Chime vs Zed

Chime is an open source editor designed specifically for macOS, with native extensions and a minimalist interface. It supports the Language Server Protocol, and extensions can provide deeper project integration. Refactoring tools are listed. The current stable download is version 2.2.5, released 29 Nov 2023, and requires macOS 12.0 or later. Chime’s maker says source code is never captured or transmitted off the machine. The app does make outgoing requests for software updates, licensing, and crash reporting, and users can opt out. Crash reports can also be disabled; they are described as intended to improve the products and not intended to contain personally identifiable information. Chime Systems Inc. is identified as the Canadian corporation behind the product, with Matt and Tania credited as makers. Chime has a free plan listed at free and supports macOS only.

Zed is a code editor for macOS, Windows, and Linux, with Personal, Pro, and Business plans. Personal is free forever and includes 2,000 accepted edit predictions; it also allows unlimited use with API keys or external agents. Pro costs $10.00 per month, includes unlimited edit predictions and $5 of tokens, and bills usage beyond that allowance at API list price plus 10%. The Pro trial lasts 14 days or until its $5 balance is used, with no credit card required. Editing tools include extensions, multi-cursor and column editing, and macro recording; the editor also supports a built-in debugger, remote development, and language servers. Native Git operations include staging, commits, pulls, pushes, and viewing diffs. Users can chat with teammates, code together, and share screens and projects. Supported model providers include Amazon Bedrock, Anthropic, GitHub Copilot, Google AI, and OpenAI; the extension ecosystem has hundreds of extensions. Business costs $30.00 per month and has no minimum seat count. SSO, SAML, and SCIM are planned but not currently available.