Vim vs Nova: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Vim 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:
Vim
The ubiquitous text editor
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • Vim is a highly configurable text editor for efficient text editing
- • It provides modal editing with extensive customization through plugins
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 |  Vim |  Nova |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Paid |
Best For | IDE & Code Editors | IDE & Code Editors |
Rating | 85/100 | 88/100 |
| Feature | Vim | 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 EditorsTerminal Tools | IDE & Code EditorsDebugging |
How Vim and Nova Compare
Vim
The ubiquitous text editor
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?
Vim is free. Nova is paid.
Go with: Vim
Want the highest-rated option?
Vim: 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?
Vim is free. Nova is paid. Go with Vim 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
Vim
- Completely free
The Bottom Line
Nova (88/100) is our pick. That said, Vim is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vim or Nova better?
Nova scores 88/100 in our evaluation. Vim is free and Nova is paid.
What are Vim and Nova used for?
Vim: The ubiquitous text editor. Nova: A powerful and flexible native macOS code editor with integrated tools for development workflows..
What does Vim cost vs Nova?
Vim is completely free. Nova is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.