CodePen vs RunKit: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between CodePen and RunKit 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 7.5/10)
- • Online code playground for HTML, CSS, and JavaScript starting at $8/month Pro
- • 1.8M+ developer community with live preview, collaboration, and framework support
RunKit
Node.js playground in your browser
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • JavaScript playground in the browser
- • Share and embed code snippets
| At a Glance |  CodePen |  RunKit |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free |
Best For | Prototyping | Prototyping |
Rating | 85/100 | 75/100 |
| Feature | CodePen | RunKit |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| Editorial Score | 85 | 75 |
| 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 RunKit Compare
CodePen
Social development environment
Free tier available · 85/100 score
RunKit
Node.js playground in your browser
Free · 75/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
RunKit is free. CodePen is freemium.
Go with: RunKit
Want the highest-rated option?
CodePen: 85/100. RunKit: 75/100.
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. RunKit is free. Go with RunKit 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 75/100.
Key Takeaways
CodePen
- Higher score: 85/100 vs 75
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
RunKit
- Completely free
The Bottom Line
CodePen (85/100) is our pick. That said, RunKit is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CodePen or RunKit better?
CodePen scores 85/100 in our evaluation. CodePen is freemium and RunKit is free.
What are CodePen and RunKit used for?
CodePen: Social development environment. RunKit: Node.js playground in your browser.
What does CodePen cost vs RunKit?
CodePen is freemium (free tier + paid plans). RunKit is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.