We like both, GOWIN and EFINIX. Each has a design in motion at our company and hopefully to grow with their devices.
GOWIN has a free EDU license you can download and test here:
https://github.com/magicjellybeanfpga/MiniStarParts are available from Edge Electronics or others worldwide. Hope that the market does not start gouging on the margins but we have had nice dealings with Edge and still recommend them for the best pricing. Certainly check with suppliers on Aliexpress or other distributors listed on their website to compare.
Have open dialog with Efinix and they mentioned that their recent production costs have been high so the latest pricing for XYLONI kit has increased. They are working on this to improve the price. My guess is still with the scarce FTDI MPSSE controller device that is onboard.
Given the situation, you can perhaps contact them to ask for a test license like others have noted in these forums ?
Contact (FAE; USA):
rochellez[at]efinixinc.com
She does most of the training videos on their website and is an excellent support contact for us.
Efinix has stated that they will consider additional kits to promote their products - so, what would you like to see as features and costs ?
If it makes business sense, we can review to spin a design / kit -> then Efinix must approve it and the kit would feature a toolchain license.