Cursor is an AI-powered code editor built on VS Code with superior AI integration and broader extension support, while Zed is a lightning-fast, native Rust-built editor optimized for performance with modern collaborative features but lacks the extensive AI capabilities and ecosystem of Cursor.
Cursor vs Zed — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Choose Cursor if you're an AI-first developer who values advanced code generation, extensive plugin ecosystem, and don't mind a subscription cost. Choose Zed if you prioritize blazing-fast performance, native collaboration, low system resource usage, and prefer a lightweight, modern development experience with minimal cost.
AI-first code editor built on VS Code with integrated Claude AI assistance and superior context awareness.
High-performance code editor written in Rust emphasizing speed, collaboration, and modern development workflows.
Structured comparison data for Cursor vs Zed with 178 attributes.
Primary AI Model Quality (MMBENCH score)
Cursor vs Zed — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Cursor vs Zed.
No, Zed does not support VS Code extensions natively. Zed has its own extension system with a limited but growing library of ~200 extensions. If you rely heavily on specific VS Code extensions, Cursor would be a better fit.
How does Cursor's AI compare to GitHub Copilot?
Cursor uses multiple AI models (GPT-4, Claude 3.5) and offers codebase-aware context through @mentions and indexing, providing more sophisticated code generation than standard Copilot. Copilot is limited to training data, while Cursor can reference your specific project structure.
Yes, Zed is completely free to download and use. It offers an optional $8/month pro subscription for additional features like faster AI code suggestions and priority support, but the core editor is free forever.
Which editor is better for remote team development?
Zed has a significant advantage here with native collaborative editing built into the core editor, making real-time pair programming seamless. Cursor requires third-party extensions for collaboration, making it less convenient for distributed teams.
Cursor requires an internet connection for most AI features, though basic editing works offline. Zed works fully offline without any internet dependency, making it ideal for developers with unreliable connections.