CodePen vs JSFiddle: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between CodePen and JSFiddle comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
CodePen
Social development environment
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.5/10 vs 7.1/10)
- • Online code playground for HTML, CSS, and JavaScript starting at $8/month Pro
- • 1.8M+ developer community with live preview, collaboration, and framework support
JSFiddle
An online code playground for quickly testing and sharing HTML, CSS, and JavaScript snippets.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • Online code editor for HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
- • Supports numerous frameworks, libraries, and pre-processors.
| At a Glance |  CodePen |  JSFiddle |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free |
Best For | Prototyping | Prototyping |
Rating | 85/100 | 71/100 |
| Feature | CodePen | JSFiddle |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| Editorial Score | 85 | 71 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | PrototypingIDE & Code Editors | PrototypingIDE & Code Editors |
How CodePen and JSFiddle Compare
CodePen
Social development environment
Free tier available · 85/100 score
JSFiddle
An online code playground for quickly testing and sharing HTML, CSS, and JavaScript snippets.
Free · 71/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
JSFiddle is free. CodePen is freemium.
Go with: JSFiddle
Want the highest-rated option?
CodePen: 85/100. JSFiddle: 71/100.
Go with: CodePen
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: CodePen
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
CodePen is freemium. JSFiddle is free. Go with JSFiddle if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are prototyping tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
CodePen scores higher: 85/100 vs 71/100.
Key Takeaways
CodePen
- Higher score: 85/100 vs 71
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
JSFiddle
- Completely free
The Bottom Line
CodePen (85/100) is our pick. That said, JSFiddle is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CodePen or JSFiddle better?
CodePen scores 85/100 in our evaluation. CodePen is freemium and JSFiddle is free.
What are CodePen and JSFiddle used for?
CodePen: Social development environment. JSFiddle: An online code playground for quickly testing and sharing HTML, CSS, and JavaScript snippets..
What does CodePen cost vs JSFiddle?
CodePen is freemium (free tier + paid plans). JSFiddle is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.