Trae
by ByteDance
ByteDance AI-native IDE forked from VS Code with agent modes
Last reviewed 2026-06-19
Trae is an AI-native IDE from ByteDance, built as a fork of VS Code. It keeps the VS Code editing surface and extension model but rebuilds the experience around AI. The base product has two human-in-the-loop modes: Chat mode (sidebar and inline chat for questions, explanations, and quick edits) and AI autocomplete that generates full functions from comments. Free access to frontier models (Claude, GPT, DeepSeek) was a major early hook. Above chat sits the agent layer. Builder was the original agent mode: it reads a natural-language request, plans steps, then edits files and runs commands, showing previews before applying (planning-first, supervised). ByteDance later added SOLO mode, a more autonomous layer that, per its docs, plans and executes the development process from requirement understanding through code generation, testing, preview, and deployment. Trae has drawn significant scrutiny over telemetry and data collection given its ByteDance ownership, which is a notable consideration for enterprise use.
What it can do
Autocomplete code and generate functions
CopilotGenerates code completions and full functions from comments.
sourceAnswer questions and edit code via chat
CopilotMultimodal chat in a sidebar and inline that explains and edits code.
sourceBuild features end to end (Builder)
SupervisedPlans steps, edits files, and runs commands, showing previews before applying.
sourcePlan, code, test, and deploy (SOLO mode)
AutonomousA more autonomous mode that plans and executes the development process from requirements through code, testing, preview, and deployment; gated to paid tiers.
source
Strengths
- +Free and cheap frontier-model access (Claude, GPT, DeepSeek) with aggressive low-cost tiers
- +Familiar VS Code base with low switching cost
- +Broad agentic spectrum (Builder plus SOLO) with MCP support
Limitations
- −Serious privacy and telemetry concerns from ByteDance ownership (reported by researchers and journalists), likely an enterprise non-starter
- −Heavy resource usage reported relative to VS Code
- −No Linux build; SOLO is gated to paid tiers and usage-based pricing is hard to predict
Overview
Trae is ByteDance's AI-native IDE, a fork of VS Code rebuilt around AI. It offers chat and autocomplete plus agent modes (Builder and SOLO).
What it does
Autocomplete and chat are copilot-level. Builder plans steps, edits files, and runs commands with previews (supervised). SOLO is a more autonomous mode that aims to take a task from requirements through code, testing, preview, and deployment (autonomous, paid-gated).
Integrations & setup
Desktop app for macOS and Windows (no Linux). Imports most VS Code extensions and settings, supports MCP servers, Figma via MCP, and Vercel deployment in SOLO.
Pricing
Freemium with usage-based tiers: a free tier, Lite around $3/mo, Pro around $10/mo (SOLO included), and higher Pro+ and Ultra tiers.
Privacy concerns
Security researchers (Unit 221B) and journalists (The Register) reported that Trae transmits telemetry and data to ByteDance servers, including with telemetry disabled. ByteDance disputed parts of the framing. These are reported findings and a real consideration for enterprise adoption.
Best for / not for
Best for individual developers and indie hackers wanting cheap frontier-model access in a VS Code shell. Not a fit for enterprises with strict data-governance requirements.
Alternatives
Cursor and Windsurf are agentic IDEs; GitHub Copilot is the incumbent assistant; Bolt builds apps from a prompt.
What people are saying
We aggregate real LinkedIn discussion into sentiment for the agents people search most. Trae isn't tracked yet, want it added? Request tracking.
FAQ
What is the difference between Trae's Builder and SOLO modes?+
Builder plans steps and edits files with previews before applying (supervised). SOLO is a more autonomous mode that aims to plan, code, test, preview, and deploy an entire task, and is gated to paid tiers.
Are there data-privacy concerns with Trae?+
Yes. Security researchers and journalists have reported that Trae transmits telemetry and data to ByteDance servers, including with telemetry settings disabled; ByteDance has disputed parts of the framing. These are reported findings, and buyers, especially enterprises, should diligence them.
Sources
- Trae pricing (official) · accessed 2026-06-19
- Trae SOLO mode (docs) · accessed 2026-06-19
- Trae AI IDE quietly beams data to ByteDance even with tracking off (The Register) · accessed 2026-06-19
- Unveiling Trae: ByteDance's AI IDE and its data collection (Unit 221B) · accessed 2026-06-19
Last reviewed 2026-06-19