# Notepad++ vs Visual Studio Code Comparison
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## AI Generated Summary
- **G2 reviewers report** that Visual Studio Code excels in overall user satisfaction, boasting a higher G2 Score compared to Notepad++. Users appreciate its fast and responsive performance, particularly for tasks like automation testing, where it supports writing and maintaining scripts efficiently.
- **Users say** that Notepad++ is a fantastic choice for lightweight tasks, especially as a log reader on servers. Reviewers highlight its ability to open files almost instantly and its low storage consumption, making it a go-to for straightforward text editing without the overhead of more complex software.
- **Reviewers mention** that Visual Studio Code's extensive extension library is a significant advantage, allowing users to connect with other applications and AI agents seamlessly. This flexibility enhances its usability for various development tasks, making it a versatile tool for many programmers.
- **According to verified reviews** , Notepad++ shines in its simplicity and ease of setup. Users appreciate its clean interface and customization options, which make it accessible for those who need a straightforward text editor without unnecessary features.
- **G2 reviewers highlight** that while Visual Studio Code offers robust features like terminal support and cross-platform compatibility, some users find it slightly less intuitive for quick edits compared to Notepad++. This can be a consideration for those who prioritize speed and simplicity in their daily tasks.
- **Users report** that both products have their strengths, but Visual Studio Code's collaborative editing features and language support are often seen as superior. Reviewers enjoy the ability to work together in real-time, which enhances productivity in team environments, while Notepad++ remains a solid choice for individual users focused on lightweight editing.



---
## Frequently Asked Questions

### 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.



| | Notepad++ | Visual Studio Code | 
|---|---|---|
| **Star Rating** | 4.6 out of 5 | 4.7 out of 5 | 
| **Total Reviews** | 2,471 | 2,732 | 
| **Largest Market Segment** | Enterprise (37.9% of reviews) | Small-Business (44.7% of reviews) | 
| **Entry Level Price** | No pricing available | No pricing available | 

---
## Top Pros & Cons

### Notepad++

Pros:
- Ease of Use (48 reviews)
- Lightweight (33 reviews)

Cons:
- Outdated Interface (36 reviews)
- Limited Compatibility (21 reviews)

### Visual Studio Code

Pros:
- Ease of Use (112 reviews)
- Extensions (88 reviews)

Cons:
- Extension Issues (62 reviews)
- Slow Performance (37 reviews)

---
## Ratings Comparison
| Rating | Notepad++ | Visual Studio Code | 
|---|---|---|
  | **Meets Requirements** | 9.2 (2103 reviews) | 9.3 (2218 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Use** | 9.3 (2116 reviews) | 9.2 (2240 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Setup** | 9.5 (439 reviews) | 9.3 (640 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Admin** | 9.2 (287 reviews) | 9.0 (232 reviews) | 
  | **Quality of Support** | 8.5 (1547 reviews) | 8.7 (1832 reviews) | 
  | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 8.9 (243 reviews) | 9.2 (203 reviews) | 
  | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 8.8 (2034 reviews) | 9.6 (2143 reviews) | 

---
## Pricing

### Notepad++

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

No information available

### Visual Studio Code

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

No information available

---
## Features Comparison By Category

### Text Editor

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Notepad++** | 8.5/10 | 1418 |
| **Visual Studio Code** | 9.1/10 | 1871 |

#### Coding

| Feature | Notepad++ | Visual Studio Code | 
|---|---|---|
| **Syntax highlighting** | 9.1 (1239 reviews) | 9.5 (1649 reviews) | 
| **Autocompletion** | 8.3 (1187 reviews) | 9.0 (1653 reviews) | 
| **Find and replace** | 9.3 (1274 reviews) | 9.3 (1613 reviews) | 
| **Code folding** | 8.8 (1138 reviews) | 9.1 (1536 reviews) | 

#### Editing

| Feature | Notepad++ | Visual Studio Code | 
|---|---|---|
| **Collaborative editing** | 8.0 (951 reviews) | 8.6 (1261 reviews) | 
| **Language Support** | 8.9 (1182 reviews) | 9.3 (1590 reviews) | 
| **Selection Methods** | 8.7 (1157 reviews) | 9.0 (1477 reviews) | 

#### Functionality

| Feature | Notepad++ | Visual Studio Code | 
|---|---|---|
| **Extensibility** | 8.7 (1139 reviews) | 9.3 (1609 reviews) | 
| **Cross-platform support** | 8.2 (1060 reviews) | 9.2 (1491 reviews) | 
| **Plugins and integrations** | 8.5 (1123 reviews) | 9.3 (1675 reviews) | 
| **Security** | 8.4 (919 reviews) | 8.9 (1242 reviews) | 

#### Agentic AI - Landing Page Builders

| Feature | Notepad++ | Visual Studio Code | 
|---|---|---|
| **Cross-system Integration** | 6.6 (33 reviews) | 9.1 (161 reviews) | 

---
## Categories
**Shared Categories (1):** [Text Editor Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/text-editor)




---
## Reviewer Demographics

### By Company Size

| Segment | Notepad++ | Visual Studio Code | 
|---|---|---|
| **Small-Business** | 29.6% | 44.7% | 
| **Mid-Market** | 32.5% | 29.8% | 
| **Enterprise** | 37.9% | 25.5% | 

