JetBrains AI vs Windsurf
Windsurf scores higher overall, 3.7 against 3.6 of 5.0, and leads in 3 of the six categories to 2. Which matters depends on the categories you weigh most.
Independently evaluated by huby · 2026-10-22 · scores free to read and cite
Overall scores
Category by category
A category is won on the higher score. Equal scores are counted for neither.
What the evaluation found
JetBrains AI
Strongest category: Privacy
JetBrains AI provides users with strong control over their intellectual property through a "default-off" policy, meaning code is never used for AI training unless a user explicitly opts in. The company is transparent about its data practices, proactively notifying users of policy changes and providing clear data deletion workflows. This user-centric approach is reinforced by strong European privacy standards and independent security certifications.
JetBrains AI Research Brief, $35 →Windsurf
Strongest category: Quality
Windsurf is a powerful and highly capable AI assistant that excels at core software development tasks for individual users. It demonstrates state-of-the-art performance in generating accurate code, understanding entire projects, and automating testing, all while being deeply integrated into a developer's workspace. However, its reliability and performance can diminish when handling more complex, team-oriented scenarios, with reports of latency and inconsistent execution on advanced features.
Windsurf Research Brief, $35 →Go deeper on either one
The scores above are free. A Research Brief adds every subcategory scored, the assessment behind each one, and who should consider it - six pages, in the shape a buying decision actually needs.
Common questions
Is JetBrains AI or Windsurf better?
On huby's independent evaluation, Windsurf scores 3.7 against 3.6 for JetBrains AI, and leads in 3 of the six categories. Neither is better at everything - the category table above shows where each one leads.
How are JetBrains AI and Windsurf scored?
Both are evaluated against the same framework, on the same 1.0-5.0 scale, from evidence tiered by source. The scores were published 2026-10-22. huby takes no payment to change a score or a rank.
How many coding assistants has huby evaluated?
9 coding assistants, all against the same framework, which is what makes these two comparable at all.
What do I get that is not on this page?
This page is free and always will be: both overall scores, all six category scores and a verdict. A Research Brief adds the subcategory scores, the written assessment behind each one, and who should consider the product.