AI coding assistants are having a moment. Whether you love them, fear them, or occasionally yell at them for auto-completing your code in the worst possible way, they’re here to stay.

If you’ve been using Windsurf AI and are looking for something just as good (or maybe better) without paying, you’re in luck. There are plenty of free Windsurf AI alternatives that bring AI-powered coding assistance, auto-completions, and all that futuristic goodness into your workflow—without asking for your credit card.

Let’s look at the top five options that can replace Windsurf AI without making you regret your life choices.

1. Aide

If you’re looking for an alternative to Windsurf AI that doesn’t require a subscription, Aide Dev is one to consider. As a free AI coding assistant, it offers solid performance across a variety of platforms, making it a good fit for anyone who prefers to avoid paywalls but still needs reliable code completions.

Why Aide Dev Might Be Worth Your Attention:

• Free for Personal Use: Aide Dev offers a completely free version for personal use, meaning there are no surprise charges down the line. For anyone wanting an AI-powered coding assistant without the commitment of a subscription, this can be a real benefit.

• Fast and Efficient Code Completions: One of the standout features is the speed of its AI-powered auto-completions. It’s designed to work quickly, helping developers write code more efficiently. While similar to Windsurf AI, it offers this functionality without requiring a paid plan.

• Multi-Language Support: Aide Dev doesn’t limit you to just one programming language. It supports a range of languages, including Python, JavaScript, C++, and Go. This versatility makes it a good option for developers working on different kinds of projects.

• Cloud IDE Compatibility: Aide Dev is compatible with cloud-based platforms like Gitpod, Replit, and Jupyter Notebooks. If you’re working in a cloud environment or need the flexibility to work across multiple devices, this feature could be a game-changer.

In summary, Aide Dev offers a free, fast, and flexible alternative to Windsurf AI. It’s worth checking out if you’re looking for a tool that can support your coding needs without the burden of a subscription fee. While it may not be the only option out there, it certainly brings a lot to the table for those on the hunt for a free AI coding assistant.

2. Tabnine 

Tabnine is another great option, especially if you’re concerned about AI assistants sending your secret spaghetti code to the cloud. Unlike some AI coding tools that process everything on their own servers, Tabnine allows local AI completions—meaning your data stays on your machine.

What Makes Tabnine Stand Out:

• Free-tier available (Limited but still useful).
• Runs locally, so your code isn’t sent to an external server.
• Integrates with VS Code, IntelliJ, WebStorm, and more.
• Context-aware suggestions that improve over time.

If privacy is a big deal for you, Tabnine is an excellent alternative to Windsurf AI.

3. Amazon CodeWhisperer

Amazon’s CodeWhisperer is basically AWS whispering sweet nothings (or useful code snippets) into your IDE. It’s trained on billions of lines of code and offers a solid free plan that’s actually good.

Why CodeWhisperer is Worth Trying:

• Completely free for individual developers.
• Supports multiple languages, including Python, Java, and JavaScript.
• Seamless integration with VS Code and JetBrains IDEs.
• Security scanning features to help catch vulnerabilities.

If you work with AWS, this one’s a no-brainer. But even if you don’t, it’s still a solid free Windsurf AI alternative.

4. PolyCoder

For those who prefer open-source alternatives, PolyCoder is an interesting choice. It’s an AI-powered coding model that’s fully transparent (unlike some AI tools that are basically black boxes).

What’s Cool About PolyCoder:

• Fully open-source, meaning you can inspect and modify the model.
• Good auto-completion capabilities for common programming languages.
• No corporate overlords deciding your pricing plan.
• Can be self-hosted, so you have full control over your data.

It may not have the polish of commercial tools, but if you’re into open-source projects, PolyCoder is worth checking out.

5. OpenAI Codex (via GPT-3.5 Playground) 

If you don’t mind using OpenAI’s web-based playground, you can access Codex, the model behind GitHub Copilot. While GitHub Copilot requires a paid subscription, OpenAI offers limited free usage of Codex in their API Playground.

Why Codex is Worth Your Time:

• Free to use (with API credits).
• Can generate entire functions based on comments.
• Supports many languages, including Python, JavaScript, and TypeScript.
• You get to experiment with AI-generated code without a full subscription.

While it’s not a direct plug-in like Windsurf AI, it’s still one of the best free alternatives if you don’t mind working in a browser-based environment.

Final Thoughts

AI coding assistants have made life easier for developers, but not everyone wants to pay for one. If you’re looking for free Windsurf AI alternatives, the five options above give you plenty to work with.

• Codeium – Best overall free alternative.
• Tabnine – Great for privacy-focused developers.
• Amazon CodeWhisperer – Free for individuals, plus AWS integration.
• PolyCoder – Open-source and customizable.
• OpenAI Codex (via Playground) – Best for experimenting with AI-generated code.

Whichever one you choose, you’re getting AI-powered coding help without needing to sell an organ. Give them a try and see which one fits your workflow best!