Side-by-Side Comparison · 2026
Amazon Q Developer vs Windsurf (formerly Codeium): Full Comparison (2026)
Amazon Q Developer is aws-native ai coding assistant with security scanning (rebranded from codewhisperer). Windsurf (formerly Codeium) is ai-first ide, now devin desktop (renamed from windsurf on 2 june 2026). Use the breakdown below to find the right fit for your needs.
Amazon Q Developer
Amazon Web Services
FreemiumWindsurf (formerly Codeium)
Windsurf (Cognition AI)
FreemiumSide-by-Side Overview
- Pricing Model
- Amazon Q Developer: FreemiumWindsurf (formerly Codeium): Freemium
- API Access
- Amazon Q Developer: Not availableWindsurf (formerly Codeium): Not available
- Platforms
- Amazon Q Developer: WebWindsurf (formerly Codeium): Web
- Integrations
- Amazon Q Developer: —Windsurf (formerly Codeium): —
- Vendor
- Amazon Q Developer: Amazon Web ServicesWindsurf (formerly Codeium): Windsurf (Cognition AI)
- Category
- Amazon Q Developer: Code AssistanceWindsurf (formerly Codeium): Code Assistance
- Launch
- Amazon Q Developer: —Windsurf (formerly Codeium): —
| Feature | Amazon Q Developer | Windsurf (formerly Codeium) |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| API Access | Not available | Not available |
| Platforms | Web | Web |
| Integrations | — | — |
| Vendor | Amazon Web Services | Windsurf (Cognition AI) |
| Category | Code Assistance | Code Assistance |
| Launch | — | — |
About Amazon Q Developer
Designed For
- AWS development
- Security scanning
- Infrastructure as code
- Code generation
About Windsurf (formerly Codeium)
Designed For
- Code completion
- Agentic coding
- Refactoring
- Multi-file edits
Strengths & Limitations
Amazon Q Developer
Strengths
- Free for individual use (50 requests/day)
- Security scanning built-in
- License tracking
- AWS Console integration
- Java/COBOL transformation
Limitations
- Best for AWS workloads
- Limited context window vs Cursor
- Less consumer recognition
Windsurf (formerly Codeium)
Strengths
- Cascade agentic engine
- Free tier available
- 70+ languages
- VS Code compatible
Limitations
- New product, less mature than Cursor
- Cognition acquisition uncertainty
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Amazon Q Developer and Windsurf (formerly Codeium)?
Amazon Q Developer is aws-native ai coding assistant with security scanning (rebranded from codewhisperer), while Windsurf (formerly Codeium) is ai-first ide, now devin desktop (renamed from windsurf on 2 june 2026). Amazon Q Developer is designed for Code Assistance; Windsurf (formerly Codeium) is designed for Code Assistance. The right fit depends on your specific requirements.
How do the pricing models compare?
Amazon Q Developer is available under a Freemium model. Windsurf (formerly Codeium) is available under a Freemium model. Always verify pricing on each vendor's official website as it may change.
How do I choose between Amazon Q Developer and Windsurf (formerly Codeium)?
Consider your team's technical requirements, budget, existing tooling, and use case before deciding. We recommend signing up for free trials or demos of both tools where available, and consulting each vendor's documentation. AIHub provides this comparison for informational purposes only.