Zed Editor Review: Rust-Based AI IDE with Collaboration (2026)
Quick Answer
Zed is a next-generation code editor built from scratch in Rust to achieve unprecedented performance. Unlike traditional editors that run on JavaScript/Electron, Zed uses a custom GPU-accelerated UI framework (GPUI) to render at 120fps with sub-millisecond latency. It features native CRDT-based collaboration (no plugins needed), AI integration via the Agent Client Protocol (ACP), and Wasm extensions for security. While its extension ecosystem is smaller than VS Code’s, Zed offers the best typing experience and collaboration features available, making it ideal for performance-focused developers.
What is Zed?
Zed is a reimagining of the code editor from first principles. Developed by the creators of Atom and Tree-sitter, Zed addresses the fundamental limitations of Electron-based editors like VS Code:
| Problem | Electron Solution | Zed’s Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | JavaScript overhead | GPU rendering (GPUI) |
| Memory | High RAM usage | Rust efficiency |
| Collaboration | Plugin required | Native CRDTs |
| Extensions | Node.js (flexible but risky) | Wasm (sandboxed) |
The result is an editor that feels instantaneous and scales from small scripts to multi-million line codebases without degradation.
Key Features
1. GPUI: GPU-Accelerated Rendering
Zed’s custom UI framework renders directly to the GPU:
- 120fps target frame rate for smooth scrolling
- Sub-millisecond latency for key presses
- Parallel rendering (CPU for logic, GPU for pixels)
- Efficient for massive files (millions of lines)
Practical Impact:
- No “typing lag” on large files
- Smooth multi-cursor operations
- Instant syntax highlighting via Tree-sitter
- Responsive even on legacy hardware
2. CRDTs: Native Collaboration
Conflict-free Replicated Data Types power real-time collaboration:
- Every keystroke synced to peers
- Cursors tracked as state vectors
- Follow Mode: Sync viewport with host developer
- Offline-first: Works without network, merges on reconnect
Advantages over VS Code Live Share:
- No “locking” conflicts
- Lower bandwidth (only send operations, not state)
- Better scaling for large teams
3. Agent Client Protocol (ACP)
Zed’s open standard for AI integration:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Unified Interface | Connect any AI provider via ACP |
| Tool Support | Agent can read files, run terminals, edit code |
| Multi-Model | GPT-5, Gemini 2.5, Claude, local models |
| Extensible | Third parties can build ACP agents |
4. Model Agnostic AI Support
Zed supports multiple LLM providers:
| Provider | Models | Context | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| OpenAI | GPT-5, GPT-5-mini, GPT-5-nano, GPT-4o | 400k | Deep reasoning |
| Gemini 3.0 Pro, Gemini 2.5 Pro/Flash | 2M | Massive context | |
| Anthropic | Claude 3.5 Sonnet, Opus, Haiku | 200k | High-quality coding |
| xAI | Grok 4 | 128k-2M | Vision support |
| BYOK | Local models via API keys | Varies | Privacy/cost |
5. Wasm Extensions: Secure & Fast
Extensions run in WebAssembly sandbox:
- Can’t crash the main editor (process isolation)
- Fast execution (near-native speed)
- Permission model (explicit access requests)
- Supports: Languages, themes, slash commands, MCP servers
6. Helix Integration
For Vim users, Zed includes:
- Vim mode with modal editing
- Helix keybindings (Kakoune-style)
- Tree-sitter for syntax-aware operations
- Multi-cursor support
Technology Stack Support
Systems Programming
| Language | Support Level | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Rust | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Native (Zed is Rust), rust-analyzer, macro expansion, runnable tests |
| C/C++ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | clangd, CMake projects, lldb debugging, header navigation |
| Go | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | gopls, go.mod awareness, gofmt, delve debugging |
Web Development
| Framework | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| React | Native | vtsls (fast TS), JSX support, eslint/prettier |
| Next.js | Native | RSC awareness, Server Components, App Router |
| Vue | Strong | Volar (LSP for Vue), single-file components |
| Svelte | Strong | Svelte Language Server, inlay hints |
| Astro | Good | Component-aware, content collections |
| Angular | Good | Angular Language Service, standalone components |
Backend & Scripting
| Language | Features |
|---|---|
| Python | pyright/basedpyright, ruff (linting/formatting), venv/conda detection |
| PHP (Laravel) | zed-for-laravel kit (phpactor, pint, Blade templates, artisan tasks) |
| Ruby (Rails) | solargraph/ruby-lsp, .ruby-version respect, ERB templates, rubocop |
Database & Infrastructure
- SQL: Tree-sitter parsing, PostgreSQL/MongoDB via MCP
- Terraform: tree-sitter-hcl, prefillRequiredFields
- Docker: Dockerfile and docker-compose validation
Zed vs Competitors
Zed vs VS Code
| Aspect | Zed | VS Code |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Rust + GPUI | Electron (JavaScript) |
| Performance | Sub-ms latency, 120fps | Moderate, occasional lag |
| Collaboration | Native CRDTs | Plugin required (Live Share) |
| Extensions | Wasm (secure, limited) | Node.js (flexible, risky) |
| Resource Usage | Low RAM, efficient | High RAM, bloated |
| Startup Time | Instant | Slow (cold start) |
Winner: Zed for performance and collaboration, VS Code for extension ecosystem.
