# Kilo Code vs Zed

> Kilo Code: Open-source AI coding agent for VS Code, JetBrains and CLI with 500+ models
> Zed: A fast, Rust-built code editor for coding with teammates and AI agents

- Kilo Code profile: https://finderatlas.com/tools/kilo-code
- Zed profile: https://finderatlas.com/tools/zed
- Comparison page: https://finderatlas.com/compare/kilo-code-vs-zed
- Last reviewed: October 2026

## Verdict

Kilo Code and Zed are both Coding AI tools. Zed scores higher in FinderAtlas's editorial review (8.5 vs 8.0 out of 10), led by ease of use and value for money. Both have a free plan or trial. Only Kilo Code is available on Web, iOS and Android.

### Choose Kilo Code if

- You want a tool built for developers who want to choose their own models and providers, pay provider rates without markup, and keep an auditable open-source agent inside their existing IDE.
- MIT-licensed and open source, with a public GitHub repository of more than 27,000 stars.
- Access to 500+ models across 60+ providers with no stated inference markup.

### 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

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

## Features

| Feature | Kilo Code | Zed |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Multi-Environment Agent | Yes | Not listed |
| 500+ Models | Yes | Not listed |
| Auto Model | Yes | Not listed |
| Specialised Modes | Yes | Not listed |
| MCP Support | Yes | Not listed |
| Cloud Agents and Code Review | Yes | Not listed |
| Parallel Agent Management | Yes | Not listed |
| Mobile Companion App | Yes | Not listed |
| Open Source and Transparent | 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 | Kilo Code | Zed |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Web | Yes | No |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | No |
| Android | Yes | No |
| API | No | No |
| Browser Extension | No | No |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| VS Code Extension | Yes | No |
| JetBrains Plugin | Yes | No |
| CLI | Yes | Yes |
| Slack App | Yes | No |

## Kilo Code strengths

- MIT-licensed and open source, with a public GitHub repository of more than 27,000 stars.
- Access to 500+ models across 60+ providers with no stated inference markup.
- Works in VS Code, JetBrains and the terminal, plus cloud agents, Slack and mobile.
- Supports bring-your-own-key and local models, which avoids lock-in to one provider.
- Teams plan is $15 per user per month with shared agents and analytics.

## Kilo Code limitations

- Costs are usage-based, so spend is less predictable than a flat subscription.
- A 5% processing fee applies to credit purchases.
- Trustpilot reviewers report billing and refund disputes, including an unexpected renewal charge and a declined refund on purchased credits.
- The desktop app is in beta, and some reviewers cite bugs and rate-limit issues.

## 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 Kilo Code better than Zed?**

It depends on your workflow. Kilo Code is built for developers who want to choose their own models and providers, pay provider rates without markup, and keep an auditable open-source agent inside their existing IDE. 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 Kilo Code and Zed?**

Kilo Code: Open-source AI coding agent for VS Code, JetBrains and CLI with 500+ models. Zed: A fast, Rust-built code editor for coding with teammates and AI agents.

**Does Kilo Code or Zed have a free plan?**

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

**Which is cheaper, Kilo Code or Zed?**

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