GitLab Duo

GitLab Duo provides AI-native features while you work in GitLab. Code Suggestions helps you write code more efficiently by using AI to suggest code as you type. GitLab Duo Pro combines AI-powered code completion, code generation, chat, and per-user assignment as a secure add-on. Solo developers benefit from seamless integration with GitLab's project management and CI/CD workflows. This Windsurf alternatives solution works entirely within GitLab's ecosystem.

Strengths

• Combines code completion, generation, and chat capabilities in one integrated platform
• Extends features to Visual Studio Code, JetBrains IDEs, Visual Studio, and Neovim
• Included free with Premium/Ultimate subscriptions, dramatically lowering the barrier to AI-assisted development
• Features an Agent Platform with specialized AI agents for different roles
• Native integration with GitLab's issue tracking, merge requests, and CI/CD pipelines
• Available for GitLab SaaS, self-managed, and Dedicated customers

Weaknesses

• Requires GitLab subscription for full functionality
• Limited effectiveness outside GitLab ecosystem
• Some users report code suggestions not working reliably in VS Code
• Newer to market compared to established alternatives like GitHub Copilot

Best for

Teams already using GitLab for project management and DevOps workflows.

Pricing plans

• GitLab Duo Pro — $19 per user per month — Add-on to existing GitLab plans
• Premium/Ultimate subscribers — Included free — Unknown specific limits
• Free tier availability — Unknown

Tech details

• Type: AI coding assistant with chat and code completion
• IDEs: Visual Studio Code, JetBrains IDEs, Visual Studio, and Neovim
• Key features: Code suggestions, code generation, AI chat, organizational controls
• Privacy / hosting: Available for self-managed and dedicated instances with enterprise data controls
• Models / context window: Unknown specific model details or context window size

When to choose this over Windsurf

• Your team already uses GitLab for version control and project management
• You need tight integration between AI assistance and DevOps workflows
• You have Premium/Ultimate GitLab subscriptions and want included AI features

When Windsurf may be a better fit

• You work primarily outside the GitLab ecosystem
• You need more mature AI coding assistance with proven reliability
• You prefer standalone AI coding tools not tied to specific platforms

Conclusion

GitLab Duo integrates AI coding assistance directly into GitLab's comprehensive DevSecOps platform. Recent updates include specialized AI agents and free inclusion with higher-tier subscriptions. The service works best for teams already committed to GitLab's ecosystem. Solo developers may find the platform overhead excessive compared to lightweight alternatives.

Sources

• Official site
• Docs
• Pricing