# Amp vs Zed

> Amp: Coding agent that runs in cloud orbs and keeps working after you close your laptop
> Zed: A fast, Rust-built code editor for coding with teammates and AI agents

- Amp profile: https://finderatlas.com/tools/amp
- Zed profile: https://finderatlas.com/tools/zed
- Comparison page: https://finderatlas.com/compare/amp-vs-zed
- Last reviewed: October 2026

## Verdict

Amp and Zed are both Coding AI tools. Zed scores higher in FinderAtlas's editorial review (8.5 vs 7.9 out of 10), led by ease of use and value for money. Both have a free plan or trial. Only Amp is available on Web and offers an API.

### Choose Amp if

- You want a tool built for Long-running agent tasks that continue unattended, parallel agent threads without managing worktrees, teams sharing an agent session.
- Per-thread cloud orbs let agents keep running unattended without worktree or port conflicts.
- Free Hobby tier includes all product features, with bring-your-own-key and own-runner options.

### Choose Zed if

- You want a tool built for fast native editing, running AI agents alongside a conventional editor, real-time pair programming.
- Native Rust application designed for low-latency editing on multiple cores and the GPU.
- Free Personal plan with unlimited use of your own API keys or external agents.

## Pricing

| | Amp | Zed |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Free plan or trial | Yes | Yes |
| Starting price | $0 | $0 |

## Features

| Feature | Amp | Zed |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Orbs | Yes | Not listed |
| Portals | Yes | Not listed |
| Event-driven wake-ups | Yes | Not listed |
| Multiplayer | Yes | Not listed |
| Changes tab | Yes | Not listed |
| The Dial | Yes | Not listed |
| Puck | Yes | Not listed |
| CLI and runners | Yes | Not listed |
| amp sync | Yes | Not listed |
| Rust-Native Performance | Not listed | Yes |
| Agentic Editing | Not listed | Yes |
| External Agents via ACP | Not listed | Yes |
| Edit Prediction | Not listed | Yes |
| Multiplayer Collaboration | Not listed | Yes |
| Debugger | Not listed | Yes |
| Native Git Support | Not listed | Yes |
| Remote Development | Not listed | Yes |
| Flexible Model Access | Not listed | Yes |

## Platforms

| Platform | Amp | Zed |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Web | Yes | No |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | No | No |
| Android | No | No |
| API | Yes | No |
| Browser Extension | No | No |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| CLI | Yes | Yes |

## Amp strengths

- Per-thread cloud orbs let agents keep running unattended without worktree or port conflicts.
- Free Hobby tier includes all product features, with bring-your-own-key and own-runner options.
- Works across web, Mac, terminal and CI runners, with event triggers from Linear, GitHub and schedules.
- Multiplayer orbs let teammates share an agent, terminal and running app.
- Teams plan adds SSO, pooled credits and shared model routing at no extra seat charge.

## Amp limitations

- The Mac app requires macOS 26 or later and the Mac and iOS apps are labelled beta.
- No App Store iOS release yet; mobile access is through TestFlight.
- Orb rates, overage behaviour and Gigawatt pricing are not published on the pricing page.
- Pay-as-you-go orbs on the free tier make costs less predictable than a flat subscription.

## Zed strengths

- Native Rust application designed for low-latency editing on multiple cores and the GPU.
- Free Personal plan with unlimited use of your own API keys or external agents.
- Supports external agents through ACP and MCP rather than locking users to one agent.
- Built-in multiplayer collaboration, debugger, Git and remote development.
- Source code is public on GitHub.

## Zed limitations

- No web or mobile version; the README lists web as not yet available.
- Hosted AI requires a paid plan, billed at API list price plus 10%.
- Business plan SSO, SAML and SCIM are planned but not yet available.
- Extension library is described on the site as hundreds of extensions, so niche tooling may need workarounds.

## FAQ

**Is Amp better than Zed?**

It depends on your workflow. Amp is built for Long-running agent tasks that continue unattended, parallel agent threads without managing worktrees, teams sharing an agent session. Zed is built for fast native editing, running AI agents alongside a conventional editor, real-time pair programming.

**What are the key feature differences between Amp and Zed?**

Amp: Coding agent that runs in cloud orbs and keeps working after you close your laptop. Zed: A fast, Rust-built code editor for coding with teammates and AI agents.

**Does Amp or Zed have a free plan?**

Yes, both do. Amp is freemium and Zed is freemium, and each has a free plan or trial.

**Which is cheaper, Amp or Zed?**

Both can be used for free. Paid plans differ in limits and features, so compare the tiers in the pricing table above.