Link copied to clipboard # Notepad++ vs Visual Studio Code Comparison - What are their main differences? Share [ Export ](/compare/notepad/visual-studio-code/export.csv) Notepad++Visual Studio Code[+ Add Product](#) Pricing **Notepad++** No pricing available **Visual Studio Code** No pricing available **Pricing Insights** from reviews Perceived Cost **Notepad++** $$$$$ **Visual Studio Code** $$$$$ Average Discount **Notepad++** 11% **Visual Studio Code** 19%8% more Uncover valuable pricing insights from real user feedback to improve your shopping experience. See it for free Time to Implement **Notepad++** 6 months Based on 100 responses **Visual Studio Code** 6 months Based on 100 responses Return on Investment **Notepad++** 6 months Based on 100 responses **Visual Studio Code** 6 months Based on 100 responses **Pros & Cons** from reviews **Notepad++** [ Ease of Use (50) ](https://www.g2.com/products/notepad/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1073847&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Lightweight (33) ](https://www.g2.com/products/notepad/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1074548&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Outdated Interface (37) ](https://www.g2.com/products/notepad/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1075846&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Limited Compatibility (22) ](https://www.g2.com/products/notepad/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1075940&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) **Visual Studio Code** [ Ease of Use (122) ](https://www.g2.com/products/visual-studio-code/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1430770&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Extensions (95) ](https://www.g2.com/products/visual-studio-code/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1430742&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Extension Issues (67) ](https://www.g2.com/products/visual-studio-code/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1429876&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Slow Performance (41) ](https://www.g2.com/products/visual-studio-code/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1428647&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) Integrations **Notepad++** [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_809aa88d3571ee805a47d8fb156ba412/apache-kafka.jpg "Product Avatar Image") Apache Kafka ](https://www.g2.com/products/apache-kafka/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_f176b4154a751d10150daa67a57b7dc5/azure-functions.jpg "Product Avatar Image") Azure Functions ](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-functions/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_e4ae003c4d9b2b7615189af32032183d/git.png "Product Avatar Image") Git ](https://www.g2.com/products/git/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_e0de784bee9b9da4d9656e0a64712593/help-sumo.png "Product Avatar Image") Help Sumo ](https://www.g2.com/products/help-sumo/reviews)[ View all ](https://www.g2.com/products/notepad/integrations) **Visual Studio Code** [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_0ef656e3330e2a5b8e59939185859257/1password.png "Product Avatar Image") 1Password ](https://www.g2.com/products/1password/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_500f006999599d70e6215663a9c124c4/amazon-q-developer.jpg "Product Avatar Image") Amazon Q Developer ](https://www.g2.com/products/amazon-q-developer/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_92678e42a1cad1b80e7d257e3636e25e/android-studio.jpg "Product Avatar Image") Android Studio ](https://www.g2.com/products/android-studio/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_98d4e0320aa8550aeeda473f45903fd3/angular.jpg "Product Avatar Image") Angular ](https://www.g2.com/products/angular/reviews)[ View all ](https://www.g2.com/products/visual-studio-code/integrations) Screenshots **Notepad++** ![Notepad++ screenshot](https://images.g2crowd.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=600,height=600,fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,/https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/attachment/file/41102/uploads_2F5970144c-5327-4aac-819e-2b4b4b8a736c_2FNotepad_2B_2B.gif) **Visual Studio Code** ![Visual Studio Code screenshot](https://images.g2crowd.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=600,height=600,fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,/https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/attachment/file/44889/expirable-direct-uploads_2F646c36c5-06e5-4c48-9429-e56d7a29c718_2FVisual_Studio_Code_Screen_Shot_1.png) **Ratings** from reviews Meets Requirements **Notepad++** **9.2** /10 Based on 2,103 responses **Visual Studio Code** **9.3** /10 Based on 2,234 responses Ease of Use **Notepad++** **9.3** /10 Based on 2,116 responses **Visual Studio Code** **9.2** /10 Based on 2,256 responses Ease of Setup **Notepad++** **9.5** /10 Based on 440 responses **Visual Studio Code** **9.3** /10 Based on 656 responses Ease of Admin **Notepad++** **9.2** /10 Based on 288 responses **Visual Studio Code** **9.0** /10 