Microsoft's free, open-source code editor with AI agents, a huge extension marketplace, built-in Git, terminal and debugger. If it is not working for you, here are 8 apps that do the same job, closest match first.
Built from official pricing pages and app store listings, prices checked 2026-11-01. Not paid to be here.| App | Price | Platforms | Pick it if |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visual Studio Code (the app you have) | Free and open source | Mac, Windows, Linux, Web | - |
| Neovim | Free and open source | Mac, Windows, Linux | you need it to work offline |
| Zed | Personal $0 forever | Mac, Linux, Windows | you work with a team |
| Android Studio | Free download | Windows, Mac, Linux | you want a close match |
| IntelliJ IDEA | Free download includes 30 days of Ultimate | Mac, Windows, Linux | you run a small business |
| PyCharm | Core features free | Mac, Windows, Linux | you are a student |
| Sublime Text | Personal license: one-time purchase with 3 years of updates | Mac, Windows, Linux | you would rather not pay a subscription |
| WebStorm | Free for non-commercial use | Mac, Windows, Linux | you want a close match |
| Xcode | Free on the Mac App Store | Apple | you use Apple devices |
Hyperextensible, Vim-based terminal text editor with Lua plugins, built-in LSP and Tree-sitter.
Pick it if you need it to work offline.
Fast open-source code editor written in Rust, with parallel AI agents, edit prediction, real-time collaboration and Vim mode.
Pick it if you work with a team.
Google's official IDE for Android apps, with Gemini AI, Compose design tools, an emulator and device streaming.
JetBrains' IDE for Java and Kotlin with deep code intelligence, refactoring, debugging, framework support and AI agents.
Pick it if you run a small business.
JetBrains' Python IDE with free core features, Jupyter notebooks, web frameworks, debugging and AI agent support; Pro adds more.
Pick it if you are a student.
Fast, GPU-rendered text editor for code, markup and prose, known for multiple selections and Goto Anything.
Pick it if you would rather not pay a subscription.
JetBrains' JavaScript and TypeScript IDE, free for non-commercial use, with refactoring, debugging, database tools and AI agents.
Apple's free IDE for building, testing and shipping apps for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Watch, TV and Vision Pro.
Pick it if you use Apple devices.
We matched these apps to Visual Studio Code by what they are for, who they suit and where they run, using our research on each app's official website and app store listing. We have not tested them hands-on for this page. Check the price on each app's own site before you buy.