so the core intelligence capabilities are comparable.