Zed vs Fig (Amazon Q)
Zed is high-performance, multiplayer code editor built in Rust with AI integration and real-time collaboration, while Fig (Amazon Q) is terminal autocomplete with IDE-style completions for hundreds of CLI tools. Zed is open source and can be self-hosted, giving you full control over your data. Zed is built for developers wanting a fast, collaborative code editor, whereas Fig (Amazon Q) targets developers wanting autocomplete for the terminal.
| Feature | Zed | Fig (Amazon Q) |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Open source | ✓ | — |
| AI Assist | ✓ | — |
| Autocomplete | — | ✓ |
| Dotfiles | — | ✓ |
| Multiplayer | ✓ | — |
| Native Speed | ✓ | — |
| Plugins | — | ✓ |
| Scripts | — | ✓ |
| Vim Mode | ✓ | — |
Pricing: Both Zed and Fig (Amazon Q) are free, so this decision comes down to features and philosophy rather than budget.
Feature gaps: Zed offers AI Assist, Multiplayer and Native Speed that Fig (Amazon Q) lacks. Fig (Amazon Q) brings Autocomplete, Dotfiles and Plugins that Zed does not have.
Team fit: Zed is geared toward small teams teams, while Fig (Amazon Q) is aimed at individual users and small setups. Pick the one that matches where your team is today and where it is headed — migrating tools later is always painful.
Open source: Zed is open source, meaning you can self-host, audit the code, and avoid vendor lock-in. Fig (Amazon Q) is proprietary — you are trusting the vendor with your data and uptime.
Where each tool shines: Zed's biggest strengths are: open source and transparent. includes native speed as a core feature, purpose-built for developer tools workflows. Fig (Amazon Q)'s biggest strengths are: includes autocomplete as a core feature, purpose-built for developer tools workflows. includes scripts as a core feature, purpose-built for developer tools workflows.
Watch out for: With Zed, users commonly note that may lack some advanced features. With Fig (Amazon Q), the main complaint is that may lack some advanced features.
choose Zed if
- Your profile matches its sweet spot: developers wanting a fast, collaborative code editor
- You need self-hosting, data sovereignty, or the ability to audit source code
- You specifically need AI Assist and Multiplayer
- You care about includes native speed as a core feature, purpose-built for developer tools workflows
- Your team size fits the small teams profile Zed is designed for
choose Fig (Amazon Q) if
- Your profile matches its sweet spot: developers wanting autocomplete for the terminal
- You specifically need Autocomplete and Dotfiles
- You care about includes scripts as a core feature, purpose-built for developer tools workflows
- Your team size fits the individuals profile Fig (Amazon Q) is designed for
frequently asked
What is the difference between Zed and Fig (Amazon Q)?
Zed is high-performance, multiplayer code editor built in Rust with AI integration and real-time collaboration, while Fig (Amazon Q) is terminal autocomplete with IDE-style completions for hundreds of CLI tools. Zed is open source and can be self-hosted, giving you full control over your data. Zed is built for developers wanting a fast, collaborative code editor, whereas Fig (Amazon Q) targets developers wanting autocomplete for the terminal.
Should I use Zed or Fig (Amazon Q)?
Zed gives you open source and self-hosting; Fig (Amazon Q) is a managed service. Which trade-off works for you?
When should I choose Zed over Fig (Amazon Q)?
Choose Zed if Your profile matches its sweet spot: developers wanting a fast, collaborative code editor; You need self-hosting, data sovereignty, or the ability to audit source code; You specifically need AI Assist and Multiplayer; You care about includes native speed as a core feature, purpose-built for developer tools workflows; Your team size fits the small teams profile Zed is designed for.
When should I choose Fig (Amazon Q) over Zed?
Choose Fig (Amazon Q) if Your profile matches its sweet spot: developers wanting autocomplete for the terminal; You specifically need Autocomplete and Dotfiles; You care about includes scripts as a core feature, purpose-built for developer tools workflows; Your team size fits the individuals profile Fig (Amazon Q) is designed for.
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