Zed vs GitHub Copilot: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Zed and GitHub Copilot 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.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Zed
High-performance code editor
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • Zed is a high-performance code editor built in Rust
- • It provides real-time collaboration with native performance
GitHub Copilot
AI pair programmer that suggests code
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.9/10 vs 8.4/10)
- • AI pair programmer by GitHub
- • Code suggestions in your editor
| At a Glance |  Zed |  GitHub Copilot |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | IDE & Code Editors | IDE & Code Editors |
Rating | 84/100 | 89/100 |
| Feature | Zed | GitHub Copilot |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 84 | 89 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | IDE & Code EditorsVersion Control | IDE & Code EditorsAI Coding |
How Zed and GitHub Copilot Compare
Zed
High-performance code editor
Free tier available · 84/100 score
GitHub Copilot
AI pair programmer that suggests code
Paid · 89/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Zed has a free tier. GitHub Copilot is paid only.
Go with: Zed
Want the highest-rated option?
Zed: 84/100. GitHub Copilot: 89/100.
Go with: GitHub Copilot
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: GitHub Copilot
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Zed is freemium. GitHub Copilot is paid. Zed lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Both are ide & code editors tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
GitHub Copilot scores higher: 89/100 vs 84/100.
Key Takeaways
GitHub Copilot
- Higher score: 89/100 vs 84
- Our pick for this comparison
Zed
- Has a free tier
The Bottom Line
GitHub Copilot (89/100) is our pick. Zed has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zed or GitHub Copilot better?
GitHub Copilot scores 89/100 in our evaluation. Zed is freemium and GitHub Copilot is paid.
What are Zed and GitHub Copilot used for?
Zed: High-performance code editor. GitHub Copilot: AI pair programmer that suggests code.
What does Zed cost vs GitHub Copilot?
Zed is freemium (free tier + paid plans). GitHub Copilot is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.