Zed vs Cursor
| Aspect | Zed | Cursor |
|---|---|---|
| Type Speed | Instant (sub-ms) | Fast (but slower than Zed) |
| AI Integration | ACP (multi-model) | Built-in (Claude/GPT) |
| Context Engine | File-based ranking | Deep Context RAG |
| Privacy | Local-first, optional cloud | Cloud-synced by default |
| Cost | Free core + usage-based | $20/mo flat |
Winner: Zed for performance and model choice, Cursor for deep context understanding.
Zed vs JetBrains
| Aspect | Zed | JetBrains |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | Instant | Slow (indexing overhead) |
| Performance | Consistent 120fps | Variable (GC pauses) |
| AI | Multi-model via ACP | JetBrains AI (proprietary) |
| Resources | Lightweight | Heavy (Java-based) |
| Cost | Free + usage | $20-50/month per IDE |
Winner: Zed for speed and efficiency, JetBrains for enterprise features (refactoring, database tools).
Business Model
Open Core with Token Billing
| Component | Pricing |
|---|---|
| Editor | Free (open source: GPL/Apache/AGPL) |
| Pro Plan | $10/month |
| Token Credit | $5 monthly stipend |
| Frontier Models | List price + ~10% markup |
| Fast Models | Often free or cheap |
Transparency
Unlike flat-rate subscriptions, Zed’s model is transparent:
- Fast Models (GPT-5-nano, Claude Haiku): Often included
- Frontier Models (GPT-5, Opus): Pay what you use
- No throttling of frontier models (unlike competitors)
Platform Support
macOS: Lead Platform
- Best Experience: Apple Silicon optimized
- Metal API: GPU rendering via Metal
- Energy Efficient: Great battery life on M1/M2/M3
- Requirement: macOS 12+ (Monterey) or later
Linux: Vulkan Required
- Requirement: Vulkan 1.3 capable hardware
- Display: Wayland and X11 support
- Drivers: RADV recommended (amdvlk problematic)
- Packaging: .tar.gz, Flatpaks, AUR packages
Windows: New Frontier
- Rendering: DirectX 11
- WSL 2: Remote development into Linux
- Status: Stable (late 2025)
- Native Support: Improving rapidly
Best For
1. Performance Enthusiasts
Developers tired of Electron bloat:
- Sub-millisecond latency typing
- 120fps scrolling through files
- Low memory footprint vs VS Code
- Instant startup times
2. Remote Developers
WSL2 + SSH support enables:
- Local GUI on Windows, Linux containers for code
- SSH directly to remote servers
- Hybrid workflow: Windows UX + Linux toolchain
3. Real-Time Collaborators
Native CRDTs enable:
- Multiplayer coding without plugins
- Follow Mode: Watch pair programming
- Offline-first: Works without internet
- Better scaling than VS Code Live Share
4. Privacy-Conscious Developers
Local-first AI options:
- BYOK (Bring Your Own Key) for any provider
- Local models via API (Ollama, LM Studio)
- Zero telemetry option available
- No cloud sync required
5. Vim Users
Helix integration provides:
- Modal editing familiarity
- Kakoune-style keybindings
- Tree-sitter for text objects
- Multi-cursor support
Avoid For
1. Extension-Heavy Workflows
Zed’s extension ecosystem is smaller:
- Missing: Many niche VS Code extensions
- API Limitations: No custom UI/webviews yet
- Workaround: Build your own (Wasm is easy)
Better: VS Code for plugin availability.
