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14 Best VSCode Alternatives - Features, pros & cons, pricing | Remote Tools
Check out this list of 14 best VSCode alternatives. Compare the top features, pricing, pros & cons and user ratings to suit your needs.
What is VSCode? What are the best VSCode Alternatives?
VSCode is an ace tool in the Code Collaboration category. VSCode is loved by users for factors like - Free forever, Open Source, Feature-rich, Easy-to-use.
Visual Studio Code is a completely free integrated development environment made by Microsoft for Windows, Linux and macOS.
GitDuck is the best VSCode alternative. Also find 13 more alternatives to VSCode including CodeTogether, Dropbase, CodeKickBot.
Top 14 VSCode Alternatives ⬇︎
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An open-source collaboration tool for remote teams to do live coding
Top features
GitDuck is video chat tool built for developers with direct integration to the IDE so software developers can talk and pair program with ease. It has the features you would expect in a video call tool — video chat and screen sharing, but the UX and the integrations were built exclusively for developers, allowing them to also share their terminal, local server, edit each other's files, etc.
Pricing
- Free account
When to use GitDuck
- Pair programming.
- Code reviews.
- Debugging.
- Technical discussions.
Relevance to remote workers
GitDuck was built for developers and to help them better collaborate when working remotely.
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Simple, free pair programming from anywhere.
Top features
CodeTogether is the best tool for pair or mob programming: Use the tools you already love and make real-time edits to code shared by the host’s IDE using a browser-based editor.
Easy to Use:
Just share a link and with a click of the mouse, teammates see your project in a browser.
Participants Code Too:
Code from the browser with content assist, navigation, references & search.
Pricing
- 100% Free for 1-to-1 pair programming. Multiple premium plans for large groups and enterprises
- Complete Pricing
Reviews & Testimonials
When to use CodeTogether
Perfect for mob or pair programming as a regular practice or just for checking with someone else for a quick consultation or a code review.
Relevance to remote workers
CodeTogether is a simple and free service that makes remote pair programming easy and secure on all platforms and with a variety of development tools.
Upload CSV Files. Get database credentials in seconds
Top features
Dropbase lets you upload CSV files to a live database within seconds and gives you database credentials to query it.
Dropbase is useful if you're building a web application and need a quick way to add some of your own data for testing on a deployed database. It's also useful if you have a CSV file that you want to query through SQL instead of spreadsheet filters
Pricing
- Free version available
When to use Dropbase
Dropbase is super helpful if you need a quick way to add a test dataset on a live database without having to manually set it up - for example, if you are running a demo with a potential customer and want to easily add a more relevant dataset or if you are building a simple web app or prototype that requires some seed data
Relevance to remote workers
Dropbase brings data from CSV files to a live database to easily share with your remote team. There is no need to resend or email data exports individually. Once data is uploaded to Dropbase, you can copy and paste the database credentials and share it. The data can be queried and analyzed by multiple people at the same time
GitHub pull request reminders and notifications for Slack.
Top features
Receive real-time notifications for review requests, reviews, comments on pull requests.
Run the "/codekick pr" Slack command to get a list of open pull requests whenever you want to catch up on code reviews.
CodeKickBot helps to,
✅ Improve your team's productivity.
✅ Reduce pull request review turnaround time.
✅ Increase engineering velocity.
Pricing
- Free Trial
When to use CodeKickBot
CodeKickBot integrates GitHub pull request notifications and reminders into Slack so that you receive actionable insights right into your workspace.
Developers can use this tool to increase their productivity and reduce the code review turnaround time.
Relevance to remote workers
Remotely operating developers can use CodeKickBot to get a list of open pull requests into their Slack channel for code reviews.
An online community for writing, testing and sharing code snippets.
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Top features
As the name suggests, JSFiddle is primarily targeted at writing, testing and sharing Javascript code snippets. Amazing UI with a very responsive editor makes it a must-try for any serious Javascript developer.
Pricing
- Free
When to use JSFiddle
Best used when you need to write. compile, test and share JS code snippets.