Based on 233 responses Quality of Support **Notepad++** **8.5** /10 Based on 1,547 responses **Visual Studio Code** **8.7** /10 Based on 1,847 responses Has the product been a good partner in doing business? **Notepad++** **8.9** /10 Based on 244 responses **Visual Studio Code** **9.2** /10 Based on 204 responses Product Direction (% positive) **Notepad++** **8.8** /10 Based on 2,034 responses **Visual Studio Code** **9.6** /10 Based on 2,156 responses **Features** ratings from reviews Text Editor **8.5** /10 Based on 1,420 responses **9.1** /10 Based on 1,892 responses User Insights **Reviewers' Company Size** Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 29.6% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 32.5% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 37.9% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 29.6% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 32.5% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 37.9% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 44.7% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 29.8% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 25.4% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 44.7% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 29.8% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 25.4% **Reviewers' Industry** [![Notepad++](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1487566090/notepad.png "Notepad++")](https://www.g2.com/products/notepad/reviews) Notepad++ Information Technology and Services 29.1% Computer Software 22.9% Telecommunications 2.8% Internet 2.4% Financial Services 2.2% Other 40.6% [![Visual Studio Code](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_13aba37ae908d9cf29a2452925257ccc/visual-studio-code.jpeg "Visual Studio Code")](https://www.g2.com/products/visual-studio-code/reviews) Visual Studio Code Computer Software 34.7% Information Technology and Services 25.0% Program Development 3.2% Financial Services 2.6% Computer & Network Security 2.3% Other 32.1% Alternatives **Notepad++ Alternatives** ![Sublime Text](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1487566128/sublime-text.png "Sublime Text") [ Sublime Text ](/products/sublime-text/reviews) ![UltraEdit](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_0a47f56c0ae08c2bbc1cd48dbe10ab43/ultraedit.png "UltraEdit") [ UltraEdit ](/products/ultraedit/reviews) ![Brackets](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_89f9b71139b003b6eafc8bfd35e08665/brackets.jpg "Brackets") [ Brackets ](/products/brackets/reviews) ![TextPad](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1487565951/textpad.jpg "TextPad") [ TextPad ](/products/textpad/reviews) **Visual Studio Code Alternatives** ![Sublime Text](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1487566128/sublime-text.png "Sublime Text") [ Sublime Text ](/products/sublime-text/reviews) ![UltraEdit](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_0a47f56c0ae08c2bbc1cd48dbe10ab43/ultraedit.png "UltraEdit") [ UltraEdit ](/products/ultraedit/reviews) ![Brackets](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_89f9b71139b003b6eafc8bfd35e08665/brackets.jpg "Brackets") [ Brackets ](/products/brackets/reviews) ![TextPad](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1487565951/textpad.jpg "TextPad") [ TextPad ](/products/textpad/reviews) ## Notepad++ vs Visual Studio Code FAQs Generated using AI Last updated: August 14, 2026 ### What is the difference between Notepad++ vs Visual Studio Code? Visual Studio Code stands out for its higher G2 rating, broader integrations, and more modern interface, while Notepad++ is favored for its lightweight speed and ease of use. | [Notepad++](https://www.g2.com/products/notepad/reviews) | [Visual Studio Code](https://www.g2.com/products/visual-studio-code/reviews) | | --- | --- | | G2 Rating (reviews): 4.6/5 (2475 reviews) | G2 Rating (reviews): 4.7/5 (2731 reviews) | | Largest Segment: Small-Business | Largest Segment: Enterprise | | Ease of Setup score: 9.5 | Ease of Setup score: 9.3 | | Quality of Support score: 8.5 | Quality of Support score: 8.7 | | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength: Ease of Use (48 all-time mentions) | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength: Extension ecosystem and integrations | ### How do the pricing models of Notepad++ and Visual Studio Code compare? Visual Studio Code is rated as the stronger value by reviewers, with a higher satisfaction score on price and cost-related dimensions. - **Notepad++:** Reviewers consistently highlight its open-source, free nature and high ROI, especially for users seeking a lightweight, no-cost editor. - **Visual Studio Code:** Reviewers praise its free pricing, extensive features, and value for both students and professionals, noting that it delivers enterprise-grade capabilities without licensing costs. ### What are the best alternatives to Notepad++ and Visual Studio Code? The top three alternatives to Notepad++ and Visual Studio Code are Sublime Text, UltraEdit, and Atom. | Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Notepad++](https://www.g2.com/products/notepad/reviews) | 4.6/5 (2475 reviews) | Small-Business | Free, open-source, high ROI | Ease of Use (48 all-time mentions) | | [Visual Studio Code](https://www.g2.com/products/visual-studio-code/reviews) | 4.7/5 (2731 reviews) | Enterprise | Free, enterprise-grade features | Extension ecosystem and integrations | | [Sublime Text](https://www.g2.com/products/sublime-text/reviews) | 4.5/5 (1783 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Speed and lightweight performance | | [UltraEdit](https://www.g2.com/products/ultraedit/reviews) | 4.7/5 (1124 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Handling of large files and advanced editing features | ### Which Text Editor features should I prioritize when comparing Notepad++ and Visual Studio Code? Buyers should prioritize extension ecosystem, integrations, performance speed, large file handling, and user interface when comparing Notepad++ and Visual Studio Code. - **Extension ecosystem:** Visual Studio Code is frequently cited for its extensive extension marketplace and integrations; Notepad++ relies on plugins but with fewer integrations mentioned. - **Integrations:** Visual Studio Code is mentioned in 1277 reviews for Visual Studio integration, 876 for Git, and 254 for GitHub; Notepad++ is mentioned in 143 reviews for Python and 48 for Git. - **Performance speed:** Notepad++ has 29 all-time mentions for speed and 17 for performance speed; Visual Studio Code is praised for lightweight performance in recent reviews. - **Large file handling:** Notepad++ has 14 all-time mentions for large file handling; Visual Studio Code is noted for handling large projects efficiently in recent reviews. - **User interface:** Notepad++ has 12 all-time mentions for user interface, with recurring feedback about its outdated design; Visual Studio Code is praised for its clean and customizable interface. ### What are the pros and cons of Notepad++ vs Visual Studio Code? Notepad++ is most valued for its lightweight speed and ease of use, while Visual Studio Code is recognized for its powerful extension ecosystem and integrations. - **Notepad++ strengths:** Ease of Use (48 all-time mentions), Lightweight (33), Speed (29), Performance Speed (17), Search (17), Text Editing (15), Large File Handling (14), Tab Management (13). - **Notepad++ trade-offs:** Outdated Interface (36 all-time mentions), Lack of IDE Features (12), Poor UI Design (7), Autocomplete Issues (4), Poor Theming (3). - **Visual Studio Code strengths:** Extension ecosystem and integrations, built-in terminal, Git and GitHub integration, AI-assisted coding, highly customizable interface, praised for productivity and handling large projects. - **Visual Studio Code trade-offs:** Can become resource-intensive with many extensions, performance slowdowns with large projects, some advanced features require additional configuration, extension conflicts occasionally reported. ### Is Notepad++ or Visual Studio Code better for small businesses? Notepad++ is the better fit for small businesses, as it is most popular in the Small-Business segment and praised for its simplicity and speed. - **Notepad++:** Largest reviewer segment is Small-Business; reviewers highlight its lightweight nature, fast performance, and ease of use for small teams and quick edits. - **Visual Studio Code:** Largest reviewer segment is Enterprise; reviewers in small businesses appreciate its features but often note the additional setup and resource requirements compared to Notepad++. ### Which Text Editor platform has better integrations? Visual Studio Code is favored by reviewers for integrations, with significantly higher mention counts for key development tools. - **Notepad++:** Integrates with Python (143 all-time mentions) and Git (48), with reviewers noting plugin-based extensibility for scripting and version control. - **Visual Studio Code:** Integrates with Visual Studio (1277 all-time mentions), Git (876), and GitHub (254), with reviewers highlighting its robust extension marketplace and built-in support for major development workflows. ### How do Notepad++ and Visual Studio Code compare on customer support? Visual Studio Code and Notepad++ are rated in near-parity on Quality of Support, with Visual Studio Code at 8.7 and Notepad++ at 8.5, a difference below the materiality threshold. - **Notepad++:** Reviewers describe support as reliable for a free tool, with most issues resolved through community resources and documentation. - **Visual Studio Code:** Reviewers note strong community support, extensive documentation, and responsive updates, with many citing the large user base as a support advantage. ### Which is easier to implement, Notepad++ or Visual Studio Code? Notepad++ and Visual Studio Code score within a tenth of a point on Ease of Setup, 9.5 vs 9.3, indicating near-parity in implementation experience. - **Notepad++:** Reviewers consistently describe setup as fast and straightforward, with minimal configuration required and immediate usability after installation. - **Visual Studio Code:** Reviewers report easy installation and onboarding, but note that configuring extensions and customizing the environment can add setup time, especially for advanced workflows.