Zed vs Sublime Text: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Zed and Sublime Text 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.
Bottom line: Sublime Text wins this matchup. Our overall IDE & Code Editors pick is Visual Studio Code. Our free IDE & Code Editors pick is Visual Studio Code. Pick Zed if you need a free tier to start with.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Zed
GPU-accelerated code editor for lightning-fast, real-time collaboration
Best for you if:
- • You want a free tier before you commit
- • You want blazing fast
- • You want real-time collab
Sublime Text
Lightning-fast code editing with multiple cursors and instant navigation
Best for you if:
- • You want extremely fast
- • You want lightweight
| At a Glance | Zed | Sublime Text |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | $99/onceLicense |
Best For | IDE & Code Editors | IDE & Code Editors |
Rating | 4.2/5 | 4.5/5 |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Choose Zed or Sublime Text?
Choose Zed if
GPU-accelerated code editor for lightning-fast, real-time collaboration
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want blazing fast
- You want real-time collab
Choose Sublime Text if
Lightning-fast code editing with multiple cursors and instant navigation
- You want extremely fast
- You want lightweight
| Feature | Zed | Sublime Text |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.2/5 12 reviews | ★4.5/5 3,165 reviews |
| Categories | IDE & Code EditorsAI Assistants | IDE & Code EditorsWriting & Content |
In-Depth Analysis
Zed
GPU-accelerated code editor for lightning-fast, real-time collaboration
Zed's pricing is exceptionally generous as it is entirely free and open source.
Strengths
- +Blazing fast
- +Real-time collab
- +AI built-in
Weaknesses
- -Fewer extensions
Key features
Sublime Text
Lightning-fast code editing with multiple cursors and instant navigation
Sublime Text offers a fair and generous pricing model with a one-time purchase of $99 for a perpetual license, including 3 years of updates.
Strengths
- +Extremely fast
- +Lightweight
- +Multiple cursors
Weaknesses
- -Less features than IDEs
- -Nagware model
Key features
Pricing: Zed vs Sublime Text
| Plan | Zed | Sublime Text |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | $99 once License |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Zed pricing and Sublime Text pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Zed has a free tier. Sublime Text is paid only.
Go with: Zed
Want the highest-rated option?
Zed: 4.2/5 (12 reviews). Sublime Text: 4.5/5 (3,165 reviews).
Go with: Sublime Text
Value user reviews?
Zed: 12 reviews (4.2/5). Sublime Text: 3,165 reviews (4.5/5).
Go with: Sublime Text
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Zed is freemium. Sublime Text 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?
Sublime Text is rated higher: 4.5/5 vs 4.2/5.
Key Takeaways
Sublime Text
- Higher user rating: 4.5/5 vs 4.2/5
- Larger review base (3,165 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
Zed
- Has a free tier
The Bottom Line
Sublime Text wins this matchup. Our overall IDE & Code Editors pick is Visual Studio Code. Our free IDE & Code Editors pick is Visual Studio Code. Zed has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zed or Sublime Text better?
Sublime Text is rated in our evaluation. Zed is freemium and Sublime Text is paid.
What are Zed and Sublime Text used for?
Zed: GPU-accelerated code editor for lightning-fast, real-time collaboration. Sublime Text: Lightning-fast code editing with multiple cursors and instant navigation.
What does Zed cost vs Sublime Text?
Zed is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Sublime Text is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.