Mentat vs Lapce: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Mentat and Lapce comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Mentat
AI coding assistant for terminal
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (7.8/10 vs 7.5/10)
- • You need ai coding features specifically
- • Mentat is an AI coding assistant that works within your terminal
- • It edits code across files using GPT-4 with context awareness
Lapce
Fast open-source code editor in Rust
Best for you if:
- • You need ide & code editors features specifically
- • Lapce is a fast, modern code editor written in Rust
- • It provides native performance with features like remote development and modal editing
| At a Glance |  Mentat | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free |
Best For | AI Coding | IDE & Code Editors |
Rating | 78/100 | 75/100 |
| Feature | Mentat | Lapce |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| Editorial Score | 78 | 75 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | AI CodingTerminal Tools | IDE & Code EditorsTerminal Tools |
Understanding the Differences
Both Mentat and Lapce solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Mentat positions itself as "ai coding assistant for terminal" while Lapcefocuses on "fast open-source code editor in rust". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Mentat
Mentat makes sense if you're looking for a completely free solution. With a score of 78/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Lapce
Lapce is worth considering if you need a free tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Mentat lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Mentat
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Mentat handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Mentat
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Mentat
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Nothing at all? Mentat is completely free.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Mentat higher (78/100). But the community has upvoted Lapce more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Mentat Does Better
- Higher overall score (78/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Lapce If
- You need a completely free solution
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Mentat (78/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Mentat scores higher in our analysis, but Lapce might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mentat or Lapce better?
Based on our analysis, Mentat scores higher with 78/100. Mentat isfree while Lapce is free. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Mentat to Lapce easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Mentat and Lapce offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Mentat is completely free.Lapce is completely free. Visit their websites for current trial offers.