Zed vs Nova: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Zed and Nova 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
Nova
A powerful and flexible native macOS code editor with integrated tools for development workflows.
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.8/10 vs 8.4/10)
- • Native macOS code editor with a fast, feature-rich text editor.
- • Integrated development tools including Git, file browsers, terminal, and debugging.
| At a Glance |  Zed |  Nova |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | IDE & Code Editors | IDE & Code Editors |
Rating | 84/100 | 88/100 |
| Feature | Zed | Nova |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 84 | 88 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | IDE & Code EditorsVersion Control | IDE & Code EditorsDebugging |
How Zed and Nova Compare
Zed
High-performance code editor
Free tier available · 84/100 score
Nova
A powerful and flexible native macOS code editor with integrated tools for development workflows.
Paid · 88/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Zed has a free tier. Nova is paid only.
Go with: Zed
Want the highest-rated option?
Zed: 84/100. Nova: 88/100.
Go with: Nova
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Nova
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Zed is freemium. Nova 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?
Nova scores higher: 88/100 vs 84/100.
Key Takeaways
Nova
- Higher score: 88/100 vs 84
- Our pick for this comparison
Zed
- Has a free tier
The Bottom Line
Nova (88/100) is our pick. Zed has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zed or Nova better?
Nova scores 88/100 in our evaluation. Zed is freemium and Nova is paid.
What are Zed and Nova used for?
Zed: High-performance code editor. Nova: A powerful and flexible native macOS code editor with integrated tools for development workflows..
What does Zed cost vs Nova?
Zed is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Nova is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.