Skip to content
PaperPlane

Zed vs Cursor

The verdict

If you are a solo developer focused on performance and real-time collaboration, choose Zed. It excels in editing speed and provides a streamlined experience without the bloat, making it ideal for those who prioritize efficiency and collaboration. However, avoid it if you require Windows support right now or depend on specific VS Code extensions, as its ecosystem is still growing.

On the other hand, if you’re an AI-first developer who frequently relies on intelligent code completions and multi-file edits, Cursor is your better option. Its integration with the VS Code ecosystem means you can leverage familiar tools while enhancing your workflow with powerful AI features. Just be aware of its closed-source nature and potential costs associated with heavy AI usage, and steer clear if open-source solutions are a must for you or if you rarely use AI assistance.

Side-by-side comparison of Zed, Cursor
ZedCursor
PricingFreeFrom USD 20
Platformsmac, linuxwindows, mac, linux
RatingNo reviewsNo reviews
AI assistanceNativeNative
Command paletteNativeNative
Dark modeNativeNative
Extensions / pluginsLimitedNative
IntegrationsNot supportedLimited
Keyboard shortcutsNativeNative
Open sourceNativeNot supported
Real-time collaborationNativeNot supported
ThemingNativeNative
Pros
  • Exceptional editing and scrolling performance
  • Real-time collaboration built in, not bolted on
  • Open source with built-in AI that supports your own keys
  • Low memory footprint versus Electron editors
  • Best-in-class AI completion and codebase-aware chat
  • Agent mode applies coordinated multi-file edits
  • Inherits the VS Code ecosystem and muscle memory
  • Bring-your-own-key option for some models
Cons
  • Windows support is still maturing (preview)
  • Smaller extension ecosystem than VS Code
  • Fewer language niceties for some stacks
  • Closed source, unlike the editor it forks
  • Heavy AI use can get expensive on larger plans
  • Diverges from upstream VS Code on its own release cadence
Ideal for
  • solo_dev
  • performance_sensitive_developers
  • open_source_advocates
  • solo_dev
  • ai_first_developers
  • small_team
Avoid if
  • need_windows_today
  • depend_on_a_specific_vscode_extension
  • require_open_source
  • rarely_use_ai_assistance
Zed

A blazingly fast, collaborative editor in Rust

Visit Zed
Cursor

The AI code editor

Visit Cursor
Have a specific use case? Get a tailored recommendation