Sublime Text vs Visual Studio Code
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
A sophisticated text editor for code.
The world's most popular code editor.
The verdict
Both Sublime Text and Visual Studio Code are credible code editors tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Sublime Text — A sophisticated text editor for code.
Visual Studio Code — The world's most popular code editor.
Sublime Text vs Visual Studio Code: side by side
| Dimension | Sublime Text | Visual Studio Code |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free – $99 once | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing model | One-time | Free |
| Best for | Developers | Developers, Everyone |
| Platforms | Windows, Mac, Linux | Mac, Windows, Linux |
| Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.7/5 |
Sublime Text key facts
- Vendor
- Sublime HQ
- Pricing
- One-time — Free – $99 once
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Windows, Mac, Linux
- Best for
- Developers
- Editor rating
- 4.6 / 5
- Founded
- 2008
- Headquarters
- Sydney, Australia
Visual Studio Code key facts
- Vendor
- Microsoft
- Pricing
- Free — Free
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Mac, Windows, Linux
- Best for
- Developers, Everyone
- Editor rating
- 4.7 / 5
- Founded
- 2015
- Headquarters
- Redmond, WA, USA
Frequently asked questions
Is Sublime Text better than Visual Studio Code?
Neither is universally better — Visual Studio Code edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Sublime Text or Visual Studio Code cheaper?
Sublime Text is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free – $99 once. Sublime Text starts at free – $99 once; Visual Studio Code starts at free.
Can Sublime Text replace Visual Studio Code?
Yes for most teams — both are code editors tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.