Notepad++ provides text editing with programming features. Free editor for Windows that does more than Notepad-the editor many Windows developers start with. The features exceed Windows defaults. The plugins extend capability. The tool is free. Windows users wanting better text editing use Notepad++ for capable free editor.

Available on: Windows

Louis Corneloup Updated May 26, 2026 · how we evaluate Source notepad-plus-plus.org ↗

Ratings Across the Web

4.6 (4,525 reviews)

Notepad++ holds an aggregate rating of 4.6 out of 5 from 4,525 reviews across SourceForge, G2, Capterra and Trustpilot, last checked September 17, 2026.

SourceForge 24 reviews

4.9/5

G2 2,472 reviews

4.6/5

Capterra 2,006 reviews

4.7/5

Trustpilot 23 reviews

4.4/5

Ratings aggregated from independent review platforms. Learn more

Key Features

Text editor
Windows
Syntax highlighting
Plugins
Lightweight
Open source

Pricing Plans

Pricing checked Oct 1, 2026

Notepad++ plans and prices, checked October 2026
Plan	Price	Details
Free Popular	$0	Open source Syntax highlighting Multi-tab Plugins +1 more Show less Windows only

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Is Notepad++ worth the price?

Great value

Notepad++ offers an incredibly generous pricing model, as it is completely free.

This makes it an exceptionally fair and accessible option compared to many commercial text editors. It's best for individual developers and casual users who need a robust text editor without any cost.

Full Notepad++ pricing: every plan, hidden costs and alternatives

Reviews

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4.6/5

Across 4,525 verified user reviews on G2, Capterra, SourceForge

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Best Notepad++ Alternatives

Top alternatives based on features, pricing, and user needs.

Visual Studio Code Free

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4.6

Sublime Text Paid

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Nova Paid

A powerful and flexible native macOS code editor with integrated tools for development workflows.

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Still deciding?

Most buyers shortlist 2 or 3 tools before committing. Pull a side-by-side comparison or browse the full alternatives shortlist below.

Notepad++ vs Visual Studio Code Head-to-head: features, pricing, who wins Notepad++ vs Sublime Text Head-to-head: features, pricing, who wins Notepad++ vs Nova Head-to-head: features, pricing, who wins

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Notepad++ FAQ

How does Notepad++ support different programming languages?

Notepad++ offers good syntax highlighting, which helps users differentiate elements of various programming languages. Its plugin support further extends its capabilities for working with different code types.

Which teams would benefit most from using Notepad++?

Teams primarily working on Windows and needing a free, lightweight text editor for source code will find Notepad++ beneficial. It is particularly suitable for developers who require more features than the default Windows Notepad but do not need a full-fledged IDE.

How is Notepad++ priced?

Notepad++ is free to use, meaning there is no paid plan required to access its features. This makes it an accessible option for all Windows users.

Can Notepad++ be used for large-scale software development projects?

Notepad++ is not designed for large-scale projects, as it has limited modern features and basic IDE capabilities. It is better suited for smaller coding tasks and text editing.

How does Notepad++ compare to Visual Studio Code?

Notepad++ is a free and lightweight editor primarily for Windows, offering fast startup and good syntax highlighting. Visual Studio Code typically offers more extensive modern features and advanced IDE capabilities suitable for larger projects, while Notepad++ focuses on efficient text editing with plugin support.

What kind of user would find Notepad++ to be an effective tool?

Windows users who need a more capable text editor than the default Notepad, especially for source code editing, will find Notepad++ effective. Its free nature and plugin support make it a strong option for those seeking enhanced functionality without cost.

Source: notepad-plus-plus.org

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