Trae is a full AI-native code editor from ByteDance, built on the VS Code foundation but reworked around AI-first workflows, offering frontier-model code generation, chat, and agentic task execution completely free during its growth push.

The editor provides inline completions, multi-file chat and editing, and an agentic Builder mode that plans and executes larger coding tasks across a codebase, competing directly with Cursor and Windsurf but undercutting both on price with a generous free tier backed by access to top-tier models. Its familiar VS Code-based interface and extension compatibility mean existing developers face minimal switching friction, while ByteDance's backing suggests serious continued investment.

Who is it for?

Developers wanting Cursor-class AI coding capability without the subscription cost, and teams evaluating AI editors who want to try frontier-model coding assistance at no financial commitment.

How much does Trae cost?

Currently free with generous usage limits during its growth phase, a deliberate strategy to build developer adoption before eventual paid tiers likely arrive.

Our verdict

Trae's free access to frontier-model coding assistance is a remarkable value proposition while it lasts, and the VS Code familiarity removes onboarding friction entirely. Developers should try it now while pricing remains this aggressive.