Helix vs Nova: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Helix 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 February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Helix
Post-modern terminal text editor in Rust
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • Helix is a post-modern modal text editor inspired by Vim and Kakoune
- • It provides multiple selections, built-in LSP support, and tree-sitter parsing
Nova
A powerful and flexible native macOS code editor with integrated tools for development workflows.
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.8/10 vs 8.0/10)
- • Native macOS code editor with a fast, feature-rich text editor.
- • Integrated development tools including Git, file browsers, terminal, and debugging.
| At a Glance |  Helix |  Nova |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Paid |
Best For | IDE & Code Editors | IDE & Code Editors |
Rating | 80/100 | 88/100 |
| Feature | Helix | Nova |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 80 | 88 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | IDE & Code EditorsTerminal Tools | IDE & Code EditorsDebugging |
How Helix and Nova Compare
Helix
Post-modern terminal text editor in Rust
Free · 80/100 score
Nova
A powerful and flexible native macOS code editor with integrated tools for development workflows.
Paid · 88/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Helix is free. Nova is paid.
Go with: Helix
Want the highest-rated option?
Helix: 80/100. Nova: 88/100.
Go with: Nova
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Nova
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Helix is free. Nova is paid. Go with Helix 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?
Nova scores higher: 88/100 vs 80/100.
Key Takeaways
Nova
- Higher score: 88/100 vs 80
- Our pick for this comparison
Helix
- Completely free
The Bottom Line
Nova (88/100) is our pick. That said, Helix is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Helix or Nova better?
Nova scores 88/100 in our evaluation. Helix is free and Nova is paid.
What are Helix and Nova used for?
Helix: Post-modern terminal text editor in Rust. Nova: A powerful and flexible native macOS code editor with integrated tools for development workflows..
What does Helix cost vs Nova?
Helix is completely free. Nova is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.