Trae

★★★★☆4.0 / 5 editorial Freemium Generous free tier with leading models built in; an optional Pro plan adds priority access — check the official site for current pricing.

ByteDance's free AI code editor with a project-generating Builder mode

✓ Editor-verified listing — details reviewed by Grab AI Tool editors; pricing re-checked regularly.

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#ai editor#app building#code completion#chat#free

What is Trae?

Trae is a free AI-powered code editor from ByteDance, built as a fork of VS Code with two working modes: a chat-driven Builder that can generate a whole project from a description, and an inline assistant for completions, explanations, and edits in existing code. It ships with leading models built in, so there is nothing extra to configure.

Because it is based on VS Code, your extensions, themes, and keybindings mostly carry over, which lowers the cost of trying it. Trae has added a paid Pro tier for priority model access during busy periods; some developers remain cautious about data handling given its parent company, and its ecosystem is younger than the established AI editors.

Key Features

Builder mode generates whole projects from prompts
Inline completion, chat, and code explanation
Leading AI models built in at no extra cost
VS Code extensions and settings carry over
Multimodal input including images for context

Pros

Remarkably capable for a free editor
Zero setup — models are already included
Familiar VS Code feel from day one

Cons

Some developers worry about ByteDance data handling
Pro tier queues free users at peak times
Younger ecosystem than Cursor or VS Code

Pricing

Model: Freemium
Generous free tier with leading models built in; an optional Pro plan adds priority access — check the official site for current pricing.

Adding Up Your AI Bill?

If you pay for Trae alongside other AI subscriptions, the monthly total adds up quietly. Tick every tool you pay for in our free AI Tool Cost Calculator to see your real monthly and yearly bill — and spot overlaps you can cut. Still choosing? Start with our guide on how to choose the right AI tool.