Our verdict: TRAE combines a VS Code-style editor with an agent window that runs several AI tasks locally or in the cloud. The free plan is usable for trying it out but only offers Auto model selection, limited usage and 5,000 completions a month. Turn on Privacy mode before using it on private code, because it is off by default.
About TRAE
TRAE is developed by SPRING (SG) Pte. Ltd., a Singapore company of ByteDance. The desktop app has two windows: an Agent window for running and reviewing several agent tasks, including tasks handed off to the cloud, and an IDE window with an editor, terminal, debugger, Git and support for VS Code extensions. In SOLO mode the AI plans a task and moves through code generation, testing and preview by itself.
The free plan includes Auto mode only, limited usage, 5,000 autocompletions per month and two concurrent cloud tasks. Pro costs $20 per month, Pro+ $60 and Ultra $200, each with a matching monthly usage allowance and all models. Without Privacy mode, chats, code snippets and AI outputs may be used for analytics and model training; codebase files are uploaded only temporarily to build an index.
What it does well
- Agent window. Runs several agent tasks across projects and hands long tasks off to the cloud.
- SOLO mode. Lets the AI plan a task and handle code generation, testing and preview on its own.
- CUE completion. Suggests multi-line edits, next edits, imports and renames as you type.
- Custom models and agents. Adds your own models through API keys and custom agents with MCP servers and tools.
- Remote development. Connects to remote machines over SSH or to WSL.
Who it is for
Good fit
Developers who want an agent-first editor with VS Code extensions and a cheap entry paid plan.
Look elsewhere
Users who need an open-source editor, local-only AI or full model choice on a free plan.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Agent window and classic IDE in one app
- Supports VS Code extensions, SSH and WSL
- Can use your own models through API keys
Cons
- Free plan is limited to Auto mode and 5,000 completions a month
- Privacy mode is off by default, so chats may be used for training
- Code is sent to cloud models for AI features
How to install TRAE
The download button gets the 64-bit Windows installer. Sign in with a TRAE account to use AI features. Open Settings, then Account, and switch on Privacy Mode if you do not want your chats used for training; it only works while you are signed in.
Questions about TRAE
Is TRAE free?
Yes, there is a free plan with Auto mode only, limited usage and 5,000 autocompletions per month. Pro costs $20 per month, Pro+ $60 and Ultra $200.
Does TRAE use my code for training?
TRAE says codebase files are never used for training. Chats, code snippets and AI outputs may be used unless you enable Privacy mode while signed in.
Who makes TRAE?
TRAE is provided by SPRING (SG) Pte. Ltd., a Singapore-based ByteDance company.
