Agentic AI Comparison:
Cognition Devin AI vs Softgen
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Introduction
This report provides a detailed comparison between Softgen (by Kortix AI) and Cognition's Devin AI, both autonomous AI software engineering agents designed to handle coding tasks. Metrics evaluated include autonomy, ease of use, flexibility, cost, and popularity, based on available data from comparisons, pricing, and reviews as of 2026.
Overview
Cognition Devin AI
Devin AI, from Cognition AI (founded 2023), is a full-stack autonomous software engineer capable of writing, running, and testing code end-to-end. It features plans like Core (limited sessions), Teams, and Enterprise (custom pricing), with strengths in routine tasks but noted for resource-heavy compute-based pricing.
Softgen
Softgen, developed by Kortix AI (founded 2024), is a web-based AI agent for software engineering tasks, offering a free trial, free version, and priced at $59/month. It supports multiple deployment options including on-premises and mobile apps, with business hours support and various training resources.
Metrics Comparison
autonomy
Cognition Devin AI: 9
Devin excels as a fully autonomous agent handling end-to-end projects like MLOps pipelines and full-stack apps, with production benchmarks at 74.2% on internal tests and improvements via advanced models like o1.
Softgen: 7
Softgen is positioned as an AI agent for software tasks with broad deployment options, implying solid autonomous capabilities similar to Devin, though specific performance benchmarks are limited in available data.
Devin leads in demonstrated autonomy for complex, real-world tasks, while Softgen shows promise but lacks detailed benchmarks.
ease of use
Cognition Devin AI: 7
User-friendly for dropping into codebases like a junior dev, with interactive planning and session insights, but limited to 10 concurrent sessions on core plan may hinder scalability.
Softgen: 8
Web-based with free trial/version, multiple apps (iPhone, Android, etc.), and training options like docs/webinars make it accessible for quick onboarding.
Softgen edges out with broader deployment and free access, while Devin suits integrated workflows but has session limits.
flexibility
Cognition Devin AI: 6
Strong for smaller/routine tasks and codebase integration, but struggles with compound challenges in messy codebases and has concurrency limits without upgrades.
Softgen: 9
Supports web, on-premises, mobile (iPhone/iPad/Android), desktop (Windows/Mac/Linux/Chromebook), enabling versatile use cases and environments.
Softgen offers superior deployment flexibility; Devin is more task-specific with noted limitations on complex, parallel work.
cost
Cognition Devin AI: 5
ACU-based pricing is resource-heavy and unpredictable; Core plan limited, Teams/Enterprise require custom quotes.
Softgen: 9
Fixed $59/month pricing with free trial and version provides predictability and low entry barrier.
Softgen is far more affordable and predictable; Devin's compute costs can escalate for intensive use.
popularity
Cognition Devin AI: 9
Established as 'first AI software engineer' with extensive coverage, YouTube reviews, benchmarks, and alternatives lists; widely discussed since 2023.
Softgen: 6
Recent (2024) product with comparisons on platforms like Slashdot/SourceForge and Product Hunt mentions, but less hype and fewer detailed reviews.
Devin dominates in visibility and discussion; Softgen is emerging but trails in market buzz.
Conclusions
Devin AI outperforms in autonomy and popularity, ideal for teams needing proven end-to-end engineering on routine tasks despite higher, unpredictable costs. Softgen shines in flexibility, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness, making it suitable for budget-conscious users seeking broad deployment options. Choice depends on priorities: advanced autonomy (Devin) vs. accessible versatility (Softgen).