Aide vs Zed
Two of the most-asked-about agents in the coding space. Here's how they actually stack up.
Aide
Open-source AI-native IDE built on VS Code with agent-first workflows and local memory
Free tier
Read full review →Zed
GPU-accelerated code editor with built-in AI assistant and multiplayer
Free + $10/mo
Read full review →Side-by-side comparison
| Aide | Zed | |
|---|---|---|
| Tagline | Open-source AI-native IDE built on VS Code with agent-first workflows and local memory | GPU-accelerated code editor with built-in AI assistant and multiplayer |
| Pricing | Free tier | Free + $10/mo |
| Categories | coding, ide, open-source | coding, editor, ide |
| Made by | Codestory | Zed Industries |
| Launched | 2024-03 | 2024-01 |
| Platforms | macOS, Windows, Linux | macOS, Linux, Windows |
| Status | active | active |
Aide highlights
- + Full VS Code fork with AI agent capabilities built into the IDE layer
- + Local memory that persists project context across sessions
- + Agent-first workflows where AI can take multi-step actions within the editor
- + Proactive code suggestions based on recent edits and open files
- + Inline chat with deep editor context awareness
Zed highlights
- + GPU-accelerated rendering at 120fps written in Rust
- + Multibuffer editing across multiple files in one surface
- + Real-time multiplayer collaboration with live cursors
- + Built-in AI assistant with support for Claude, GPT, Gemini, and local models
- + Agentic editing mode with autonomous context discovery and file editing
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Aide or Zed?
Neither is universally better. Aide (Free tier) leans into coding, while Zed (Free + $10/mo) is closer to coding. Pick based on which workflow you actually do every day.
What is the price difference between Aide and Zed?
Aide is free tier. Zed is free + $10/mo. See the pricing row in the comparison table.
Can I use Aide and Zed together?
In most cases, yes. They serve overlapping but distinct needs, so running them side by side is common until you decide which fits your workflow.