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Zed vs Visual Studio Code
Which is the better code editors for Mac in 2026?
We compared Zed and Visual Studio Code across 5 key factors including price, open-source status, and community adoption. Both Zed and Visual Studio Code are excellent code editors. Read our full breakdown below.
Zed
High-performance multiplayer code editor
Free
VS
Visual Studio Code
Open-source code editor by Microsoft
Free
Visual Comparison
Zed
Zed — Official Website
Visual Studio Code
Visual Studio Code — Official Website
Our Verdict
Both Zed and Visual Studio Code are excellent code editors. Zed is better for users who prefer polished experiences, while Visual Studio Code excels for those who value established ecosystems.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Zed | Visual Studio Code |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Open Source | No | No |
| Monthly Installs | N/A | N/A |
| GitHub Stars | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Developer Tools | Developer Tools |
Quick Install
Zed
brew install --cask zedVisual Studio Code
brew install --cask visual-studio-codeLearn More
In-Depth Overview
What is Zed?
Zed is a high-performance, open-source code editor built from the ground up in Rust by the team that previously created Atom and Tree-sitter at GitHub. Founded by Nathan Sobo and Max Brunsfeld, Zed's architecture prioritizes performance through GPU-accelerated rendering via the GPUI framework, which treats the editor as a GPU application rather than a traditional UI toolkit application. The result is an editor that starts in under 100 milliseconds, renders text at native frame rates, and handles million-line files without lag. Zed's standout features include native real-time collaboration (multiplayer editing comparable to Google Docs for code), integrated AI assistance supporting Claude, GPT-4, local Ollama models, and other LLM providers, Tree-sitter-based syntax highlighting for precise code understanding, and a channels system for persistent team communication alongside code. Zed supports language servers (LSP) for intelligent code completion, diagnostics, and navigation across dozens of languages. The editor includes an integrated terminal, project-wide search with regex support, Vim mode, and a command palette. Zed's extension system, while newer than VS Code's, supports themes, languages, and slash commands. Originally macOS-only, Zed added Linux support in 2024 and continues expanding platform coverage. The editor is open-source under GPL (editor) and Apache 2.0 (GPUI framework), with Zed Industries offering optional paid collaboration features.
What is Visual Studio Code?
Visual Studio Code is a free, open-source code editor developed by Microsoft, launched in 2015, and now used by over 70% of professional developers worldwide according to the Stack Overflow Developer Survey. Built on Electron (Chromium + Node.js), VS Code delivers a rich IDE-like experience through its extension marketplace containing over 50,000 extensions covering virtually every programming language, framework, debugger, and development tool. VS Code's architecture centers on extensibility: Language Server Protocol (LSP) for intelligent code features, Debug Adapter Protocol (DAP) for unified debugging, and a robust extension API that allows third parties to add everything from Git visualization to database management. Key features include IntelliSense (intelligent code completion), integrated debugging with breakpoints and variable inspection, built-in Git integration, an integrated terminal, remote development capabilities (SSH, containers, WSL, GitHub Codespaces), and extensive customization through settings, keybindings, and themes. In 2026, VS Code has integrated GitHub Copilot deeply with inline suggestions, chat, and workspace agents. The editor supports profiles for context-switching between project types, multi-root workspaces, and notebook support for data science workflows. VS Code runs on macOS, Windows, and Linux, with a web version (vscode.dev) for browser-based editing.
Detailed Feature Comparison
Performance & Speed
CriticalZedExcellent
GPU-accelerated rendering, sub-100ms startup, zero-lag typing even on massive files. Built in Rust for maximum performance. File search and project navigation are near-instant.
Visual Studio CodeAverage
Electron-based architecture introduces overhead. Startup takes 2-5 seconds, large files cause lag, and extensions can degrade performance. 'Performance issues' is the most common VS Code complaint.
Verdict: Zed is dramatically faster in every measurable metric—startup, typing latency, file operations, and search.
Extension Ecosystem
CriticalZedAverage
Growing extension system supporting themes, languages, and slash commands. Hundreds of extensions available but orders of magnitude fewer than VS Code's library.
Visual Studio CodeExcellent
Over 50,000 extensions covering every conceivable use case. Language packs, debuggers, linters, formatters, themes, and specialized tools for every framework.
Verdict: VS Code's extension ecosystem is its greatest strength and Zed's most significant gap.
