Best Visual Studio Code Alternatives in 2025
Looking for alternatives to Visual Studio Code? In this comparison, we take a closer look at Visual Studio Code alongside similar software solutions including Visual Studio Code, PSPad and Notepad++.
Our detailed comparison table highlights key features, pricing, and performance of these leading solutions, empowering you to make an informed decision. Whether you're seeking robust functionality, user-friendly design, or cost-effective alternatives, explore how Visual Studio Code, PSPad and Notepad++ stack up to find the perfect software for your goals.
Platform Support
 Visual Studio Code
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Cross-platform support including Windows, Linux, and macOS. |
 PSPad
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Windows only; does not support macOS or Linux. |
 Notepad++
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Windows platform only; lacks support for Linux and macOS. |
Extension and Plugin System
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Visual Studio Code
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Offers a wide range of extensions available via the Visual Studio Code marketplace for additional functionality and new programming languages. |
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PSPad
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Supports plugins with over 50 programming languages; includes a built-in spellchecker and FTP client. |
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Notepad++
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Supports plugins including a spell checker plugin; supports macros with some limitations. |
Version Control Integration
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Visual Studio Code
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Integrated Git and Mercurial support with version control features built-in. |
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PSPad
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Limited support for version control; no specific integration mentioned. |
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Notepad++
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No mention of version control integration. |
User Interface and Editing Features
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Visual Studio Code
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IDE-like experience with intelligent code completion, syntax highlighting, multiple themes, snippets, and debugging tools. |
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PSPad
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Tabbed interface with syntax highlighting, code folding, macros, and built-in FTP client for easy file transfer and remote editing. |
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Notepad++
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Lightweight text editor with tabbed editing, syntax highlighting, macro support, and a user-friendly interface. |
Choosing the right software isn’t just about features. Size, license type, user ratings, and popularity also matter.
This quick comparison shows how Visual Studio Code stacks up against Visual Studio Code, PSPad and Notepad++ in these key areas—helping you find the best alternative for your needs.
Size
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Visual Studio Code
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90MB |
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PSPad
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8.1MB |
|
Notepad++
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License
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Visual Studio Code
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Open Source |
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PSPad
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Freeware |
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Notepad++
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Open Source |
Rating
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Visual Studio Code
|
|
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PSPad
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|
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Notepad++
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Popularity
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Visual Studio Code
|
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PSPad
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Notepad++
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