Jetbrains vs Visual Studio Code: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Jetbrains and Visual Studio Code 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:
Jetbrains
Developer tools and IDEs
Best for you if:
- • JetBrains creates professional IDEs for developers including IntelliJ, WebStorm, and PyCharm
- • It provides intelligent coding assistance across all major programming languages
Visual Studio Code
Free code editor by Microsoft
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.4/10 vs 7.6/10)
- • You need something completely free
- • Free, open-source code editor by Microsoft
- • Extensive marketplace with thousands of extensions
| At a Glance |  Jetbrains |  Visual Studio Code |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free |
Best For | IDE & Code Editors | IDE & Code Editors |
Rating | 76/100 | 94/100 |
| Feature | Jetbrains | Visual Studio Code |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Free |
| Editorial Score | 76 | 94 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 101 |
| Categories | IDE & Code EditorsVersion Control | IDE & Code EditorsDebugging |
How Jetbrains and Visual Studio Code Compare
Jetbrains
Developer tools and IDEs
Paid · 76/100 score
Visual Studio Code
Free code editor by Microsoft
Free · 94/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Visual Studio Code is free. Jetbrains is paid.
Go with: Visual Studio Code
Want the highest-rated option?
Jetbrains: 76/100. Visual Studio Code: 94/100.
Go with: Visual Studio Code
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Visual Studio Code
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Jetbrains is paid. Visual Studio Code is free. Go with Visual Studio Code 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?
Visual Studio Code scores higher: 94/100 vs 76/100.
Key Takeaways
Visual Studio Code
- Higher score: 94/100 vs 76
- More community upvotes (101)
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Jetbrains
The Bottom Line
Visual Studio Code (94/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jetbrains or Visual Studio Code better?
Visual Studio Code scores 94/100 in our evaluation. Jetbrains is paid and Visual Studio Code is free.
What are Jetbrains and Visual Studio Code used for?
Jetbrains: Developer tools and IDEs. Visual Studio Code: Free code editor by Microsoft.
What does Jetbrains cost vs Visual Studio Code?
Jetbrains is a paid tool. Visual Studio Code is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.