Sublime Text vs Nova: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Sublime Text 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:
Sublime Text
Sophisticated text editor
Best for you if:
- • Sublime Text is a fast, sophisticated text editor for code
- • It provides powerful shortcuts, goto anything, and extensive customization
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 |  Sublime Text |  Nova |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | IDE & Code Editors | IDE & Code Editors |
Rating | 85/100 | 88/100 |
| Feature | Sublime Text | Nova |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 85 | 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 Sublime Text and Nova Compare
Sublime Text
Sophisticated text editor
Paid · 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?
Both are paid. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Nova
Want the highest-rated option?
Sublime Text: 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?
Both are paid. Pricing won't help you decide here.
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
Sublime Text
The Bottom Line
Nova (88/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sublime Text or Nova better?
Nova scores 88/100 in our evaluation. Both are paid.
What are Sublime Text and Nova used for?
Sublime Text: Sophisticated text editor. Nova: A powerful and flexible native macOS code editor with integrated tools for development workflows..
What does Sublime Text cost vs Nova?
Sublime Text is a paid tool. Nova is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.