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 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
Visual Studio Code
Free code editor by Microsoft
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.4/10 vs 8.5/10)
- • 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 | 85/100 | 94/100 |
| Feature | Sublime Text | Visual Studio Code |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Free |
| Editorial Score | 85 | 94 |
| 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 · 85/100 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. Sublime Text is paid.
Go with: Visual Studio Code
Want the highest-rated option?
Sublime Text: 85/100. 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?
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?
Visual Studio Code scores higher: 94/100 vs 85/100.
Key Takeaways
Visual Studio Code
- Higher score: 94/100 vs 85
- More community upvotes (101)
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Sublime Text
The Bottom Line
Visual Studio Code (94/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sublime Text or Visual Studio Code better?
Visual Studio Code scores 94/100 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.