Zed

Zed is a code editor built for speed. Written in Rust with a native core, it opens fast, stays responsive on large codebases, and feels noticeably lighter than editors built on web technology — the kind of difference you notice within a day of switching.

AI assistance is built into the editor rather than bolted on: hosted models, unlimited edit predictions on Pro, and the option to bring your own API keys from Anthropic, OpenAI, Google and others. Built-in multiplayer lets developers work in the same project in real time, and the editor is open source under the GPL.

The trade-off is scope: Zed runs on macOS and Linux only, and its extension ecosystem is smaller than the biggest editors. If you live in one of those ecosystems — or on Windows — Zed asks you to give something up.

Pros

• Noticeably fast, with a native Rust-based core.
• AI assistance built in, with hosted models or your own API keys.
• Real-time multiplayer collaboration in the same project.

Watch out for

• Windows is not supported — macOS and Linux only.
• The extension ecosystem is smaller than the biggest editors.
• Pro’s $10 covers $5 of hosted-AI credit; heavy AI use bills on top at list price plus 10%.

Best for

Developers who want a genuinely fast editor with AI help and live collaboration, and who work on macOS or Linux. Who should skip it: Windows users, and anyone deeply tied to one editor’s extension ecosystem.

Pricing

The Zed editor itself is free and open source, with a Personal plan at $0. Pro is $10 per month and adds hosted AI models with unlimited edit predictions and $5 of hosted-AI credit a month; Business is $30 per seat per month for team controls. A 14-day Pro trial needs no credit card. Confirm current terms on the official pricing page.

Example

A developer opens a large repository in Zed, asks the built-in AI assistant to explain an unfamiliar module, and accepts inline edit predictions as they refactor a function. A teammate joins the same project live, and both edit and review the changes together without leaving the editor.

FAQs

What is Zed? A fast, open-source code editor with AI assistance built in, written in Rust by Zed Industries.

Which systems does it run on? macOS and Linux. Windows is not supported.

Can I collaborate live? Yes — built-in multiplayer lets developers work in the same project in real time.

Is Zed free? Yes, the editor is free and open source. Pro ($10/month) adds hosted AI models and unlimited edit predictions.

Reviewed / last checked: November 10, 2026.