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Open source Xcode alternatives

Top Code Editors & IDEs like Xcode

The most popular alternative to Xcode is Visual Studio Code, which has a free version. Other great alternatives to Xcode are Zed.

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

Xcode alternatives
AllFreeOpen source
2 apps

All Xcode alternatives

  1. Visual Studio Code

    193.6Kstars

    Visual Studio Code is a free source code editor from Microsoft that runs on Windows, macOS, Linux and in the browser. It combines IntelliSense completion, a built-in debugger, Git tools and an integrated terminal with a large extensions marketplace. It is built on the MIT-licensed Code - OSS project and integrates GitHub Copilot for AI chat and agent workflows.

    12 Visual Studio Code alternatives

    Pros

    • Huge extensions marketplace for almost any language or tool
    • Integrated terminal, debugger and Git tools
    • Remote development over SSH, in containers and with WSL

    Cons

    • Official builds include Microsoft telemetry and proprietary components
    • As an Electron app it uses more memory than native editors
    • Large extension setups can slow it down
    Cost / License
    FreeOpen source
    Categories
    Code Editors & IDEs
    Platforms
    WebWindowsMacLinux
    Features
    AI assistantCode completionDebuggerExtensions marketplaceGit integrationRemote development
    Visit websiteMore about Visual Studio Code

  2. 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

Xcode vs its alternatives at a glance

Pricing, platforms and the key features of Xcode, compared with its most popular alternatives.

Xcode vs its alternatives at a glance
AppPricingPlatformsAI assistantCode completionDebuggerGit integration
XcodeFreeMac
Visual Studio CodeFreeOpen sourceWeb, Windows, Mac, Linux
ZedFreemiumOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux

Xcode alternatives: frequently asked questions

What is the best alternative to Xcode?

The most popular alternative to Xcode is Visual Studio Code: Free, extensible code editor from Microsoft for most languages. Other great alternatives are Zed.

Is there a free alternative to Xcode?

Yes, 2 alternatives are free or have a free plan, including Visual Studio Code and Zed.

Is there an open source alternative to Xcode?

Yes, 2 open source alternatives are listed, including Visual Studio Code and Zed.

Is Xcode free?

Yes, Xcode is free to use.

Compare Xcode with its alternatives

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