Free VS Code Alternatives

The best free alternative to Visual Studio Code is VSCodium, which is also Open Source. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 100 alternatives to Visual Studio Code and loads of them is free so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting free alternatives to Visual Studio Code are Vim, Kate, Geany and gedit.

Visual Studio Code alternatives are mainly Text Editors but may also be Code Editors or IDEs. Filter by these if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of Visual Studio Code.

Visual Studio Code alternatives page was last updated

Visual Studio Code

1194

Free • Proprietary
Text Editor

Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Chrome OS

Visual Studio Code is a free and extensible code editor for building web, desktop, and mobile applications, using any...

Learn more about Visual Studio Code

VSCodium
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Code Editor
IDE
Text Editor
Mac
Windows
Linux
Electron / Atom Shell
182 VSCodium alternatives
VSCodium is an open-source Integrated Development Environment (IDE), Code Editor, and Text Editor that is built from Microsoft's Visual Studio Code - Open Source ("Code - OSS") project. This software is known for its commitment to free, libre, and open-source software (FLOSS) principles, producing release binaries without the proprietary aspects of Microsoft's Visual Studio Code. VSCodium's standout features include No Tracking, Prevent Telemetry, and Customizability, making it an attractive choice for users who value privacy and personalization in their coding environment.

As an alternative to Visual Studio Code, VSCodium offers a similar user experience with the added benefit of no Microsoft telemetry. This means that while VSCodium provides the same IDE, Code Editor, and Text Editor functionality as Visual Studio Code, it does so without tracking user data or behavior. This has led to positive feedback from users who prefer the non-intrusive, privacy-focused nature of VSCodium, as well as those experiencing technical issues with Visual Studio Code. It is important to note that while Visual Studio Code's top features include Extensibility by Plugins/Extensions, Customizability, and Autocompletion, these are also available in VSCodium, making it a comparable, telemetry-free alternative.
- - VSCodium is the most popular Windows, Mac & Linux alternative to Visual Studio Code.
- - VSCodium is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to Visual Studio Code.
Suggest and vote on features
VSCodium Features
1. No TrackingVSCodium will not track you or use your personal data.
2. Privacy focusedVSCodium is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
3. Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsVSCodium can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
4. Works OfflineVSCodium can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
5. AutocompletionVSCodium can predict and complete the rest of a word or phrase you're typing.
6. No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in VSCodium without registration.
7. LightweightVSCodium consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
8. Syntax HighlightingVSCodium supports syntax highlighting for various programming and markup languages.
9. Support for MarkDownVSCodium supports MarkDown for document formatting.
Prevent telemetry
Customizable
Git integration
MIT License
Minimap
Clean design
Support for Themes
Code Formatting
Support for 64 bit
C++
Comments about VSCodium as a Alternative to Visual Studio Code
Almost everyone thinks VSCodium is a great Visual Studio Code alternative.
all • positive • negative relevance • date
nrwd
It's VScode, with all this compatibility. But in FOSS!
Top positive comment•
13

mrmbl
I mainly use VSCodium because Visual Studio Code crashes a lot on my machine, but the lack of telemetry is also great.
Top positive comment•
3

Ungi
Only downside is that some extensions will not be available, notably the WSL extension
Positive comment•
0

redtrillix
The better alternative to VSC due to its privacy-focused design and is FOSS.
Positive comment•
2

Thatstinkyguy
It's Visual Studio Code without Microsoft's invasive telemetry BS.
Positive comment•
2

Show more comments ▾
5 of 17 comments
Vim
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Text Editor
Code Editor
IDE
Mac
Windows
Linux
BSD
Haiku
AmigaOS
OpenSolaris
MorphOS
196 Vim alternatives
Vim, or "Vi IMproved", is an advanced text editor that provides a myriad of features including syntax highlighting, word completion, and a vast amount of contributed content. This tool comes with a GUI version known as GVim. Vim's top features include being lightweight, keyboard-focused, and customizable. It supports a wide range of operating systems such as Mac, Windows, Linux, BSD, Haiku, AmigaOS, OpenSolaris, and MorphOS. Vim is recognized as an open-source software and is available for free.

