Bolt.new vs Windsurf

A detailed comparison to help you choose the right tool

Bolt.new

Coding

Windsurf

Coding
Pricing
Free tier, Pro from $20/mo, Teams $30/member/mo
Free tier, Pro $15/mo, Teams $30/user/mo
Best For
Bolt.new is an innovative AI-powered code generation and project scaffolding platform designed to accelerate software development workflows. The tool enables developers to rapidly create new programming projects with intelligent template generation across multiple languages and frameworks.
Windsurf is an innovative AI-powered coding tool designed to streamline the software development process. It provides a comprehensive suite of features tailored to both novice and experienced developers, making it a versatile addition to any coding toolkit.
Pros
  • Extremely fast project setup, Reduces boilerplate code, Supports multiple programming languages, Intuitive user interface
  • User-friendly interface, Affordable pricing tiers, Strong collaboration features, Regular updates and improvements
Cons
  • Limited free tier functionality, Potential over-reliance on AI generation, Learning curve for advanced configurations, Periodic template accuracy variations
  • Limited functionality in the free tier, Some language support may be lacking, Learning curve for advanced features

Detailed Comparison

Bolt.new Overview

Bolt.new represents a significant advancement in developer productivity tools, offering an intelligent approach to project initialization and code generation. The platform's core strength lies in its ability to generate standardized, clean project structures across various programming ecosystems with minimal manual intervention. Developers can quickly spin up new projects by selecting their desired language, framework, and initial configuration, with the AI intelligently populating foundational code and project architecture. The tool's multi-language support is particularly impressive, covering mainstream technologies like JavaScript, Python, Ruby, and Go. While the free tier provides basic functionality, the Pro and Teams plans unlock more sophisticated generation capabilities and collaborative features. The AI-driven template generation is remarkably accurate, though users should still review and customize outputs to ensure alignment with specific project requirements. Bolt.new excels at reducing initial development friction, allowing engineers to focus more on core logic and less on repetitive setup tasks. Its intuitive interface and quick project initialization make it an attractive option for both individual developers and small to medium-sized development teams. The platform continues to evolve, with frequent updates improving template quality and expanding language support. Despite some limitations in extremely complex project scenarios, Bolt.new demonstrates significant potential in streamlining modern software development workflows.

Read full Bolt.new review →

Windsurf Overview

Windsurf is positioned as a powerful ally for developers looking to enhance their coding efficiency and productivity. Its intuitive interface makes it accessible for beginners while still offering a depth of features that can benefit advanced users. One of the standout capabilities of Windsurf is its real-time collaboration feature, which allows multiple developers to work on the same codebase simultaneously. This is particularly beneficial for teams that operate in fast-paced environments or remote settings, enabling seamless communication and coordination when tackling projects. Among its robust features, Windsurf offers code suggestions that adapt to the user’s style and the context of the code being written. This intelligent autocomplete provides suggestions not just for code syntax but also for logical structures based on the existing code, helping to reduce errors and enhance the flow of development. Additionally, the tool’s error detection capabilities can identify issues in real time, giving users immediate feedback and reducing the time spent debugging later in the development cycle. Windsurf also boasts language support for multiple programming languages, making it versatile for teams working across different technology stacks. The deployment automation feature is a significant asset, allowing developers to push updates and changes to production environments with increased speed and reduced risk. Pricing is an attractive aspect of Windsurf, with a free tier that offers essential features to newcomers and a Pro subscription at $15 per month. The Teams plan is competitively priced at $30 per user per month, making it accessible for organizations keen to leverage the collaborative features of the tool. This sensible pricing structure, combined with the functionality offered, ensures that teams of all sizes can benefit from Windsurf. Despite its strengths, Windsurf does have some limitations. The free tier may feel restrictive for those seeking to fully explore its capabilities, which might require users to upgrade sooner than they anticipated. Additionally, while it supports several programming languages, some developers have noted that it lacks depth in certain niche areas, which could be a potential drawback for specialized projects. Furthermore, while the basic features are easy to grasp, mastering some of the more advanced functionalities may require a learning curve for users, especially those less familiar with coding tools. In conclusion, Windsurf stands out as a modern tool for developers looking to improve their coding experience and collaboration. With its competitive pricing and user-oriented design, it offers substantial value to both individual developers and teams. By addressing its current limitations, Windsurf has the potential to become an indispensable asset in the developer community.

Read full Windsurf review →

Our Verdict

Both Bolt.new (Free tier, Pro from $20/mo, Teams $30/member/mo) and Windsurf (Free tier, Pro $15/mo, Teams $30/user/mo) compete in the Coding category, but they serve different needs.

Choose Bolt.new if: You value extremely fast project setup, reduces boilerplate code, supports multiple programming languages, intuitive user interface. Plus, you can start for free.

Choose Windsurf if: You prioritize user-friendly interface, affordable pricing tiers, strong collaboration features, regular updates and improvements. It also offers a free tier.