AI Integration
HighZedExcellent
Native AI assistant supporting Claude, GPT-4, local Ollama models, and custom providers. Inline transformations, AI-powered code generation, and natural language commands built directly into the editor—not as a plugin.
Visual Studio CodeExcellent
GitHub Copilot integration with inline suggestions, Copilot Chat, workspace agents, and extension-based support for other AI providers.
Verdict: Both offer excellent AI integration. Zed's is native; VS Code's is extension-based but equally powerful.
Real-Time Collaboration
HighZedExcellent
Native multiplayer editing with shared cursors, voice chat, shared terminals, and screen sharing. Zero setup—invite collaborators with a link. Built into the editor core, not bolted on.
Visual Studio CodeGood
Live Share extension provides collaborative editing, shared debugging, and terminals. Requires extension installation and Microsoft account. Reliable but not as seamless as Zed's native approach.
Verdict: Zed's native collaboration is more seamless and performant than VS Code's extension-based Live Share.
Debugging
HighZedAverage
Basic debugging support through language servers. Lacks the comprehensive debugging UI, breakpoint management, and Debug Adapter Protocol support that VS Code provides.
Visual Studio CodeExcellent
Industry-leading debugging with breakpoints, conditional breakpoints, logpoints, watch expressions, call stack visualization, and debug adapters for virtually every language.
Verdict: VS Code's debugging capabilities are significantly more mature and comprehensive.
Remote Development
MediumZedAverage
SSH remote development is available but less mature than VS Code's comprehensive remote development story.
Visual Studio CodeExcellent
Remote Development extensions for SSH, containers, WSL, and GitHub Codespaces. Edit code on remote machines with full IntelliSense and debugging.
Verdict: VS Code's remote development ecosystem is unmatched by any editor.
Vim Mode
MediumZedExcellent
High-fidelity Vim emulation built into the editor core. Fast key processing with no input lag. Supports Vim motions, text objects, and common Ex commands.
Visual Studio CodeGood
Vim extension (vscodevim) provides Vim keybindings but as an Electron-level plugin with occasional input lag and incomplete fidelity.
Verdict: Zed's native Vim mode is faster and more responsive than VS Code's extension-based approach.
Memory Usage
MediumZedExcellent
Typically 100-200 MB for a large project. Rust's memory management keeps usage predictable and low.
Visual Studio CodeAverage
300-800 MB baseline, often exceeding 1 GB with extensions. Each extension adds memory overhead through Electron's architecture.
Verdict: Zed uses 2-4x less memory than a typical VS Code setup.
Who Should Choose Which?
1The Speed-Obsessed Developer
Zed
If typing latency, startup time, and file search speed matter to you, Zed is in a different league. Developers who find VS Code sluggish will experience a dramatic improvement.
2The Full-Stack Enterprise Developer
Visual Studio Code
Enterprise development with Docker, Kubernetes, specific debuggers, and specialized linters requires VS Code's extension ecosystem. Many enterprise tools only have VS Code extensions.
3The Pair Programmer
Zed
Zed's native multiplayer editing with voice chat and shared terminals provides the best collaborative coding experience available in any editor.
4The Remote Developer
Visual Studio Code
SSH development, Dev Containers, and GitHub Codespaces make VS Code unmatched for remote development workflows.
5The Vim Power User
Zed
Zed's native Vim mode is faster and more responsive than VS Code's extension-based emulation, with near-zero input lag on every keystroke.
6The AI-First Coder
Zed
Zed's native AI integration supports multiple providers without plugins, and its performance means AI suggestions appear instantly without editor lag.
7The Performance-Obsessed Developer
Zed
If you're the type who notices input latency and gets frustrated by slow file switching, Zed's GPU-accelerated rendering and Rust-based architecture deliver a noticeably snappier experience. Opening large log files, jumping between buffers, and global search all feel faster than in VS Code.
8The Polyglot Developer Working Across Many Languages
vscode
VS Code's extension marketplace has language support for virtually every programming language, framework, and toolchain in existence—from COBOL to Zig. Zed's language support is growing rapidly but still covers fewer niche languages and specialized tooling.
9The Pair Programming Team
Zed
Zed's built-in real-time collaboration (Channels and shared workspaces) is native and low-latency, designed as a core feature rather than an add-on. VS Code's Live Share extension works well but adds complexity and occasional connection issues. For teams that pair program daily, Zed's seamless multiplayer experience is a compelling advantage.
