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Updated August 2026
GitHub Copilot logo
GitHub Copilot
VS
Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf) logo
Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf)

GitHub CopilotvsDevin Desktop (formerly Windsurf)

GitHub Copilot and Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf) both offer AI-powered coding assistance, but they approach it differently. Copilot is the established market leader with IDE integrations across all major editors; Devin Desktop is the current product path for Windsurf-style AI-native coding inside the Devin ecosystem. Copilot for plugin-based assistance in existing IDEs, Devin Desktop for developers exploring AI-native editor and agent workflows.

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Live change feed

Recent GitHub Copilot and Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf) changes

Shared with the homepage and tool pages

newgithub-copilot

GitHub Copilot for JetBrains adds persistent memory and Ollama support

GitHub is rolling out persistent memory, access to local models through Ollama, additional enterprise controls, improved chat workflows, and MCP reliability fixes in its JetBrains integration.

Verify official source →
deprecatedgithub-copilot

GitHub Copilot will retire MAI-Code-1-Flash on September 10, 2026

GitHub says MAI-Code-1-Flash will be removed from all Copilot experiences on September 10, 2026, following the launch of MAI-Code-1.1-Flash.

Verify official source →
newgithub-copilot

MAI-Code-1.1-Flash begins rolling out in GitHub Copilot

Microsoft's updated small-tier coding model adds native image understanding and improves coding quality as it rolls out across GitHub Copilot experiences.

Verify official source →

Best Fit 2026

Best choice depends on use case

Use the verdict below to match each tool to your workflow.

GitHub Copilot

Freemium
4.3

GitHub-native AI coding platform for code completion, chat, agentic development, code review, CLI workflows, and cloud-agent execution across GitHub and major IDEs.

Latest verified update · 2026-08-11

GitHub Copilot for JetBrains adds persistent memory and Ollama support

GitHub is rolling out persistent memory, access to local models through Ollama, additional enterprise controls, improved chat workflows, and MCP reliability fixes in its JetBrains integration.

Best For

Enterprise teams needing complianceJetBrains and Xcode usersOpen-source contributorsGitHub-centric development workflows

Pros

  • ✓Works inside VS Code, JetBrains, Xcode, Neovim — no IDE switch required
  • ✓GitHub ecosystem integration: PRs, issues, and Actions context built-in
  • ✓Copilot agent workflows can help turn GitHub issues into implementation tasks
  • ✓Free tier for students and open-source maintainers
  • ✓Enterprise plan with IP indemnification and audit logs for compliance
  • ✓Broad language support: 30+ languages with model fine-tuned on GitHub data
  • ✓Copilot Pro starts at $10/month, with higher tiers for heavier usage

Cons

  • ✗Autocomplete less project-aware than Devin Desktop's agentic editor workflow
  • ✗Agent workflows are less IDE-native than Devin Desktop for multi-step edits
  • ✗Chat requires manual file references — not codebase-indexed by default
  • ✗Quality varies: JetBrains integration lags VS Code noticeably
Try GitHub Copilot →Full Review

Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf)

Freemium
4.4

Agentic coding desktop environment for planning, delegating, reviewing, and shipping work across local and cloud coding agents.

Best For

Developers ready to switch to an AI-native IDEAgentic coding workflowsPython and data science developersBudget-conscious users wanting powerful agents

Pros

  • ✓Free plan gives a low-risk way to evaluate Devin Desktop workflow
  • ✓Cascade agent maintains flow state across long sessions without losing context
  • ✓Write mode vs. Chat mode separation keeps AI actions clear and predictable
  • ✓Supercomplete predicts your next edit location intelligently
  • ✓Pro plan now starts around Cursor-level pricing for agentic coding
  • ✓Stronger fit for teams interested in Devin-style autonomous engineering workflows

Cons

  • ✗Requires switching to Devin Desktop — not a plugin for existing editors
  • ✗Smaller community than GitHub Copilot — fewer tutorials and integrations
  • ✗Product packaging and model details are now tied to the Devin platform
  • ✗No GitHub ecosystem integration (PRs, issues, Actions context)
Try Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf) →Full Review

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

FeatureGitHub CopilotDevin Desktop (formerly Windsurf)
Free plan$0; 2,000 completions and 50 chat requests/month$0; light agent quota and unlimited Tab completions
Individual entry planPro $10/user/monthPro $20/month
Higher individual tiersPro+ $39; Max $100/user/monthMax $200/month
Team pricingBusiness $19; Enterprise $39/user/month$80/month base + $40/full developer seat/month
Usage modelGitHub AI Credits; overage can applyDaily/weekly quotas; overage at model API pricing
Editor flexibilityWorks across supported IDEs and GitHubDevin Desktop product path
Product identityGitHub CopilotDevin Desktop, formerly Windsurf

Our Verdict

GitHub Copilot is the lower-cost, less disruptive choice for most existing IDE workflows. Devin Desktop is the relevant current product for users evaluating the former Windsurf path and a more agent-oriented environment. Compare usage allowances as well as plan prices.

Choose GitHub Copilot if…

Choose GitHub Copilot for the lower individual paid entry price, broad IDE support, or GitHub-native organization controls. Heavy agent usage can exceed included GitHub AI Credits, so review budgets and overage settings.

Choose Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf) if…

Choose Devin Desktop if you want the current Windsurf-style AI-native editor inside the Devin ecosystem. Pro starts at $20/month; Max and team packaging are materially more expensive, and model-priced overage can apply.

Try GitHub Copilot →Try Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf) →

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Pricing Compared

Verified August 24, 2026. GitHub Copilot: Free $0, Pro $10, Pro+ $39, Max $100, Business $19 and Enterprise $39 per user/month. Devin Desktop: Free $0, Pro $20, Max $200, Teams $80/month base plus $40/full developer seat/month, Enterprise custom. Both can charge for usage beyond included allowances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Windsurf still the current product name?

The current product path is Devin Desktop, formerly Windsurf. Legacy plan arrangements may carry over, but new buyers should use Devin's current pricing.

Does GitHub Copilot have a general free plan?

Yes. The current Free plan lists monthly completion and chat limits and is not restricted only to students or open-source maintainers.

Which paid plan starts lower?

GitHub Copilot Pro starts at $10/user/month; Devin Desktop Pro starts at $20/month at the verified list prices.

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