What is Zed?
Zed is a fast, open-source code editor written in Rust with built-in AI editing, an agent panel and real-time collaboration. It supports multiple model providers and external agents like Claude Code and Gemini CLI.
Best for: Performance-focused developers.
Key features
- Agent panel
- Edit predictions
- Multiplayer collaboration
- Bring your own model
- Agent Client Protocol
Pros and cons
Pros
- Extremely fast
- Open-source
- Flexible model choice
Cons
- Smaller extension ecosystem than VS Code
- Windows support is newer
Zed pricing
| Pricing model | Open source |
|---|---|
| Starting price | Free |
| Platforms | Mac, Linux, Windows |
| Launched | 2023 |
Prices change often. Check the Zed website for current plans.
Our verdict
Zed scores 8.0/10 in our review. Its biggest strength: extremely fast. The main drawback: smaller extension ecosystem than VS Code. If it isn't the right fit, ChatGPT is the closest alternative.
Frequently asked questions
What is Zed?
Zed is a fast, open-source code editor written in Rust with built-in AI editing, an agent panel and real-time collaboration. It supports multiple model providers and external agents like Claude Code and Gemini CLI.
Is Zed free?
Yes. Zed is open source and free to use.
What are the best Zed alternatives?
Popular alternatives include ChatGPT, GitHub Copilot, Cursor, Claude Code.
Who is Zed best for?
Zed is best for performance-focused developers.