Relevance to remote workers
None
Pros
- Supports lots of JS libraries & frameworks (30+)
- Allows creation of private fiddles/ code snippets
- 'Collaborate' feature allows easy collaboration with other team members
- Provides support to create dummy AJAX requests
Cons
- No live output
- HTML preprocessor not available
A social development environment for designers and developers.
Top features
CodePen hosts an amazing collection of frontend code snippets called 'Pens', thanks to its huge user base. CodePen offers a great UI, an online editor and preview making it a must-have for any serious frontend developer.
Pricing
- Free public pens
- Complete Pricing
When to use CodePen
Use it primarily when you want to share styling modules/ snippets with others and to find inspiration online.
Relevance to remote workers
None
Pros
- Real-time output
- Supports lots of frameworks & preprocessors
- Great community pens/ code snippets
- Easy export
Cons
- No private pens with a free account
Windows text and source code editor.
Top features
Notepad++ is a text and source code editor for use with Microsoft Windows.
Some features to enhance editing are:
- Autosave.
- Finding and replacing strings of text with regular expressions.
- Guided indentation.
- Line bookmarking.
- Simultaneous editing.
- Split screen editing and synchronized scrolling.
- Supports about 80 programming languages.
Pricing
- Free.
When to use Notepad++
Notepad++ is great for developers looking for a simple and free source code editing platform.
Relevance to remote workers
Good for remote developers looking for a simple solution for editing code.
Open source software for interactive computing.
Top features
Jupyter is an open source tool offering unique features like:
- Run Commands
- Check Active Variables
- API Lookups
- Change the Default Output Mode
It is an open source project and can be used by all for free.
Pricing
- Free to use.
When to use Jupyter Notebook
Jupyter Notebook is great for developers looking for a free tool which offers features to a premium tool.
Relevance to remote workers
Ideal IDE for developers looking for a simple solution with many functionalities.
Open source code editor.
Top features
Atom has all the features you need in a code editor platform:
- Cross-platform editing
- Built-in package manager
- Smart autocompletion
- File system browser
- Use multiple panes
- Find and replace
Pricing
- Free.
When to use Atom
Atom is suitable for all coders who are looking for an easy to use solution for writing and editing code.
Relevance to remote workers
Atom provides a great environment for all to write and run functions on code with ease.
Scientific Python development environment.
Top features
Spyder is an open source code editor made for Python devs having some cool features like:
- syntax highlighting, introspection, code completion
- support for multiple IPython consoles
- ability to explore and edit variables from a GUI
- static code analysis
and many more.
Pricing
- Free to use.
When to use Spyder
Spyder is great for Python coders looking for a free code editor that is specialized for Python.
Relevance to remote workers
Remote Python developers can make use of Spyder as a complete coding solution, free of cost.
Python IDE for professional developers.
Top features
- PyCharm provides smart code completion, code inspections, on-the-fly error highlighting and quick-fixes, along with automated code refactorings and rich navigation capabilities.
- You can use it across Windows, macOS and Linux.
- Pycharm can also be integrated with a number of other tools making your coding experience more complete.
Pricing
- Free version available. Pycharm for an individual costs US $89.00 for the first year. The rate decreases in subsequent years.
- Complete Pricing
When to use Pycharm
Great for Python developers, Pycharm enhances your coding experience.
Relevance to remote workers
With a number of integrations and plans for teams, Pycharm serves as an ultimate Python IDE.
Enables teams to engage in collaborative programming remotely.
Top features
With Live Share, Visual Studio enables teams to engage in collaborative or pair programming remotely. The interface is intuitive and fast. A must-have for all VS loyals.
Pricing
- Free add-on to Visual Studio
When to use Live Share for VS
Remotely collaborating on the same file or codebase.
Relevance to remote workers
None
Pros
- Intuitive and fast
Cons
- Command palette is limited compared to Visual Studio
Share workspace with team members and collaborate on code.
Top features
Teletype for Atom wires in keystrokes of remote collaborators directly into the code editor. Provides conflict-free, low-latency collaboration. One of the most loved features and a must-have if you use Atom.
