Sublime Text vs Visual Studio Code: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Sublime Text 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 April 14, 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:
- 0
- • Sublime Text is a fast, sophisticated text editor for code
- • It provides powerful shortcuts, goto anything, and extensive customization
Visual Studio Code
Free code editor by Microsoft
Best for you if:
- 0
- • You need something completely free
- • Free, open-source code editor by Microsoft
- • Extensive marketplace with thousands of extensions
| At a Glance |  Sublime Text |  Visual Studio Code |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free |
Best For | IDE & Code Editors | IDE & Code Editors |
Rating | — | — |
| Feature | Sublime Text | Visual Studio Code |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Free |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 101 |
| Categories | IDE & Code EditorsTerminal Tools | IDE & Code EditorsDebugging |
How Sublime Text and Visual Studio Code Compare
Sublime Text
Sophisticated text editor
Paid
Visual Studio Code
Free code editor by Microsoft
Free
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Visual Studio Code is free. Sublime Text is paid.
Go with: Visual Studio Code
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Sublime Text
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Visual Studio Code
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Sublime Text 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?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
Visual Studio Code
- 0
- More community upvotes (101)
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Sublime Text
The Bottom Line
Visual Studio Code is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sublime Text or Visual Studio Code better?
Visual Studio Code is rated high in our evaluation. Sublime Text is paid and Visual Studio Code is free.
What are Sublime Text and Visual Studio Code used for?
Sublime Text: Sophisticated text editor. Visual Studio Code: Free code editor by Microsoft.
What does Sublime Text cost vs Visual Studio Code?
Sublime Text is a paid tool. Visual Studio Code is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.