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Visual Studio Code alternatives

Top Code Editors & IDEs like Visual Studio Code

The most popular alternative to Visual Studio Code is Cursor, which has a free version. Other great alternatives to Visual Studio Code are VSCodium, Zed, Sublime Text, and IntelliJ IDEA.

Most alternatives to Visual Studio Code are in the Code Editors & IDEs category, compared here by price, platform and features.

Visual Studio Code alternatives
AllFreeOpen source
12 apps

All Visual Studio Code alternatives

  1. Cursor

    Cursor is a code editor from Anysphere, forked from VS Code, with AI integrated throughout the workflow. Its Tab model predicts multi-line edits, chat understands the whole codebase, and agent mode plans and applies changes across files while running terminal commands. Background agents can also work on tasks in the cloud. It stays compatible with VS Code extensions, themes and keybindings, and has a free Hobby plan.

    12 Cursor alternatives

    Pros

    • Tab completion predicts multi-line edits as you type
    • Agent mode applies changes across files and runs commands
    • Keeps VS Code extensions, themes and keybindings

    Cons

    • Request limits and usage-based billing can be confusing
    • As a VS Code fork, it can lag behind upstream updates
    • The free Hobby plan is quickly limiting for daily work
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Categories
    AI Coding AssistantsCode Editors & IDEs
    Platforms
    WindowsMacLinux
    Features
    Autonomous coding agentChat with your codebaseCode completionExtensions marketplaceTerminal integration
    Visit websiteMore about Cursor

  2. VSCodium

    33.6Kstars

    VSCodium is a community project that compiles the open source VS Code codebase into ready-to-use MIT-licensed binaries, with Microsoft telemetry disabled and branding removed. It offers the same editing experience, debugger, terminal and Git tools, and installs extensions from the Open VSX registry instead of the Microsoft marketplace. It suits developers who want the VS Code workflow in a fully open source package.

    12 VSCodium alternatives

    Pros

    • The VS Code experience without Microsoft telemetry or branding
    • Fully open source, MIT-licensed binaries
    • Ready-made builds for Windows, macOS and Linux

    Cons

    • Open VSX lacks some extensions found in the Microsoft marketplace
    • Microsoft extensions such as Pylance or Remote SSH are not officially usable
    Cost / License
    FreeOpen source
    Categories
    Code Editors & IDEs
    Platforms
    WindowsMacLinux
    Features
    Code completionDebuggerExtensions marketplaceGit integrationTerminal integration
    Visit websiteMore about VSCodium

  3. Zed

    91.6Kstars

    Zed is a code editor written in Rust by the creators of Atom and Tree-sitter, with a GPU-rendered interface that stays fast on large projects. It includes multiplayer editing, an agent panel that works with several AI models, edit predictions, Git tools, remote development over SSH and an extensions registry. Zed is open source under the GPL and runs on macOS, Linux and Windows; paid plans cover hosted AI usage.

    12 Zed alternatives

    Pros

    • GPU-rendered interface that stays fast on large projects
    • Built-in multiplayer editing and an agent panel for several AI models
    • Open source under the GPL

    Cons

    • Smaller extension ecosystem than VS Code
    • Some IDE features are less mature than in established editors
    • Hosted AI usage requires a paid plan
    Cost / License
    FreemiumOpen source
    Categories
    Code Editors & IDEsAI Coding Assistants
    Platforms
    WindowsMacLinux
    Features
    AI assistantCode completionExtensions marketplaceGit integrationReal-time collaborationRemote development
    Visit websiteMore about Zed

  4. Sublime Text

    Sublime Text is a cross-platform text and code editor from Sublime HQ, known for its speed and low resource use. Goto Anything, multiple cursors and a command palette make large files and projects quick to navigate. It is extended with Python plugins, usually installed through the community Package Control manager. It can be evaluated for free, but a license is required for continued use.

    12 Sublime Text alternatives

    Pros

    • Extremely fast, even with very large files
    • Multiple cursors and Goto Anything speed up navigation and edits
    • Low memory use compared with Electron-based editors

    Cons

    • A license is required for continued use, with reminders during evaluation
    • Fewer built-in IDE features, such as debugging, than VS Code
    Cost / License
    Free trialProprietary
    Categories
    Code Editors & IDEs
    Platforms
    WindowsMacLinux
    Features
    Code completionDark modeGit integrationPlugins & extensions
    Visit websiteMore about Sublime Text

  5. IntelliJ IDEA

    IntelliJ IDEA is the JetBrains development environment for Java, Kotlin, Groovy and Scala, with deep code analysis, refactoring, a debugger and Maven and Gradle support. Since 2025 it ships as a single download: the core IDE is free, including for commercial work, and a subscription unlocks advanced Ultimate features for enterprise frameworks and web development. JetBrains AI tools are built in.

