Visual Studio Code vs IntelliJ IDEA: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Visual Studio Code and IntelliJ IDEA 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 March 22, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
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
IntelliJ IDEA
The capable & ergonomic Java IDE
Best for you if:
- 0
- • Java IDE that enterprise teams rely on
- • Advanced refactoring handles complex changes
| At a Glance |  Visual Studio Code |  IntelliJ IDEA |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | IDE & Code Editors | IDE & Code Editors |
Rating | — | — |
| Feature | Visual Studio Code | IntelliJ IDEA |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 101 | 0 |
| Categories | IDE & Code EditorsDebugging | IDE & Code EditorsVersion Control |
How Visual Studio Code and IntelliJ IDEA Compare
Visual Studio Code
Free code editor by Microsoft
Free
IntelliJ IDEA
The capable & ergonomic Java IDE
Free tier available
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Visual Studio Code is free. IntelliJ IDEA is freemium.
Go with: Visual Studio Code
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
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?
Visual Studio Code is free. IntelliJ IDEA is freemium. 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
IntelliJ IDEA
The Bottom Line
Visual Studio Code is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Visual Studio Code or IntelliJ IDEA better?
Visual Studio Code is rated high in our evaluation. Visual Studio Code is free and IntelliJ IDEA is freemium.
What are Visual Studio Code and IntelliJ IDEA used for?
Visual Studio Code: Free code editor by Microsoft. IntelliJ IDEA: The capable & ergonomic Java IDE.
What does Visual Studio Code cost vs IntelliJ IDEA?
Visual Studio Code is completely free. IntelliJ IDEA is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.