JetBrains AI

JetBrains AI Assistant provides intelligent coding assistance through native integration with JetBrains IDEs. The service transparently connects users to different large language models and enables AI-powered features within JetBrains products. Solo developers benefit from deep IDE integration that understands project context and coding patterns. Features include unlimited code completion, AI chat with codebase context, and Junie coding agent capabilities.

Strengths

Native IDE integration provides deep understanding of project structure and context
Unlimited code completion and AI chat with codebase context across all tiers
Junie coding agent performs multi-file edits, test generation, and code refactoring
Available across entire JetBrains IDE ecosystem with consistent experience
Offline mode support using local models for privacy-conscious developers
Free tier available with basic functionality for budget-conscious users

Weaknesses

Limited to JetBrains IDEs only, no support for other editors
Monthly quota limits on cloud-based features may restrict heavy usage
AI Free and AI Ultimate tiers not available in some IDE versions or regions
Higher pricing tiers required for substantial quota allowances
Junie coding agent not available in all IDEs or license tiers

Best for

Developers already using JetBrains IDEs who want seamlessly integrated AI assistance.

Pricing plans

AI Free — Free — Small quota (~1x baseline)
AI Pro — Unknown — Medium quota (~10x baseline)
AI Ultimate — Unknown — Large quota (~40x baseline)
AI Enterprise — Unknown — Large quota (~40x baseline) with custom features

Tech details

Type: IDE-integrated AI assistant
IDEs: All JetBrains IDEs (IntelliJ IDEA, PyCharm, WebStorm, etc.) starting from version 2024.2.1
Key features: Code completion, AI chat, multi-file editing, test generation, code refactoring, Junie coding agent
Privacy / hosting: Cloud-based with offline mode option using local models
Models / context window: Multiple large language models via JetBrains AI Service, exact models and context sizes unknown

When to choose this over Windsurf

You already use JetBrains IDEs and want native integration without switching tools
You need offline AI capabilities using local models for sensitive projects
You prefer structured AI assistance that understands your entire project ecosystem

When Windsurf may be a better fit

You use editors outside the JetBrains ecosystem like VS Code or Vim
You need unlimited cloud AI usage without monthly quota restrictions
You require specific AI models or features not available in JetBrains AI

Conclusion

JetBrains AI offers powerful AI assistance for developers committed to the JetBrains ecosystem. The deep IDE integration provides contextual understanding that enhances coding productivity. However, quota limitations and IDE restrictions may limit its appeal for Windsurf alternatives seekers who need broader editor support or unlimited usage.