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BetterOpenSource

Zed vs OpenCode

A side-by-side comparison of two open-source tools to help you choose the right one.

Feature
SummaryA blazing-fast, AI-native code editor in Rust.A terminal-native AI coding agent for any model.
GitHub stars58K19K
LicenseSource AvailableMIT
LanguageRustTypeScript
PricingFree & Open SourceFree & Open Source
Self-hostable
ReplacesClaude Code, CursorClaude Code
Rating4.7 / 54.6 / 5

Zed features

  • GPU-accelerated, extremely fast editor
  • Built-in AI assistant and inline edits
  • Real-time multiplayer collaboration
  • Tree-sitter and LSP powered
  • Native macOS, Linux, and Windows apps

OpenCode features

  • Rich terminal UI with LSP awareness
  • Multi-session, shareable workflows
  • Works with 75+ LLM providers
  • Model-agnostic — bring your own keys
  • Fast, keyboard-driven experience

Zedpros & cons

Pros

  • Outstanding performance and responsiveness
  • AI features built into a real editor
  • Open source and rapidly improving

Cons

  • Smaller extension ecosystem than VS Code
  • License is GPL/AGPL-flavored, not permissive

OpenCodepros & cons

Pros

  • Best-in-class terminal UX
  • Provider-agnostic and MIT licensed
  • Great for keyboard-first developers

Cons

  • Terminal-only by design
  • Newer project, evolving quickly

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