Amazon Q Developer vs Windsurf (2026): Which AI Coding Tool Wins?
We compare Amazon Q Developer and Windsurf on features, pricing, use cases, and real-world performance.
DevTools Review
DevTools Review tracks 11 AI coding tools and re-checks every price against the vendor’s own pricing page. Here’s what actually matters.
Amazon Q Developer vs Windsurf: At a Glance
Amazon Q Developer and Windsurf are two of the most discussed AI coding tools in 2026. Amazon Q Developer costs $19/user/mo and Windsurf costs $20/mo.
Choose Amazon Q if aws-integrated ai coding assistant with agentic capabilities and java transformation Choose Windsurf if agentic ide (now part of cognition) with the swe-1
Feature Comparison
| Feature | A Amazon Q Developer closed to new | W Windsurf (Devin Desktop) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Closed to new signups | $20/mo |
| Autocomplete | Good | Good |
| Chat | ||
| Multi-file editing | ||
| Codebase context | Workspace | Full project |
| Custom models | ||
| VS Code compatible | ||
| Terminal AI | ||
| Free tier | ||
| Read the AWS announcement | Try Devin Desktop Free |
Amazon Q Developer Overview
Amazon Q Developer
AWS's coding assistant, closed to new signups and being replaced by Kiro.
Amazon Q Developer is AWS-integrated AI coding assistant with agentic capabilities and Java transformation.
Key strengths: Best for developers who prioritize AWS integration, Java upgrades, agentic refactoring. Pricing starts at $19/user/mo.
Amazon Q Developer is closed to new signups — since May 2026.
AWS blocked new Q Developer accounts and subscriptions on 15 May 2026. Existing subscriptions can still add seats, but a developer starting today cannot sign up.
Windsurf Overview
Windsurf (Devin Desktop)
Agentic IDE (now part of Cognition) with the SWE-1.5 model and quota-based plans for multi-step coding.
Windsurf is Agentic IDE (now part of Cognition) with the SWE-1.5 model and quota-based plans.
Key strengths: Best for developers who prioritize agent-driven workflow, multi-step automation, AI-first design. Pricing starts at $20/mo.
Heads up:Windsurf is now Devin Desktop. windsurf.com returns a permanent redirect to devin.ai/desktop after Cognition acquired it, so a tool you evaluate under one name is billed and supported under another. Source.
Try Devin Desktop FreePricing Comparison
| Plan | Amazon Q Developer | Windsurf |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level | $19/user/mo | $20/mo |
See our Amazon Q Developer pricing guide and Windsurf pricing guide.
When to Choose Amazon Q Developer
Pick Amazon Q if your workflow revolves around AWS integration, Java upgrades, agentic refactoring.
When to Choose Windsurf
Pick Windsurf if your workflow revolves around agent-driven workflow, multi-step automation, AI-first design.
The Bottom Line
Choose Amazon Q if aws-integrated ai coding assistant with agentic capabilities and java transformation Choose Windsurf if agentic ide (now part of cognition) with the swe-1
Both tools are actively developed. Still unsure? Use our 30-second picker.
Disclosure: We earn nothing from the links in this article. We are not enrolled in an affiliate programme for any tool here — most of them do not run one. Nobody pays to be ranked, and where we haven’t used a tool ourselves we say so.
FAQ
Amazon Q Developer is closed to new signups — since May 2026.
AWS blocked new Q Developer accounts and subscriptions on 15 May 2026. Existing subscriptions can still add seats, but a developer starting today cannot sign up.
Written by DevTools Review
We're developers who use AI coding tools every day. Our reviews are based on real-world experience, not press releases. We test with real projects and share what we actually find.