Notepad++ vs Nova: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Notepad++ 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.
Bottom line: Nova wins this matchup. Visual Studio Code is our overall IDE & Code Editors pick. Visual Studio Code is our free IDE & Code Editors pick. Pick Notepad++ if you need a fully free option.
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:
Notepad++
Free source code editor for Windows
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (Nova requires payment)
Nova
A powerful and flexible native macOS code editor with integrated tools for development workflows.
Best for you if:
- • You want mac native editor
| At a Glance | Notepad++ | Nova |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free 100% free | $99/mo Nova |
Category | IDE & Code Editors Writing & Content | IDE & Code Editors Developer Tools |
Rating | 4.6/5 G2 4.6 · Capterra 4.7 · SourceForge 4.9 4,525 reviews | 4.3/5 G2 4.3 6 reviews |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Choose Notepad++ or Nova?
Choose Notepad++ if
- You want a fully free tool (Nova requires payment)
- You want free and lightweight
- You want fast startup
Choose Nova if
- You want mac native editor
- You want good performance
In-Depth Analysis
Notepad++
Free source code editor for Windows
Notepad++ offers an incredibly generous pricing model, as it is completely free.
Strengths
- Pro: Free and lightweight
- Pro: Fast startup
- Pro: Good syntax highlighting
- Pro: Plugin support
- Pro: Windows standard
Weaknesses
- Con: Windows only
- Con: Basic IDE features
- Con: UI dated
- Con: Limited modern features
- Con: Not for large projects
Key features
Nova
A powerful and flexible native macOS code editor with integrated tools for development workflows.
Nova's pricing at $99 for a perpetual license with one year of updates is fair, especially for a native macOS application.
Strengths
- Pro: Mac native editor
- Pro: Good performance
- Pro: Beautiful UI
- Pro: One-time purchase
- Pro: Active development
Weaknesses
- Con: Mac only
- Con: Expensive
- Con: Smaller ecosystem
- Con: VS Code free alternative
- Con: Extension limits
Key features
Pricing: Notepad++ vs Nova
| Plan | Notepad++ | Nova |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | $99 Nova |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Notepad++ pricing and Nova pricing.
Key Takeaways
Nova
- Our pick for this comparison
Notepad++
- Completely free
- Larger review base (4,525 reviews)
The Bottom Line
Nova wins this matchup. Visual Studio Code is our overall IDE & Code Editors pick. Visual Studio Code is our free IDE & Code Editors pick. That said, Notepad++ is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Notepad++ or Nova better in 2026?
Nova wins this matchup. Visual Studio Code is our overall IDE & Code Editors pick. Visual Studio Code is our free IDE & Code Editors pick. Pick Notepad++ for IDE & code editors workflows (main strength: free and lightweight). Pick Nova for IDE & code editors workflows (main strength: mac native editor).
What are Notepad++ and Nova used for?
Notepad++: Free source code editor for Windows. Nova: A powerful and flexible native macOS code editor with integrated tools for development workflows.
What does Notepad++ cost vs Nova?
Notepad++ is free. Nova's paid plans start at $99/mo (Nova).
What's the main difference between Notepad++ and Nova?
Notepad++'s main strength: free and lightweight. Nova's main strength: mac native editor.