Eclipse vs Visual Studio Code: Pricing and Ratings Compared (2026)
Entry prices and free plans as read on each vendor's pricing page, and user ratings as published on review sites, for Eclipse and Visual Studio Code side by side. This page compares data; it is not a hands-on review.
On the data: On the data below, Visual Studio Code leads on higher user rating. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
Eclipse
Open-source IDE for Java and other languages
Best for you if:
- • You want free IDE
Visual Studio Code
Fast, lightweight, and customizable code editor for all languages
Best for you if:
- • You want free and open source
| At a Glance | Eclipse | Visual Studio Code |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free 100% free | Free 100% free |
Category | IDE & Code Editors Developer Tools | IDE & Code Editors Developer Tools |
Rating | 4.3/5 G2 4.3 · Capterra 4.3 3,426 reviews | 4.6/5 G2 4.7 · Trustpilot 3.7 2,732 reviews |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Eclipse or Visual Studio Code?
Choose Eclipse if
- You want free IDE
- You want java standard
Choose Visual Studio Code if
- You want free and open source
- You want huge extension ecosystem
In-Depth Analysis
Eclipse
Open-source IDE for Java and other languages
Eclipse's pricing is exceptionally generous, being entirely free.
Strengths
- Pro: Free IDE
- Pro: Java standard
- Pro: Many plugins
- Pro: Enterprise proven
- Pro: Cross-platform
Weaknesses
- Con: UI dated
- Con: Heavy and slow
- Con: Configuration complex
- Con: Declining popularity
- Con: IntelliJ better
Key features
Visual Studio Code
Fast, lightweight, and customizable code editor for all languages
Visual Studio Code's pricing is exceptionally generous, as it offers a full-featured, open-source IDE completely free of charge.
Strengths
- Pro: Free and open source
- Pro: Huge extension ecosystem
- Pro: Cross-platform
Weaknesses
- Con: Can be resource heavy
- Con: Microsoft telemetry
Key features
Plans and prices: Eclipse vs Visual Studio Code
| Tool | Plans and prices | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Eclipse |
| eclipse.orgread Oct 4, 2026 |
| Visual Studio Code |
| code.visualstudio.comread Oct 15, 2026 |
Prices as read on each vendor's own pricing page on the date shown. Plans are listed per tool and are not matched against the other tool's plans: a plan name or price in one column says nothing about the same row in the other. Details on Eclipse pricing and Visual Studio Code pricing.
Key Takeaways
Eclipse
- Choose if you want open-source IDE for Java and other languages
Visual Studio Code
- Higher user rating: 4.6/5 vs 4.3/5
What the data shows
On the data below, Visual Studio Code leads on higher user rating. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.
- Visual Studio Code has the higher user rating (4.3/5 from 3,426 reviews for Eclipse, 4.6/5 from 2,732 reviews for Visual Studio Code).
- Both have a free plan.
Criteria: user rating (only above 20 reviews on both sides, gap of 0.2 or more), entry price (only on the same billing basis), free plan. How we rate
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Eclipse and Visual Studio Code compare in 2026?
On the data below, Visual Studio Code leads on higher user rating. We do not name an overall winner for this pair. Visual Studio Code has the higher user rating (4.3/5 from 3,426 reviews for Eclipse, 4.6/5 from 2,732 reviews for Visual Studio Code). Both have a free plan.
What are Eclipse and Visual Studio Code used for?
Eclipse: Open-source IDE for Java and other languages. Visual Studio Code: Fast, lightweight, and customizable code editor for all languages.
What does Eclipse cost vs Visual Studio Code?
Eclipse is free. Visual Studio Code is free. Prices read on the vendors' pricing pages, latest check Oct 15, 2026.
What's the main difference between Eclipse and Visual Studio Code?
Eclipse's main strength: free IDE. Visual Studio Code's main strength: free and open source.