Bolt.new vs Zed
Which Coding AI tool is better in 2026?
Bolt.new
Full-stack apps from a single prompt — deployed in seconds by StackBlitz
Zed
The multiplayer code editor — fast, native, and AI-first from the ground up
Side-by-side
| Bolt.new | Zed | |
|---|---|---|
| Tagline | Full-stack apps from a single prompt — deployed in seconds by StackBlitz | The multiplayer code editor — fast, native, and AI-first from the ground up |
| Founded | 2024 | 2021 |
| HQ | San Francisco, US | San Francisco, US |
| Employees | 11-50 | 11-50 |
| Total funding | Undisclosed | $16.6M |
| Latest round | — | series-a · Oct 2023 |
| Valuation | — | — |
| Cheapest paid plan | Pro · $25/mo | Pro · $10/mo |
| Free plan | ✓ Free | ✓ Personal |
| Free trial | ✗ | ✗ |
| Top tier price | Teams · $30/mo | Pro · $10/mo |
| Pricing summary | 4 published plans | 3 published plans |
| Categories |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for Bolt.new and Zed.
| Capability | Bolt.new | Zed |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Public API | ✗ | ✗ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✗ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✗ | ✗ |
| SDK languages | — | — |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | ✗ | ✗ |
| Verified | ✗ | ✗ |
| Active deal | ✗ | ✗ |
🟢 Strengths of Bolt.new
- Higher Neuron score (82 vs 74)
- Newer company (2024)
🔵 Strengths of Zed
- Has raised more capital ($16.6M vs Undisclosed)
- More mature (2021)
Which should you choose?
Choose Zed if price matters most — it starts at Free, which is friendlier for teams watching burn. Both AI Coding tools ship core features, so the cost delta often decides it for small teams and solo operators.
Choose Zed if you want the most established option — it has raised $16.6M, suggesting more runway for enterprise features, support, and long-term roadmap. For mission-critical workflows or larger teams, that stability often outweighs a lower monthly price.
Frequently asked questions
Bolt.new vs Zed — which is better?
It depends on your priority. Bolt.new is the leaner option; Zed is cheaper to start. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Bolt.new cheaper than Zed?
No — Zed's cheapest paid plan is Pro · $10/mo, while Bolt.new's is Pro · $25/mo.
Do Bolt.new and Zed offer free plans?
Bolt.new: Yes, has a free plan. Zed: Yes, has a free plan.
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