Zed is a fast, open-source code editor written in Rust with built-in AI: edit predictions, an agent panel and support for external agents like Claude's agent and Codex CLI. Free with your own API keys; Pro is $10/month.
What is Zed?
Zed focuses on raw performance and real-time multiplayer collaboration, with AI as an optional layer you can disable entirely. It pioneered the Agent Client Protocol so third-party agents can run inside the editor.
Pro bills hosted model use at API list price plus 10% after the included $5; Business adds org-wide AI and data-sharing controls.
Zed pricing
Plans as publicly listed on the official pricing page, verified 2026-10-10.
| Plan | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Personal | $0 | 2,000 accepted edit predictions; unlimited with your own keys or external agents |
| Pro | $10/mo | Unlimited edit predictions, $5 of tokens, then API list price +10% |
| Business | $30/seat/mo | Org AI policies, data governance |
Source: https://zed.dev/pricing. Prices in USD, excluding tax.
Supported models
Zed-hosted models, or your own keys (Anthropic, OpenAI, Google, Bedrock, Ollama, OpenRouter and more); external agents via ACP. Bring-your-own-key: supported.
Claude OpenAI Gemini Open-weight Local models
Model watch: Gemini 4 Carbon — reported, unconfirmed: what we know
Features at a glance
- ✓ Agent mode
- ✓ Autocomplete
- — Cloud / background agents
- — PR code review
- ✓ MCP support
- — Self-host option
Interfaces: Native desktop editor (macOS, Linux, Windows).
Strengths and weaknesses
＋ Strengths
- Extremely fast native editor
- Open source; AI can be fully disabled
- Bring any key or external agent
- Cheap Pro plan
－ Weaknesses
- Smaller extension ecosystem than VS Code
- SSO/SCIM not yet available on Business
- Agent features less mature than Cursor
Who is Zed best for?
Developers who want a fast, lean editor and control over which AI they use.
Zed alternatives
Developers who want AI woven into everyday editing, with an agent one keystroke away.
Free tier · from $20/mo · Compare →
Former Windsurf users and teams who want one tool to run and supervise many agents.
Free tier · from $20/mo · Compare →
VS Code users who want an autonomous agent with full control over models and spend.
Free · Compare →
Head-to-head: Zed vs Cursor · Zed vs Windsurf (now Devin Desktop) · Zed vs Cline