Best IDE for Amp in 2026: Where to Run It
The best places to run the Amp coding agent in 2026, from its terminal UI and orbs to its web, iOS, and macOS apps, and Superset for parallel worktree sessions next to other agents.
Amp is a multi-model coding agent that picks models for you by mode. It runs in a terminal UI, on the web, in iOS and macOS apps, and on "orbs," cloud machines that keep working after you close your laptop. So the best "IDE for Amp" depends on where you want the work to happen and whether you want several tasks, or several agents, at once.
Facts were checked against Amp's own manual, pricing, and news pages on October 13, 2026.
The Short Version
| Where you run Amp | Best for | Parallel tasks on one repo? | Main tradeoff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Superset | Many Amp tasks at once, next to other agents | Git worktrees for local branch-based workspaces | Not a single-file editor experience |
| Amp terminal UI | One focused task | Subagents inside a thread | You manage separate tasks yourself |
| Orbs | Work that keeps going after you close your laptop | One orb per thread | Cloud machines, billed in orb minutes |
| Runners | Your own machines, shared across a team | Runners create worktrees | You run and maintain the machines |
| Amp web, iOS, and macOS apps | Following threads across devices | Through orbs and runners | Amp's agent only |
The Options
Amp terminal UI
The amp terminal UI is the core of Amp. Subagents run automatically, you can add custom subagents through plugins, and -x runs Amp headless for scripts. It supports MCP, plugins, skills, and toolboxes. For one task at a time, start here.
Orbs
Orbs are cloud machines, one per thread, that keep working after you close your laptop. Run a task in an orb with -ox. The Individual plan includes 45,000 orb minutes a month; on the free plan, orbs are pay-as-you-go.
Runners
Runners execute Amp threads on machines you choose. Since September 22, 2026, a runner creates Git worktrees for its threads, so several threads can work one repository at once. Runners can be shared across a team, and the Amp Mac app can act as one.
Amp web, iOS, and macOS apps
Amp's threads follow you across the web and its iOS and macOS apps, so you can start a task at your desk and check on it from your phone.
Superset
Superset runs Amp as a built-in agent. Each new local branch-based workspace gets its own Git worktree and terminal, so several Amp tasks can run on the same repository at once, locally or on your own remote hosts. You can also run Claude Code, Codex, or any other CLI agent in the next workspace and compare the results. Around it you get a Changes pane that commits, pushes, and opens PRs, a Pull Requests view with CI checks, an in-app browser, and an iPhone and iPad app. Superset never proxies model calls. Worktrees separate working files but do not sandbox processes or prevent merge conflicts; see workspace types.
For the direct comparison, see Superset vs Amp.
How To Choose
- For one task, use the Amp terminal UI.
- For work that keeps going without your machine, use orbs.
- For your own machines shared across a team, use runners.
- For many Amp tasks next to other agents, with PRs and review in one place, use Superset.
Verdict
Amp's own surfaces are the best place for Amp alone, and orbs are its answer to work that runs while you are away. Once you want Amp next to Claude Code, Codex, or other agents on the same repository, with review through to the pull request, run it in a workspace like Superset.
For the full field of agents, see Best AI Coding Agents in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best IDE for Amp?
For one task, Amp's terminal UI. For work that runs without your laptop, orbs. For several Amp tasks next to other agents on one repository, a worktree workspace like Superset.
Does Amp work in VS Code?
Amp's current surfaces are its terminal UI, web, iOS, and macOS apps. Run the terminal UI in any editor's terminal, or in Superset.
How do I run Amp and Claude Code together?
Give each its own Git worktree. In Superset, each runs in its own workspace on the same repository. Since October 10, 2026, Amp can also use a Claude Pro or Max plan.