In comparison to Visual Studio Code, Vim presents itself as a viable alternative. Both being Text Editor & Code Editors, they share some similar features such as customizability. However, Vim stands out with its lightweight design and keyboard-focused operation. Vim has received positive comments as an alternative to Visual Studio Code, with users noting it as 'the lightest alternative with the most features', praising its readiness to work as soon as it is opened, and its massive amount of extendable, open-source plugins.
Suggest and vote on features
Vim Features
1. LightweightVim consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
2. Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsVim can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
3. Syntax HighlightingVim supports syntax highlighting for various programming and markup languages.
4. Command line interfaceVim either have CLI support or is a CLI-only app.
5. Works OfflineVim can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
6. Support for MarkDownVim supports MarkDown for document formatting.
7. Batch EditingVim allows you to select multiple items (tasks, files, images etc) and edit their properties all at once.
8. PortableVim can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
9. No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in Vim without registration.
Keyboard focused
Customizable
Hackable
Well documented
Configurable
Modal editor
Code Syntax Highlighting
Built-in terminal emulation
Terminal-based
Visual Mode
Comments about Vim as a Alternative to Visual Studio Code
Almost everyone thinks Vim is a great Visual Studio Code alternative.
alelondon
the lightest alternative with the most features
Top positive comment•
1

Guest
Vim is always ready to work as soon as you open it. There are already a lot of open-source plugins that ease any sort of functions.
Top positive comment•
3

Guest
It is not alternative, if you dont want to spend your life configuring shit in vim instead of writing some code you should chose something else
Top negative comment•
-1

Guest
Simple and extendable with a massive amount of plugins
Positive comment•
1

kiminariyamamoto
A classical editor for any text file. It is very usable but it is not really an IDE. You can add many plugins to make it behave close to IDE but I don't think it is very feasible.
Positive comment•
3
Kate
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Text Editor
Code Editor
IDE
Mac
Windows
Linux
BSD
KDE
130 Kate alternatives
Kate is a product of the Kate project, which primarily develops two key products: KatePart and Kate. KatePart is an advanced editor component, utilized in a myriad of KDE applications that require a text editing component. On the other hand, Kate is a MDI text editor application. It is a native application that comes with a variety of themes and supports syntax highlighting. Kate has been well-received by users and has garnered numerous positive reviews. It is compatible with multiple platforms including Mac, Windows, Linux, BSD, and KDE.

As a popular open source and free alternative to Visual Studio Code, Kate offers certain advantages. Unlike Visual Studio Code which is an Electron app, Kate is a compiled C++ application, which results in a more performant operation. This difference is often noted by users who prefer Kate over Visual Studio Code. Additionally, users have pointed out that while Kate may not be suitable for larger projects as of yet, it is an excellent choice for smaller ones due to its syntax highlighting and other features. It's important to note that while both Kate and Visual Studio Code serve as Text Editor, Code Editor & IDE, Visual Studio Code is known for its extensibility through plugins/extensions, customization options, and autocompletion feature.
Suggest and vote on features
Kate Features
1. Syntax HighlightingKate supports syntax highlighting for various programming and markup languages.
2. Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsKate can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
3. Git SupportKate supports Git, a free and open source distributed version control system.
4. LightweightKate consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
5. Support for MarkDownKate supports MarkDown for document formatting.
6. Code FormattingKate supports code formatting for multiple languages and code styles.
Native application
Themes
Editable text color schemes
Built-in terminal emulation
Tabbed interface
Built-in themes
Support for regular expressions
Comments about Kate as a Alternative to Visual Studio Code
Almost everyone thinks Kate is a great Visual Studio Code alternative.
Peter Mello
Compiled C++ applications are so much more performant than Electron apps like VS Code.
Positive comment•
10

Zipping
It's not based on electron.
Positive comment•
1

Guest
Kwrite is nice too. Use it mainly, has syntax hightligting and other features. Wouldnt use it for big projects just yet though.
Positive comment•
0
Geany
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Text Editor
Code Editor
IDE
Mac
Windows
Linux
BSD
PortableApps.com
Flathub
Flatpak
Snapcraft
136 Geany alternatives
Geany is a powerful, stable and lightweight programmer's text editor that provides tons of useful features without bogging down your workflow. It runs on Linux, Windows and macOS is translated into over 40 languages, and has built-in support for more than 50 programming...
Suggest and vote on features
Geany Features
1. LightweightGeany consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
2. Support for ThemesYou can use themes and templates to change the look and feel of Geany.
3. Syntax HighlightingGeany supports syntax highlighting for various programming and markup languages.
4. Support for LaTeXGeany supports LaTeX for text and math equation formatting.
5. Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsGeany can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
6. AutocompletionGeany can predict and complete the rest of a word or phrase you're typing.
7. Code FormattingGeany supports code formatting for multiple languages and code styles.
8. Batch EditingGeany allows you to select multiple items (tasks, files, images etc) and edit their properties all at once.
9. Ad-freeGeany doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
Multiplatform
Minimalistic
Code navigation
Shell integration
Automatic Indentation
Debian package compatible
Shortcut keys
Customizable
Support for Large File
Distraction-free
Opinions about Geany as a Alternative to Visual Studio Code
Most users think Geany is a great Visual Studio Code alternative.
gedit
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Text Editor
Code Editor
Mac
Windows
Linux
Chrome OS
BSD
GNOME
OpenSolaris
173 gedit alternatives
Official text editor of the GNOME desktop environment. Has syntax highlighting and is suitable for programming, with support for several languages. It is extensible with plugins.
Suggest and vote on features
gedit Features
1. Lightweightgedit consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
2. Syntax Highlightinggedit supports syntax highlighting for various programming and markup languages.
3. Extensible by Plugins/Extensionsgedit can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
4. Privacy focusedgedit is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
5. Works Offlinegedit can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
6. Ad-freegedit doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
7. Autocompletiongedit can predict and complete the rest of a word or phrase you're typing.
8. Spell Checkinggedit can detect and correct all types of grammar and spelling mistakes.
Customizable
Support for Unicode
Comments about gedit as a Alternative to Visual Studio Code
Most users think gedit is a great Visual Studio Code alternative.
Guest
It is light weight and works and chromebook.
Positive comment•
0
GNU Emacs
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Text Editor
Code Editor
IDE
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
BSD
F-Droid
Haiku
Homebrew
161 GNU Emacs alternatives
GNU Emacs, often simply referred to as Emacs, is an extensible and customizable text editor. Its core functionality is powered by an interpreter for Emacs Lisp, a dialect of the Lisp programming language that has been extended to support text editing. This software's key features include extensibility, customizability, and the ability to be further extended by plugins and extensions. It is compatible with a wide range of operating systems including Mac, Windows, Linux, BSD, Haiku, Homebrew, Android, and F-Droid.

