Windsurf vs Zed

A detailed comparison to help you choose between Windsurf and Zed.

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Verdict: Zed wins

Zed scores 4.8/5, edging out Windsurf at 3.6/5. Try Zed if you need a top-rated option.

Windsurf

The agentic IDE by Codeium

Zed

High-performance multiplayer code editor with AI

Rating3.6 (undefined reviews)4.8 (undefined reviews)
Pricing Model
Starting PriceFree tier availableFree tier available
Best For
Free Tier
API Access
Team Features
Open Source
Tags
free tierbyok
free tieropen sourcebyok

Windsurf

Pros

  • + Agentic multi-file editing
  • + Generous free tier
  • + Fast and responsive

Cons

  • - Newer than Cursor
  • - Smaller ecosystem of extensions
View full Windsurfreview →

Zed

Pros

  • + Blazing fast performance
  • + Native multi-model AI
  • + Real-time collaboration built-in

Cons

  • - Mac only (Linux beta)
  • - Smaller extension ecosystem vs VS Code
View full Zedreview →

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Windsurf or Zed?
Zed scores higher at 4.8/5 vs 3.6/5 for Windsurf, making it the better-rated option in our comparison.
What is the difference between Windsurf and Zed?
Both are AI tools, but they serve different use cases. Visit each tool's page for details.
Is Windsurf or Zed more affordable?
Windsurf pricing varies, Zed pricing varies. Check the comparison table above for current pricing.

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