Introducing G2.ai, the future of software buying.Try now

Compare Visual Studio and Xcode

Save
    Log in to your account
    to save comparisons,
    products and more.
At a Glance
Visual Studio
Visual Studio
Star Rating
(3,856)4.5 out of 5
Market Segments
Small-Business (35.8% of reviews)
Information
Pros & Cons
Entry-Level Pricing
No pricing available
Learn more about Visual Studio
Xcode
Xcode
Star Rating
(1,012)4.2 out of 5
Market Segments
Small-Business (54.8% of reviews)
Information
Pros & Cons
Entry-Level Pricing
No pricing available
Learn more about Xcode
AI Generated Summary
AI-generated. Powered by real user reviews.
  • G2 reviewers report that Visual Studio excels in its debugging capabilities, with users praising its real-time code suggestions and error detection features. This makes it a preferred choice for backend development and API projects, where a powerful debugging experience is crucial.
  • Users say that Xcode shines in its integration with the Apple ecosystem, providing a seamless environment for iOS and macOS development. Reviewers appreciate the all-in-one setup that includes essential tools like the Interface Builder and simulators, streamlining the development process.
  • According to verified reviews, Visual Studio offers a more intuitive user experience, with a higher ease of use rating. Users highlight its multiple themes and extensive extensions, which cater to various use cases, making it adaptable for different development needs.
  • Reviewers mention that while Xcode is a solid tool for Apple developers, it sometimes lacks the flexibility found in Visual Studio. Users have noted challenges in customization, which can limit the ability to tailor the environment to specific workflows.
  • G2 reviewers highlight that Visual Studio's extensive support and resources contribute to a better overall experience, with users noting the quality of help guides and proactive assistance. This support network is particularly beneficial for those new to the platform.
  • Users report that Xcode, while effective for Apple app development, can be less user-friendly, especially for those unfamiliar with its interface. Some reviewers have expressed a desire for improved ease of setup and a more straightforward onboarding process.
Pricing
Entry-Level Pricing
Visual Studio
No pricing available
Xcode
No pricing available
Free Trial
Visual Studio
No trial information available
Xcode
No trial information available
Ratings
Meets Requirements
9.1
3,109
8.8
828
Ease of Use
8.7
3,129
7.8
831
Ease of Setup
8.6
785
8.0
180
Ease of Admin
8.5
554
8.0
137
Quality of Support
8.4
2,698
7.7
733
Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
8.8
518
8.1
127
Product Direction (% positive)
8.9
3,018
7.9
805
Features by Category
.NET Integrated Development Environments (IDE)Hide 7 FeaturesShow 7 Features
8.8
917
Not enough data
Functionality
9.1
823
Not enough data
9.0
807
Not enough data
8.9
717
Not enough data
8.7
796
Not enough data
8.7
781
Not enough data
8.6
780
Not enough data
8.7
788
Not enough data
C/C++ Integrated Development Environments (IDE)Hide 7 FeaturesShow 7 Features
8.8
567
8.7
70
Functionality
9.1
509
9.0
65
8.9
505
8.8
63
8.9
465
8.7
57
8.8
496
8.5
63
8.8
495
8.8
63
8.7
496
8.6
61
8.7
493
8.6
61
Not enough data
8.6
108
Functionality
Not enough data
8.7
91
Not enough data
8.5
89
Not enough data
9.0
98
Management
Not enough data
8.3
87
Not enough data
8.6
85
Not enough data
8.8
85
Application Development PlatformsHide 7 FeaturesShow 7 Features
8.9
434
8.5
71
Functionality
9.2
405
8.7
66
9.1
394
8.7
63
9.0
373
8.2
61
8.9
394
8.3
65
8.7
382
8.8
67
8.7
385
8.4
65
8.9
390
8.8
65
Mobile Development PlatformsHide 3 FeaturesShow 3 Features
8.5
45
8.7
13
Agentic AI - Mobile Development Platforms
8.7
41
8.7
13
8.3
41
8.7
13
8.4
40
8.6
12
Categories
Categories
Unique Categories
Visual Studio
Visual Studio is categorized as .NET Integrated Development Environments (IDE)
Xcode
Xcode is categorized as Mobile App Debugging and Mobile App Testing
Reviews
Reviewers' Company Size
Visual Studio
Visual Studio
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
35.8%
Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
31.8%
Enterprise(> 1000 emp.)
32.4%
Xcode
Xcode
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
54.8%
Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
23.5%
Enterprise(> 1000 emp.)
21.7%
Reviewers' Industry
Visual Studio
Visual Studio
Computer Software
31.0%
Information Technology and Services
22.7%
Higher Education
2.9%
Financial Services
2.5%
Internet
2.3%
Other
38.7%
Xcode
Xcode
Computer Software
36.0%
Information Technology and Services
18.1%
Internet
5.7%
Higher Education
3.4%
Financial Services
2.2%
Other
34.6%
Alternatives
Visual Studio
Visual Studio Alternatives
Eclipse
Eclipse
Add Eclipse
NetBeans
NetBeans
Add NetBeans
Android Studio
Android Studio
Add Android Studio
Qt
Qt
Add Qt
Xcode
Xcode Alternatives
Eclipse
Eclipse
Add Eclipse
NetBeans
NetBeans
Add NetBeans
Android Studio
Android Studio
Add Android Studio
Qt
Qt
Add Qt
Discussions
Visual Studio
Visual Studio Discussions
What is Visual Studio used for?
10 Comments
Pratik  D.
PD
IDE for Applications DevelopmentRead more
What is the use of Visual Studio?
6 Comments
Khabul S.
KS
Visual Studio is user friendly IDE tool used for developing code with lots of plugins available.Read more
can i use visual studio with mysql database? is it the best compatibility
5 Comments
Jacqueline U.
JU
Yes, you can go ahead, MS Visual Studio is efficiently compatible with both MSSql and Mysql.Read more
Xcode
Xcode Discussions
Can we use Xcode for the hybrid apps in future?
2 Comments
Karan S.
KS
It's doubtful - Apple likes to keep their environment separate from others. iOS will continue to be its own identity and I doubt hybrid apps will be...Read more
Is Xcode good for Python?
2 Comments
Yuvraj B.
YB
no its only for swift there was objective -C also but prefer to go with swift.Read more
What is the use of Xcode in Mac?
2 Comments
vishal singh s.
VS
For application developmentRead more