Comparisons / OpenCode vs Windsurf
AI coding tools · HN opinions Nov 2025 – Nov 2026
OpenCode vs Windsurf: what developers actually say
Based on 816 opinions on Hacker News from developers who discussed these two, most of them first-hand users.
No comment stated a direct preference for either tool. OpenCode has far more evidence (780 opinions from 569 authors) and higher approval (66 overall, 55 in the last 90 days) than Windsurf (36 opinions, 58 approval). OpenCode leads on cost/pricing (113 positive, 24 negative), customization (83 to 8), and open source (31 to 6), while reliability is its weak spot (39 positive, 83 negative). Windsurf's sample is too small for a firm ranking, and its complaints center on pricing changes, quota cuts, and freezes, so pick it only for an editor-integrated agent and treat the evidence as thin.
Choose OpenCode if
- Want an open-source terminal agent with a large opinion base
- Care most about cost and customization
- Accept reliability risk for a cheaper, configurable workflow
Choose Windsurf if
- Want an agent inside an editor with built-in tab completion
- Like frequent model promotions and a $20 plan covering most models
- Can work with thin evidence and reported quota cuts
Where each one wins and loses
PraiseComplaintsA = OpenCodeB = Windsurf
UX
Cost & pricing
Reliability
Customization
Usage limits
Autonomy
Open source
Code quality