Head-to-Head Comparison
Windsurf IDEvsOpenAI Codex
Compare Windsurf IDE with OpenAI Codex to determine which tool better fits your AI development workflow.
Windsurf IDE
AI IDE • Advanced
Agent-centric development environment with persistent AI collaboration and multi-file workflow automation
Learning Time
1-2 months to proficiency
Popularity
73%
Top Advantages:
Persistent AI agents with session memory
Cascade chat for project-wide changes
Automated workflow and CI generation
OpenAI Codex
Code Generation Model • Intermediate
Foundation model powering GitHub Copilot with natural language to code translation and CLI tools
Learning Time
2-20 hours depending on usage
Popularity
96%
Top Advantages:
Powers GitHub Copilot ecosystem
Massive context handling capabilities
Multi-threaded task processing
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Criteria | Windsurf | Winner | Codex |
|---|---|---|---|
| Popularity | 73% | 96% | |
| Learning Curve | 1-2 months to proficiency | 2-20 hours depending on usage | |
| Pricing | $15/month Pro, $30/month Teams, $60/month Enterprise | Similar | $1.50/1M input tokens, $6/1M output tokens |
| Category | AI IDE | Different | Code Generation Model |
When to Choose Which Tool
Choose Windsurf When:
- You want comprehensive AI-assisted development environment
- Your team prefers advanced complexity tools
- Budget allows for: $15/month Pro, $30/month Teams, $60/month Enterprise
Choose Codex When:
- You need code generation model capabilities
- Your team prefers intermediate complexity tools
- Budget allows for: $1.50/1M input tokens, $6/1M output tokens
Bottom Line
Codex has higher industry adoption (96% vs 73%), but Windsurf might be better for specific ai ide needs.
Compare both tools hands-on in our vibe coding retreats
Master Both Windsurf & Codex
Experience both Windsurf and Codex in our vibe coding retreats. Make an informed decision with hands-on comparison.
v0
UI Generation
Cursor
AI IDE
n8n
Workflow Automation
Claude Code
CLI Assistant
Prompt Engineering
Foundation Skill
Available Cities
Get Updates
Retreat dates, tool updates, and AI development tips