Migration Guide
Zed → Visual Studio Code
Install VS Code and add extensions for your languages and tools. VS Code's Settings Sync restores configurations from previous installs. Keybinding differences are the main adjustment—VS Code's command palette works similarly (Cmd+Shift+P). Import Zed themes into VS Code's theme format if available.
Visual Studio Code → Zed
Install Zed and open your project folder. Zed auto-detects languages and configures LSP servers. Enable Vim mode in settings if using Vim keybindings. Not all VS Code extensions have Zed equivalents—check Zed's extension registry for alternatives. Keyboard shortcuts differ; use Zed's command palette to discover equivalents.
Pro Tips
Many developers run both editors: Zed for daily coding where speed matters and VS Code for debugging, remote development, or workflows requiring specific extensions. Both can open the same project simultaneously.
Final Verdict
Overall Winner
Depends on use case
9.0/10
Winner
8.5/10
Runner-up
Zed and VS Code excel in different dimensions. Zed wins on raw performance (dramatically faster in every metric), native collaboration, and AI integration. VS Code wins on extension ecosystem (50,000+ vs hundreds), debugging capabilities, remote development, and universal platform support. For developers who prioritize speed and modern workflows, Zed is transformative. For developers who need the broadest possible tooling support, VS Code remains essential. The editors are complementary rather than strictly competitive—many developers use both.
Bottom Line: Choose Zed for blazing speed, native collaboration, and AI-first development. Choose VS Code for the unmatched extension ecosystem, debugging, and remote development. Consider using both.
Video Tutorials
Zed OVER Vscode......#coding #programming #zed #vscode #ide
Neeraj Walia • 954.0K views
Zed is a great code editor, I am using it more and more these days #zed #coding #programming
Jeezy Codes • 16.7K views
There’s a fast new code editor in town
Fireship • 1.2M views
Zed Editor - Run Code Shorcut #zed #coding
Analyst's Corner • 40.6K views
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, measurably and noticeably. Zed starts in under 100ms vs VS Code's 2-5 seconds. Typing latency in Zed is under 8ms vs VS Code's 30-80ms. File search, project navigation, and large file handling are all dramatically faster. The difference comes from Zed's Rust + GPU architecture vs VS Code's Electron (Chromium) base. The performance gap is not subtle—it's the first thing every user notices.
About the Author
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Related Technologies & Concepts
Zed IndustriesMicrosoftNathan SoboRustElectronGPUITree-sitterGitHub CopilotLanguage Server ProtocolCursor
Zed Industries (Company developing the Zed editor, founded by Atom's creators.), Microsoft (Developer of Visual Studio Code.), Nathan Sobo (Co-founder of Zed, former lead of Atom at GitHub.), Rust (Programming language Zed is built in, providing memory safety and performance.), Electron (Framework VS Code is built on (Chromium + Node.js).), GPUI (Zed's custom GPU-accelerated UI framework.), Tree-sitter (Incremental parsing library created by Zed's team, used for syntax highlighting.), GitHub Copilot (AI coding assistant integrated with VS Code.), Language Server Protocol (Protocol for intelligent code features, used by both editors.), Cursor (AI-focused VS Code fork that competes with both editors.)
Related Topics
Rust-Built Developer Tools
Development tools built with Rust for performance.
Sources & References
Fact-CheckedLast verified: Feb 15, 2026
Key Verified Facts
- VS Code is used by over 70% of professional developers according to Stack Overflow surveys.[cite-stackoverflow]
- Zed is built in Rust with GPU-accelerated rendering via the GPUI framework.[cite-zed-official]
- VS Code's marketplace has over 50,000 extensions.[cite-vscode-marketplace]
- Zed was created by the team that built Atom and Tree-sitter at GitHub.[cite-zed-founding]
- Zed starts in under 100 milliseconds on Apple Silicon Macs.[cite-zed-performance]
- 1Zed - The Editor for What's Next
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
- 2Zed Industries - About
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
- 3Zed Performance Benchmarks
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
- 4Visual Studio Code - Code Editing. Redefined.
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
- 5Visual Studio Code Marketplace
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
- 6Stack Overflow Developer Survey 2025
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
Research queries: Zed vs VS Code comparison 2026; Zed editor performance Rust GPU; VS Code extensions ecosystem debugging