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Windsurf vs Zed

Windsurf and Zed are both ide tools. Windsurf: Agentic IDE where developers and AI flow together (formerly Codeium) Zed: High-performance code editor designed for collaboration with humans and AI

Windsurf logo

Windsurf

Agentic IDE where developers and AI flow together (formerly Codeium)

Category
IDE
Subcategory
Desktop
Pricing
Free + Pro
Tier
free
idedesktopagents
Zed logo

Zed

High-performance code editor designed for collaboration with humans and AI

Category
IDE
Subcategory
Desktop
Pricing
Free
Tier
free
idedesktop

Key differences

DimensionWindsurfZed
PricingFree + ProFree
CapabilitiesagentsStandard

Choose Windsurf if...

  • You want autonomous AI agent capabilities

Choose Zed if...

  • Zed fits your specific workflow and team preferences

Community pros and cons

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Frequently asked questions

Is Windsurf or Zed better for beginners?
Both tools are accessible. Windsurf and Zed are similar in approachability — try both and see which workflow clicks.
Which is cheaper, Windsurf or Zed?
Both have a free pricing model. Windsurf: Free + Pro. Zed: Free. Compare their specific plans to find the best value.
Can I use Windsurf and Zed together?
Windsurf and Zed serve similar roles, so most teams pick one. However, some developers prototype in one and build production code in the other.

Verdict

Both Windsurf and Zed are strong ide options. Your choice depends on pricing preferences, platform requirements, and workflow fit.

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