Cursor
VS CodeAbout Zed
Zed is a code editor written from scratch in Rust for one overriding goal: speed. It renders on the GPU and stays responsive on huge files and projects where heavier editors stutter, while keeping AI assistance and real-time collaboration built in rather than bolted on.
You can chat with your codebase, use inline AI edits and pair with teammates in the same buffer, all natively. Because it's open source, the editor itself is yours to inspect and extend — and you can connect the models you prefer.
It's open-sourced under GPL/AGPL (with permissive licensing for parts), built by a team with deep editor pedigree. For developers who find Cursor or VS Code sluggish and want a fast, modern, AI-first editor that's open, Zed is the standout.
What makes it different
A Rust core with GPU rendering keeps Zed instant, even on large files and projects.
Chat with your codebase and apply inline AI edits without add-ons or plugins.
Pair with teammates live in the same buffer, built into the editor.
The editor is open under GPL/AGPL, so you can inspect, extend and trust it.
RustGPUITree-sitterThe honest read
- Exceptional speed thanks to a Rust, GPU-rendered core
- AI assistance and collaboration built in natively
- Open source and inspectable
- Modern, focused, low-bloat interface
- Built by an experienced editor team
- Smaller extension ecosystem than VS Code
- AI features rely on connected model providers
- Windows support arrived later than macOS/Linux
- Fewer third-party integrations, for now
Quick answers
Yes — Zed is free and open source. AI features use model providers, some of which may have their own costs.
Zed is a from-scratch, Rust-built editor focused on raw speed with native AI, and it's open source — while Cursor is a closed VS Code fork.
Yes — Zed's editor is open-sourced under GPL/AGPL, with permissive licensing for some components.
Yes — Zed has real-time multiplayer collaboration built in, so you can pair in the same buffer.
Zed runs on macOS, Linux and Windows.
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