### By Industry

#### Notepad++

- **Information Technology and Services:** 29.1%
- **Computer Software:** 22.9%
- **Telecommunications:** 2.8%
- **Internet:** 2.4%
- **Financial Services:** 2.2%
- **Higher Education:** 2.0%
- **Hospital & Health Care:** 1.8%
- **Marketing and Advertising:** 1.8%
- **Program Development:** 1.7%
- **Computer & Network Security:** 1.7%
- **Other:** 31.5%

#### Visual Studio Code

- **Computer Software:** 34.6%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 24.9%
- **Program Development:** 3.3%
- **Financial Services:** 2.6%
- **Computer & Network Security:** 2.3%
- **Internet:** 2.1%
- **Higher Education:** 1.9%
- **Education Management:** 1.8%
- **Marketing and Advertising:** 1.8%
- **Leisure, Travel & Tourism:** 1.5%
- **Other:** 23.2%

---
## Alternatives

### Alternatives to Notepad++

- [Sublime Text](https://www.g2.com/products/sublime-text/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1782 reviews)
- [UltraEdit](https://www.g2.com/products/ultraedit/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (1124 reviews)
- [Brackets](https://www.g2.com/products/brackets/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (262 reviews)
- [TextPad](https://www.g2.com/products/textpad/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (142 reviews)
- [GNU Emacs](https://www.g2.com/products/gnu-emacs/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (84 reviews)
- [gedit](https://www.g2.com/products/gedit/reviews) — 4.0/5 stars (76 reviews)
- [BBEdit](https://www.g2.com/products/bbedit/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (64 reviews)
- [EmEditor](https://www.g2.com/products/emeditor/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (27 reviews)
- [NoteTab](https://www.g2.com/products/notetab/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (25 reviews)
- [PSPad](https://www.g2.com/products/pspad/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (20 reviews)

### Alternatives to Visual Studio Code

- [Sublime Text](https://www.g2.com/products/sublime-text/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1782 reviews)
- [UltraEdit](https://www.g2.com/products/ultraedit/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (1124 reviews)
- [Brackets](https://www.g2.com/products/brackets/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (262 reviews)
- [TextPad](https://www.g2.com/products/textpad/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (142 reviews)
- [CodePen](https://www.g2.com/products/codepen/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (97 reviews)
- [GNU Emacs](https://www.g2.com/products/gnu-emacs/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (84 reviews)
- [BBEdit](https://www.g2.com/products/bbedit/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (64 reviews)
- [Bluefish](https://www.g2.com/products/bluefish/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (51 reviews)
- [Textmate](https://www.g2.com/products/textmate/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (27 reviews)
- [SlickEdit](https://www.g2.com/products/slickedit/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (19 reviews)

---
## Top Discussions

### Notepad++

- Title: [What is Notepad++ used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-notepad-used-for) — 4 comments
  > **Top comment:** "Notepad++ is a free text and source code editor for use with Microsoft Windows. It supports tabbed editing, which allows working with multiple open files in..."
- Title: [How do I use Notepad?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-do-i-use-notepad) — 3 comments
  > **Top comment:** "how to use it"
- Title: [How do I close multiple windows at the same time instead of just individually clicking the cross](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-do-i-close-multiple-windows-at-the-same-time-instead-of-just-individually-clicking-the-cross) — 3 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Right click on the tab and you can close all but this, all to right, all to left, or all unchanged. "
- Title: [What is a Notepad file?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-a-notepad-file) — 2 comments
  > **Top comment:** "Notepad++ is a text editor that is similar to Microsoft Notepad but provides additional features, such as source code editing tools. Unlike Notepad,..."
- Title: [What are the advantages of Notepad?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-are-the-advantages-of-notepad) — 2 comments
  > **Top comment:** "Lightweight and easy to use "

### Visual Studio Code

- Title: [Is Visual Studio code an IDE?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-visual-studio-code-an-ide) — 14 comments, 3 upvotes
  > **Top comment:** "Yes, it's an IDE"
- Title: [How do developers leverage the features of Visual Studio Code to enhance their programming efficiency?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-do-developers-leverage-the-features-of-visual-studio-code-to-enhance-their-programming-efficiency) — 9 comments, 5 upvotes
  > **Top comment:** "We can use extension for more enhancement, we can use dedicated function for particular code."
- Title: [What is Visual Studio Code used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-visual-studio-code-used-for) — 8 comments, 5 upvotes
  > **Top comment:** "Visual Studio Code, often referred to as VS Code, is a popular source-code editor developed by Microsoft. It's used for a variety of programming languages..."
- Title: [Why is Visual Studio code so popular?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/why-is-visual-studio-code-so-popular) — 7 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Well, mostly because of its simplicity and friendly user interface and smooth performance. Any beginner who might have downloaded vsCode can easily navigate..."
- Title: [What is the use of Visual Studio code?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-the-use-of-visual-studio-code) — 4 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Visual studio code is an IDE , you can call it as editor which you can use use to write code . You can write code in html , css , javascript , angular etc ...."

---
**Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/notepad-vs-visual-studio-code)