As an alternative to Visual Studio Code, GNU Emacs is recognized for its speed and advanced autocomplete capabilities. It's also noted for its ability to run in a command line and its extensive collection of available plugins. Users have highlighted its extensive extensibility, stating that it surpasses Visual Studio Code in this regard. Unlike Visual Studio Code, GNU Emacs is not based on a web browser and can be used without a mouse. It's also appreciated for its compatibility with OpenBSD and its ability to handle all the tasks required for daily work. While both GNU Emacs and Visual Studio Code share features like extensibility by plugins/extensions and customizability, GNU Emacs is particularly popular among Android users.
- - GNU Emacs is the most popular Android alternative to Visual Studio Code.
Suggest and vote on features
GNU Emacs Features
1. Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsGNU Emacs can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
2. Syntax HighlightingGNU Emacs supports syntax highlighting for various programming and markup languages.
3. No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in GNU Emacs without registration.
4. Support for ThemesYou can use themes and templates to change the look and feel of GNU Emacs.
5. LightweightGNU Emacs consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
6. Support for scriptingGNU Emacs supports scripts and macros to automate or customize tasks.
7. No TrackingGNU Emacs will not track you or use your personal data.
8. Distraction-freeGNU Emacs has a distraction-free mode for when you need to focus.
9. Command line interfaceGNU Emacs either have CLI support or is a CLI-only app.
Extensibility
Customizable
Org-mode
Self-documenting
Multi OS
Editable text color schemes
Terminal-based
Works Offline
Spell Checking
Ad-free
Comments about GNU Emacs as a Alternative to Visual Studio Code
Almost everyone thinks GNU Emacs is a great Visual Studio Code alternative.
GeorgeIsHappy
Emacs is much faster than visual studio and can run in a command line. It has very advanced autocomplete capabilities and tons of available plugins.
Positive comment•
0

Guest
I like Gnu Emacs as alternative of Visual Studio Code because it's free and it works on OpenBSD and I can do everything I need for my daily work.
Positive comment•
0

inventor500
Emacs is by far more extendable than visual studio code, is not based on a web browser, and can be used without a mouse.
Positive comment•
2
Neovim
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Text Editor
Code Editor
IDE
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
BSD
83 Neovim alternatives
Neovim is a text editor, code editor, and integrated development environment (IDE) that is often described as 'Vim out of the box.' It is highly regarded in the software community, with numerous positive reviews. Among its top features are its lightweight design, its configurability, and its extensibility through plugins and extensions. Neovim is compatible with a range of operating systems, including Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, and BSD.

As an alternative to Visual Studio Code, Neovim stands out in several ways. While both are text editors, code editors, and IDEs, Neovim is particularly popular among Android users. Both Neovim and Visual Studio Code offer extensibility through plugins and extensions, and both are customizable. However, Visual Studio Code also offers autocompletion as one of its top features. It is worth noting that while Visual Studio Code supports Mac, Windows, Linux, Online, and Chrome OS, it does not have support for Android or BSD, both of which are supported by Neovim.
Suggest and vote on features
Neovim Features
1. LightweightNeovim consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
2. Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsNeovim can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
3. Syntax HighlightingNeovim supports syntax highlighting for various programming and markup languages.
Configurable
Lua scripting
Terminal-based
Asynchronous
Sane defaults
Vim
Opinions about Neovim as a Alternative to Visual Studio Code
Almost everyone thinks Neovim is a great Visual Studio Code alternative.