    10 IntelliJ IDEA alternatives

    Pros

    • Deep code analysis and safe refactoring for Java and Kotlin
    • The core IDE is free, including for commercial work
    • Excellent Maven, Gradle and debugger integration

    Cons

    • Resource-hungry, with slow indexing on large projects
    • Enterprise framework and web features require a subscription
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Categories
    Code Editors & IDEs
    Platforms
    WindowsMacLinux
    Features
    AI assistantCode completionDebuggerExtensions marketplaceGit integrationRemote development
    Visit websiteMore about IntelliJ IDEA

  6. WebStorm

    WebStorm is a JetBrains IDE dedicated to JavaScript and TypeScript, with built-in support for React, Angular, Vue, Node.js and common test runners. It provides smart completion, safe refactorings, a debugger for browser and Node code, and Git tools without extra plugins. WebStorm is free for non-commercial use, and a paid license is required for commercial work.

    8 WebStorm alternatives

    Pros

    • Built-in support for React, Angular, Vue and Node.js
    • Smart completion and safe refactoring for JavaScript and TypeScript
    • Free for non-commercial use

    Cons

    • Commercial use requires a paid license
    • Heavier than VS Code for quick edits
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Categories
    Code Editors & IDEs
    Platforms
    WindowsMacLinux
    Features
    AI assistantCode completionDebuggerExtensions marketplaceGit integrationTerminal integration
    Visit websiteMore about WebStorm

  7. PyCharm

    PyCharm is the JetBrains IDE for Python, with code completion, inspections, refactoring, a graphical debugger, test runners and virtual environment management. A single distribution provides a free core for everyday Python work, while a Pro subscription unlocks advanced features for web frameworks such as Django, databases and remote development. JetBrains AI features are available in the IDE.

    8 PyCharm alternatives

    Pros

    • Excellent Python completion, inspections and refactoring
    • Graphical debugger, test runners and virtual environment management
    • The free core covers everyday Python work

    Cons

    • Heavy on memory and slower to start than lighter editors
    • Django, database and remote development tools require Pro
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Categories
    Code Editors & IDEs
    Platforms
    WindowsMacLinux
    Features
    AI assistantCode completionDebuggerExtensions marketplaceGit integrationRemote development
    Visit websiteMore about PyCharm

  8. Visual Studio

    Visual Studio is Microsoft's integrated development environment for building .NET, C# and C++ applications, games and cloud services. It includes IntelliSense, an advanced debugger and profiler, visual designers, testing tools, Git integration and GitHub Copilot. The Community edition is free for individuals, students, open source and small teams, while Professional and Enterprise are paid. It runs on Windows only.

    8 Visual Studio alternatives

    Pros

    • Advanced debugger and profiler for .NET and C++ apps
    • Visual designers and testing tools for Windows development
    • Free Community edition for individuals, students and small teams

    Cons

    • Windows only, as Visual Studio for Mac has been retired
    • Large install and heavy resource use
    • Professional and Enterprise editions are paid
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Categories
    Code Editors & IDEs
    Platforms
    Windows
    Features
    AI assistantCode completionDebuggerExtensions marketplaceGit integration
    Visit websiteMore about Visual Studio

  9. Xcode

    Xcode is Apple's free development environment for building apps for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS and visionOS. It bundles the Swift and Objective-C toolchains, SwiftUI previews, Interface Builder, device simulators, Instruments for profiling, a debugger and tools to submit apps to the App Store. Recent versions add predictive code completion and coding help from AI models. It runs on macOS only.

