What each tool does
GitHub Copilot is GitHub's AI helper for programmers. It suggests code as you type, answers questions about your project and has an agent mode for taking on tasks. It also offers a Copilot app and a command-line version, and a free tier is available.
This Windsurf listing points to Devin Desktop, a hub for running many AI coding agents at once. From one place you plan work, hand tasks to agents running locally or in the cloud, review their output and ship changes. Its agent editor uses sessions and spaces so you can track each agent and see when a pull request is ready.
Key differences
- Model of work: Copilot is mainly one assistant working alongside you; Devin Desktop is built for coordinating several agents in parallel.
- Where it runs: Copilot works in your editor and terminal; Devin Desktop is a desktop app with a Mac download.
- Tracking: Devin Desktop has session tracking for each agent's progress; Copilot focuses on the task in front of you.
- Audience: Copilot suits developers and teams generally; Devin Desktop suits developers managing multiple agents.
- Pricing: both are listed as freemium.
Which should you choose?
Choose GitHub Copilot if you want reliable AI help as you code, on your existing setup, with an easy free start.
Choose Windsurf (Devin Desktop) if you are on a Mac and want to delegate several tasks to agents at once and review their work from a single dashboard.
Paid plans are usually billed in USD by card, so check the pricing page for current plans.
Can you use both?
Possibly. A developer could use Copilot for hands-on coding and Devin Desktop for batches of delegated tasks, but there is overlap, so test both before paying for either.
