DevToys vs Nova: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between DevToys and Nova 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 May 2, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
DevToys
Swiss Army knife for developers
Best for you if:
- 0
- • You need something completely free
- • Swiss army knife for developers
- • Offline tools for encoding and formatting
Nova
A powerful and flexible native macOS code editor with integrated tools for development workflows.
Best for you if:
- 0
- • Native macOS code editor with a fast, feature-rich text editor.
- • Integrated development tools including Git, file browsers, terminal, and debugging.
| At a Glance |  DevToys |  Nova |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Paid |
Best For | IDE & Code Editors | IDE & Code Editors |
Rating | — | — |
| Feature | DevToys | Nova |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Paid |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 217 | 0 |
| Categories | IDE & Code EditorsAPI Tools | IDE & Code EditorsDebugging |
How DevToys and Nova Compare
DevToys
Swiss Army knife for developers
Free
Nova
A powerful and flexible native macOS code editor with integrated tools for development workflows.
Paid
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
DevToys is free. Nova is paid.
Go with: DevToys
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: DevToys
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: DevToys
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
DevToys is free. Nova is paid. Go with DevToys if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are ide & code editors tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
DevToys
- 0
- More community upvotes (217)
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Nova
The Bottom Line
DevToys is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DevToys or Nova better?
DevToys is rated high in our evaluation. DevToys is free and Nova is paid.
What are DevToys and Nova used for?
DevToys: Swiss Army knife for developers. Nova: A powerful and flexible native macOS code editor with integrated tools for development workflows..
What does DevToys cost vs Nova?
DevToys is completely free. Nova is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.