2. Windows Legacy Hardware
Requirements:
- DirectX 11 capable GPU
- Windows 10/11 64-bit
- WSL 2 for Linux toolchains
Avoid: Old machines without GPU acceleration.
3. JetBrains Users
If you rely on:
- IntelliJ IDEA’s refactoring
- PyCharm’s scientific tools
- DataGrip’s database management
Better: JetBrains IDEs for enterprise Java/Python.
4. UI-Focused Developers
If you need:
- Drag-and-drop page builders
- Visual designers
- No-code interfaces
Better: Cursor, v0, or web-based tools.
FAQ
Is Zed faster than VS Code?
Yes, significantly. Zed’s GPUI rendering achieves sub-millisecond latency compared to VS Code’s Electron overhead. Users report instant key response and smooth 120fps scrolling even in massive files.
Does Zed support VS Code extensions?
No. Zed has its own Wasm extension ecosystem. However:
- Many language protocols (LSP) are supported natively
- Themes can be converted (JSON-based)
- Keybindings can be imported from VS Code
Can I use Zed for Python development?
Yes, excellent support:
- pyright or basedpyright for type checking
- ruff for ultra-fast linting/formatting
- venv/conda auto-detection
- Runnable tests via code lenses
What’s the Agent Client Protocol (ACP)?
ACP is Zed’s open standard for AI integration:
- Universal Interface: Connect any AI provider
- Tool Support: Agents can read files, run terminals
- Multi-Model: GPT-5, Gemini 2.5, Claude, local models
- Extensible: Third parties can build ACP agents
Does Zed have AI autocomplete?
Yes, multiple options:
- Zeta Model: Open-source, trained for Edit Prediction
- Frontier Models: GPT-5, Gemini, Claude via ACP
- Local Models: Ollama, LM Studio via BYOK
Summary
Strengths
- ✅ Unmatched performance (GPUI, Rust, sub-ms latency)
- ✅ Native CRDT collaboration (no plugins required)
- ✅ Model-agnostic AI (ACP, BYOK, local models)
- ✅ Wasm extensions (secure, fast, sandboxed)
- ✅ Open source (transparent development)
- ✅ Multi-platform (macOS, Linux, Windows)
- ✅ Vim/Helix support (modal editing)
Weaknesses
- ❌ Smaller extension ecosystem than VS Code
- ❌ No webview/UI customization for extensions yet
- ❌ Learning curve for non-VS Code users
- ❌ Less mature than established IDEs for some workflows
- ❌ Windows support still improving
Bottom Line
Zed is the future of code editors. By proving that a Rust-based, GPU-accelerated architecture can match and exceed Electron-based editors, Zed has set a new standard for performance and collaboration.
Who Should Switch to Zed:
- Performance enthusiasts tired of Electron lag
- Remote developers using WSL2 or SSH
- Teams wanting native CRDT collaboration
- Privacy advocates wanting local AI control
- Vim users wanting modern features
Who Should Stay with VS Code:
- Heavy extension users (niche plugins)
- Enterprises with existing VS Code infrastructure
- Developers needing webview-based extensions
- Teams invested in Microsoft ecosystem
The Trajectory: Zed is rapidly maturing. As its extension ecosystem grows and Windows support improves, it becomes increasingly viable as a complete VS Code replacement. For early adopters and performance purists, the switch is already compelling.
For developers prioritizing typing speed, collaboration, and local AI control, Zed offers an experience that no Electron-based editor can match. The 120fps, sub-millisecond latency future is here – and it’s called Zed.