    7 Xcode alternatives

    Pros

    • Everything needed to build and ship Apple apps in one free package
    • SwiftUI previews, simulators and Instruments built in
    • Built-in tools to submit apps to the App Store

    Cons

    • Runs only on macOS, so a Mac is required
    • Large downloads and updates take up a lot of disk space
    • Indexing and previews can be slow or unstable on large projects
    Cost / License
    FreeProprietary
    Categories
    Code Editors & IDEs
    Platforms
    Mac
    Features
    AI assistantCode completionDebuggerGit integration
    Visit websiteMore about Xcode

  10. Nova

    Nova is a native macOS code editor from Panic, the company behind Transmit and Coda. It pairs a Mac-style interface with language server support, Git source control, a built-in terminal, task runners and publishing to remote servers, and can be extended with JavaScript extensions from its library. Nova is a paid app with a free trial, aimed at web and app developers who prefer a fully native editor.

    8 Nova alternatives

    Pros

    • Fully native Mac interface that feels fast and polished
    • Built-in terminal, Git, task runners and remote publishing
    • JavaScript extensions add languages and tools

    Cons

    • Available on macOS only
    • Smaller extension library than VS Code
    • Requires a paid license after the trial, while strong free editors exist
    Cost / License
    Free trialProprietary
    Categories
    Code Editors & IDEs
    Platforms
    Mac
    Features
    Code completionExtensions marketplaceGit integrationTerminal integration
    Visit websiteMore about Nova

  11. Notepad++

    29.5Kstars

    Notepad++ is a free source code editor for Windows and a popular replacement for the built-in Notepad. Written in C++ on the Win32 API and the Scintilla editing component, it starts quickly and stays light while offering syntax highlighting for dozens of languages, tabs, macros, regular expression search and replace, and a plugin manager. It is open source under the GPL and maintained by Don Ho.

    7 Notepad++ alternatives

    Pros

    • Starts instantly and stays light on resources
    • Syntax highlighting for dozens of languages, tabs and macros
    • Free, open source and extendable through a plugin manager

    Cons

    • Windows only, with no native macOS or Linux version
    • Lacks the debugging, Git and project tools of a full code editor
    Cost / License
    FreeOpen source
    Categories
    Code Editors & IDEs
    Platforms
    Windows
    Features
    Code completionDark modePlugins & extensions
    Visit websiteMore about Notepad++

  12. Android Studio

    Android Studio is the official development environment for Android, built by Google on the IntelliJ platform. It provides Kotlin and Java editing, a visual layout editor, Jetpack Compose previews, an emulator, profilers and Gradle builds for phones, tablets, Wear OS, Android TV and cars. Gemini in Android Studio adds AI help for writing code and fixing errors. It is free on Windows, macOS, Linux and ChromeOS.

    7 Android Studio alternatives

    Pros

    • Official, complete Android toolkit, free on all desktop systems
    • Emulator, profilers and Compose previews built in
    • Gemini helps write code and fix build errors

    Cons

    • Heavy on RAM and CPU, especially with the emulator running
    • Gradle builds can be slow on large projects
    Cost / License
    FreeProprietary
    Categories
    Code Editors & IDEs
    Platforms
    WindowsMacLinux
    Features
    AI assistantCode completionDebuggerGit integrationPlugins & extensions
    Visit websiteMore about Android Studio

Visual Studio Code vs its alternatives at a glance

Pricing, platforms and the key features of Visual Studio Code, compared with its most popular alternatives.

Visual Studio Code vs its alternatives at a glance
AppPricingPlatformsAI assistantCode completionDebuggerExtensions marketplaceGit integration
Visual Studio CodeFreeOpen sourceWeb, Windows, Mac, Linux
CursorFreemiumWindows, Mac, Linux
VSCodiumFreeOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux
ZedFreemiumOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux
Sublime TextFree trialWindows, Mac, Linux
IntelliJ IDEAFreemiumWindows, Mac, Linux

Visual Studio Code alternatives: frequently asked questions

What is the best alternative to Visual Studio Code?

The most popular alternative to Visual Studio Code is Cursor: AI code editor built on VS Code, with agents and multi-line autocomplete. Other great alternatives are VSCodium, Zed, Sublime Text, and IntelliJ IDEA.

Is there a free alternative to Visual Studio Code?

Yes, 10 alternatives are free or have a free plan, including Cursor, VSCodium, Zed, and IntelliJ IDEA.

Is there an open source alternative to Visual Studio Code?

Yes, 3 open source alternatives are listed, including VSCodium, Zed, and Notepad++.

Is Visual Studio Code free?

Yes, Visual Studio Code is free to use.

Compare Visual Studio Code with its alternatives

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