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Code Editors

VS Code vs Cursor vs Zed

VS Code remains the default cross-platform editor. Cursor builds an AI-first development experience on a VS Code fork. Zed offers a high-performance native editor with built-in collaboration and AI.

VS Code

VS Code

Open VS Code, a code editor resource for writing, navigating, debugging, and extending everyday development projects.

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Cursor

Cursor

Open Cursor, an AI coding resource for planning, editing, refactoring, reviewing, or generating code with model-assisted workflows.

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Zed

Zed

Open Zed, a code editor resource for writing, navigating, debugging, and extending everyday development projects.

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Comparison criteria

How we evaluate each tool in this category.

Performance

Startup time, indexing speed, and responsiveness in large monorepos.

AI workflows

Inline completions, chat in editor, codebase-aware refactoring, agentic edits.

Extensions

Size of the extension marketplace and language server coverage.

Collaboration

Multiplayer editing, Live Share, and review workflows.

Platform support

Windows, macOS, Linux, browser, and remote development.

Frequently asked questions

Is Cursor a replacement for VS Code?

Cursor is a fork of VS Code with AI features built in. It can import most VS Code settings and extensions, so switching is straightforward.

Is Zed faster than VS Code?

Zed is built in Rust with GPU rendering and is significantly faster on large files and rapid input than Electron-based editors.

Which editor is best for AI coding?

Cursor leads on agentic, codebase-aware AI. VS Code matches it with GitHub Copilot and Continue. Zed has improving native AI features.

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