Open-source alternatives to Windsurf
Looking to replace Windsurf with something free and open-source? These 3 tools are the best open alternatives in 2026 — most are self-hostable, so you keep full control of your data and pay no subscription.
At a glance: how they compare
Click a column to sort — the best one depends on what matters to you.
| Alternative | Stars | Language | License | Last commit | In one line |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Void | — | — | Apache-2.0 | — | Open-source Cursor alternative built on VS Code. |
| Continue | — | — | Apache-2.0 | — | Open autopilot extension for VS Code and JetBrains, any model. |
| Aider | — | — | Apache-2.0 | — | AI pair programming in your terminal with git integration. |
Which one should you pick?
Void
Open-source Cursor alternative built on VS Code. Its Apache-2.0 license is permissive — free to use commercially, embed and modify. Because it is self-hostable, your data can stay entirely on your own infrastructure.
Continue
Open autopilot extension for VS Code and JetBrains, any model. Its Apache-2.0 license is permissive — free to use commercially, embed and modify. Because it is self-hostable, your data can stay entirely on your own infrastructure.
Aider
AI pair programming in your terminal with git integration. Its Apache-2.0 license is permissive — free to use commercially, embed and modify. Because it is self-hostable, your data can stay entirely on your own infrastructure.
Switching from Windsurf without the drama
- Export your data from Windsurf first — most tools above can import standard formats.
- Run your top pick in parallel for a week or two before committing; self-hosted options can be tried locally in minutes.
- Migrate one team or one project at a time, keeping the old account read-only until everything checks out.
FAQ
What is the best open-source alternative to Windsurf?
The top open-source alternative is Void — Open-source Cursor alternative built on VS Code. The full ranked list is above.
Are these Windsurf alternatives free?
Yes. Every tool listed is open-source and free to use; most can be self-hosted so you keep full control of your data.
Can I self-host an alternative to Windsurf?
Most of these tools are designed to run on your own server or machine, giving you privacy and no subscription fees.
More open-source alternatives
Browse open-source replacements for dozens of popular tools — design, productivity, dev, analytics and more.
See all alternatives →