AI coding assistants , by Zed Industries , since 2022
Zed
Rust-based multiplayer code editor with token-billed AI edit predictions and chat
- DESKTOP
What Zed does
Zed is a fast, natively built (Rust) code editor with real-time multiplayer collaboration, which layers on AI edit predictions and chat. Since September 2025 its AI features are billed on a token-based model rather than flat per-plan quotas, on top of a free tier with a fixed number of included edit predictions.
What you get: Native Rust performance, Real-time multiplayer editing, Token-based AI billing, Edit predictions.
Typical jobs: Performance-sensitive editing; Pair programming/collaboration; Developers wanting a non-Electron editor.
What users complain about: 'The AI integration is still quite wonky. The autocomplete...makes it hard to see the text clearly' (sgoel.dev (via Hacker News))
Pricing and plan limits
Verified August 2026| Plan | Monthly | Annual (per mo) | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal (Free) | Free | n/a | 2,000 accepted edit predictions included; unlimited use if you bring your own API keys |
| Pro | $10 | n/a | Unlimited edit predictions; $5 of tokens included per month, usage-based billing beyond that; 2-week free trial includes $20 in token credits |
| Business | $30 | n/a | Per seat/month; unlimited edit predictions, no fixed LLM credit allotment -- billed at standard token rates or via your own provider account |
Where it wins
- Genuinely fast, native (non-Electron) editor with built-in real-time multiplayer collaboration, distinct from the VS Code-fork approach most AI editors take
- Token-based Pro billing avoids the flat markup other tools charge, useful for light users who mainly want the core editor
Where it falls short
- AI integration is reported as still rough in places -- one long-time Vim/Neovim user cited autocomplete rendering (via Supermaven) making text hard to read and a removed /workflow command
- Some users worry Zed's core editor development has slowed since AI features became the focus, and it still lacks some conveniences (e.g. a fuller Git GUI, more model choices for local/FIM completion) versus mature competitors
How we scored it
Full methodology| Criterion | Weight | Score | Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capability | 30% | 6.0 | 1.80 |
| Value for money | 25% | 8.0 | 2.00 |
| Ease of use | 15% | 7.0 | 1.05 |
| Maturity | 15% | 6.0 | 0.90 |
| Support & docs | 10% | 6.0 | 0.60 |
| Momentum | 5% | 7.0 | 0.35 |
| Weighted total | 100% | 6.7 | 6.70 |
Alternatives to Zed
Chosen by editors, not sponsors-
LovableFreemiumClosest match on capability
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AiderFreeCheaper entry plan
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ClineFreemiumCheaper entry plan at $9.99/mo
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GitHub CopilotFreemiumClosest match on capability
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