ZCode AI Review: How to Merge ChatGPT & Claude in One App
If you are looking for a comprehensive ZCode AI review, you are in the right place. For two years, the AI space has been a massive fight: ChatGPT or Claude, which one is smarter? Everyone has picked a side. But a free tool just did something nobody expected—it merged them into one AI that is smarter than either alone.
From Meta banning Claude Code to a new Chinese coding IDE that lets you switch models instantly, here is my hands-on breakdown of the biggest AI updates this week, plus a deep dive into ZCode AI.
Key Takeaways:
- ZCode AI is a new desktop coding IDE built by Z.AI around the GLM 5.2 model, and it offers an incredibly generous free tier of 3 million daily tokens.
- By using an OpenRouter API key, ZCode lets you switch between Claude Sonnet 5, Fable 5, and GPT-5.5 in a single click.
- A tool called Hermes now uses a “Mixture of Agents” approach, running ChatGPT and Claude at the same time and merging their answers for a smarter output.
- In my coding tests, Claude Fable 5 built a fully working 2D game, while GLM 5.2 and Sonnet 5 failed at the core mechanics.
ZCode AI Review: Overview & EEAT
The old way of building Software Engineering tools meant locking yourself into one ecosystem. ZCode AI changes this by being completely model-agnostic out of the box. It is a desktop app (available on Mac, Windows, and Linux) that defaults to the powerful open-source GLM 5.2 model.
In my testing for this ZCode AI review, I didn’t just read the specs. I pushed it to the limit by building a 2D game and a portfolio website from a PDF. I found that the native GLM 5.2 model is fast, but the real magic happens when you plug in an OpenRouter API key to access Claude and GPT models seamlessly.
Feature 1: The “Mixture of Agents” (Hermes)
Before we dive into ZCode, you need to know about Hermes. Hermes lets you run different AI models in one place using a feature called Mixture of Agents. You pick two AIs (like ChatGPT and Claude), and it runs them both on the same task simultaneously. Then, one AI reads both answers, takes the best of each, and merges them into a single result. On their benchmark, this combo scored 8% above Opus and 11% above GPT 5.5.
Copy this prompt to test the Mixture of Agents: Act as my lead strategist. I need to design a go-to-market strategy for a new AI SaaS tool. Combine the analytical rigor of Claude with the creative structuring of ChatGPT to give me a merged, flawless plan.
Feature 2: ZCode’s Model Switching (The OpenRouter Trick)
The best part about ZCode AI is that you are not stuck with GLM. By clicking “Add Provider” and pasting in an OpenRouter API key, you can plug in almost any model on the market. You can jump from GLM 5.2 to Claude Sonnet 5 instantly, comparing their outputs on the exact same prompt.
Copy this prompt to build a portfolio in ZCode: I’ve attached my resume PDF. Use it to build a complete modern portfolio website with all my details, experience, and projects pulled directly from it. Make it look and feel like a professional design portfolio with a polished UI and a strong hero section.
If you want to see how other IDEs handle multiple models, check out our Cursor AI vs GitHub Copilot comparison!
Feature 3: The 3-Model Game Test (GLM vs Sonnet vs Fable)
To truly test ZCode’s model-switching capability, I gave the exact same prompt to three different models to build a 2D Jungle Run game.
- GLM 5.2: Called it “Jungle Commando.” The game ran, but the shots passed right through the enemies. The main mechanic was broken.
- Claude Sonnet 5: The character fell straight through the floor. A decent attempt, but completely unplayable.
- Claude Fable 5: Called it “Operation Viper Strike.” It actually worked. Retro graphics, smooth movement, shooting connected, and weapon upgrades functioned perfectly. Clear winner.
Comparison Table: ZCode AI vs. The Competition
Pros & Cons of ZCode AI
Pros:
- Unbeatable Free Tier: 3 million daily tokens of GLM 5.2 is enough for most solo developers.
- Frictionless Model Switching: The OpenRouter integration is flawless.
- Cross-Platform: Works natively on Mac, Windows, and Linux.
Cons:
- UI is Barebones: It feels like a clone of Codex, lacking the deep polish of Cursor.
- Native Model Limits: While you can switch models, the native GLM model struggles with complex game logic compared to Claude.
FAQ Section
What is ZCode AI?
ZCode AI is a desktop Integrated Development Environment (IDE) built by Z.AI. It is designed around the open-source GLM 5.2 model but allows users to plug in other models like Claude and GPT via OpenRouter.
Is ZCode AI free to use?
Yes. ZCode AI has a highly generous free tier that gives users 3 million daily tokens of the GLM 5.2 model and 2 million tokens of GLM 5 Turbo every single day for free.
Can I use Claude models in ZCode AI?
Yes. By creating an OpenRouter account and pasting your API key into ZCode’s “Add Provider” settings, you can instantly switch between Claude Fable 5, Claude Sonnet 5, and GPT models.
How does ZCode compare to Cursor?
While Cursor has a more polished UI and better native autocomplete, ZCode wins on model flexibility and free tier limits. ZCode allows instant model switching via OpenRouter, whereas Cursor requires more steps to change models.
Final Verdict & Strong CTA
Rating: 8.5/10 Would I switch to ZCode as my main tool? Probably not yet. Cursor and Claude Code are still smoother for daily driving. But the one thing this ZCode AI review proves is that model switching is the future. The ability to jump from a free 3-million-token GLM model to Claude Fable 5 in one click to finish a complex game is an unfair advantage.
If you want to see the model that won the game test, check out our Claude Fable 5 Review!
Ready to test unlimited models? Click here to download ZCode AI for free today.