Best Zed Alternative
Zed alternatives come up when collaboration features aren't the draw, when you want a deeper extension ecosystem, or when you want a workspace around the editor — not just an editor.
What to look for in a Zed alternative
- A bigger extension ecosystem
- Mature AI agent integration
- A workspace layer that runs multiple agents around your editor
Recommended options
Agentastic
Our pickNative macOS workspace for running 30+ AI coding agents in parallel git worktrees. Built-in editor, browser, diff viewer, and code review.
VS Code
The default editor for most developers. Pair with extensions like Continue, Cline, or Copilot for AI in-editor.
Cursor
AI-first VS Code fork with agent mode, tab completion, and BugBot review. Mature pick if you want AI inside the editor.
Windsurf
AI VS Code fork built around Cascade and Supercomplete. Different feel from Cursor, similar audience.
How to switch from Zed cleanly
Zed projects open as plain folders in any other editor. Set VS Code, Cursor, or Zed as the default editor for Agentastic worktrees and you keep Zed for daily editing while gaining parallel agents.
Common questions
What if I love Zed but want more agents?
Use Agentastic to run agents and set Zed as your default editor. Best of both.