Ruff vs Nova: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Ruff 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:
Ruff
Extremely fast Python linter
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • Ruff is an extremely fast Python linter and formatter written in Rust
- • It replaces Flake8, isort, and Black with 10-100x faster performance
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 8.5/10)
- • Native macOS code editor with a fast, feature-rich text editor.
- • Integrated development tools including Git, file browsers, terminal, and debugging.
| At a Glance |  Ruff |  Nova |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Paid |
Best For | IDE & Code Editors | IDE & Code Editors |
Rating | 85/100 | 88/100 |
| Feature | Ruff | Nova |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 85 | 88 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | IDE & Code EditorsCode Review | IDE & Code EditorsDebugging |
How Ruff and Nova Compare
Ruff
Extremely fast Python linter
Free · 85/100 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?
Ruff is free. Nova is paid.
Go with: Ruff
Want the highest-rated option?
Ruff: 85/100. 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?
Ruff is free. Nova is paid. Go with Ruff 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 85/100.
Key Takeaways
Nova
- Higher score: 88/100 vs 85
- Our pick for this comparison
Ruff
- Completely free
The Bottom Line
Nova (88/100) is our pick. That said, Ruff is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ruff or Nova better?
Nova scores 88/100 in our evaluation. Ruff is free and Nova is paid.
What are Ruff and Nova used for?
Ruff: Extremely fast Python linter. Nova: A powerful and flexible native macOS code editor with integrated tools for development workflows..
What does Ruff cost vs Nova?
Ruff is completely free. Nova is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.