Pricing
- Free add-on to Atom
When to use TeleType for Atom
Remotely collaborating on the same file or codebase
Relevance to remote workers
None
Pros
- Real-time synchronization using webRTC (web real-time communication).
- Provides Github integration
Cons
- None
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Extend Git with real‑time collaborative superpowers
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Top features
📣 Future of social coding
Connect ◾️ See who's online & their current issue
Automated ◾️ Share your own issue based on your branch
📣 Resolve conflicts before they happen
Live ◾️ See others' local changes live in the gutter
Patch ◾️ View diffs & cherry‑pick changes
📣 Code together in real‑time
Codeshare ◾️ Place calls & see each other's cursors
Agnostic ◾️ Edit together in VS Code & JetBrains
Pricing
- Free for teams of 10 or less
- Complete Pricing
When to use GitLive
GitLive is for moden, distributed, software development teams that use Git. ℹ️ Interoperable between VS Code and all JetBrains IDEs. ℹ️ Supported services: GitHub, GitLab, GitLab Self Hosted, Bitbucket & Azure DevOps
Relevance to remote workers
GitLive is built specifically to address the needs of distributed dev teams
An open-source collaboration tool for remote teams to do live coding
About & Top features
GitDuck is video chat tool built for developers with direct integration to the IDE so software developers can talk and pair program with ease. It has the features you would expect in a video call tool — video chat and screen sharing, but the UX and the integrations were built exclusively for developers, allowing them to also share their terminal, local server, edit each other's files, etc.
Pricing
- Free account
When to use GitDuck
- Pair programming.
- Code reviews.
- Debugging.
- Technical discussions.
Relevance to remote workers
GitDuck was built for developers and to help them better collaborate when working remotely.
Simple, free pair programming from anywhere.
About & Top features
CodeTogether is the best tool for pair or mob programming: Use the tools you already love and make real-time edits to code shared by the host’s IDE using a browser-based editor.
Easy to Use:
Just share a link and with a click of the mouse, teammates see your project in a browser.
Participants Code Too:
Code from the browser with content assist, navigation, references & search.
Pricing
- 100% Free for 1-to-1 pair programming. Multiple premium plans for large groups and enterprises
- Complete Pricing
Reviews & Testimonials
When to use CodeTogether
Perfect for mob or pair programming as a regular practice or just for checking with someone else for a quick consultation or a code review.
Relevance to remote workers
CodeTogether is a simple and free service that makes remote pair programming easy and secure on all platforms and with a variety of development tools.
Upload CSV Files. Get database credentials in seconds
About & Top features
Dropbase lets you upload CSV files to a live database within seconds and gives you database credentials to query it.
Dropbase is useful if you're building a web application and need a quick way to add some of your own data for testing on a deployed database. It's also useful if you have a CSV file that you want to query through SQL instead of spreadsheet filters
Pricing
- Free version available
When to use Dropbase
Dropbase is super helpful if you need a quick way to add a test dataset on a live database without having to manually set it up - for example, if you are running a demo with a potential customer and want to easily add a more relevant dataset or if you are building a simple web app or prototype that requires some seed data
Relevance to remote workers
Dropbase brings data from CSV files to a live database to easily share with your remote team. There is no need to resend or email data exports individually. Once data is uploaded to Dropbase, you can copy and paste the database credentials and share it. The data can be queried and analyzed by multiple people at the same time
GitHub pull request reminders and notifications for Slack.
About & Top features
Receive real-time notifications for review requests, reviews, comments on pull requests.
Run the "/codekick pr" Slack command to get a list of open pull requests whenever you want to catch up on code reviews.
CodeKickBot helps to,
✅ Improve your team's productivity.
✅ Reduce pull request review turnaround time.
✅ Increase engineering velocity.
Pricing
- Free Trial
When to use CodeKickBot
CodeKickBot integrates GitHub pull request notifications and reminders into Slack so that you receive actionable insights right into your workspace.
Developers can use this tool to increase their productivity and reduce the code review turnaround time.
Relevance to remote workers
Remotely operating developers can use CodeKickBot to get a list of open pull requests into their Slack channel for code reviews.
An online community for writing, testing and sharing code snippets.
About & Top features
As the name suggests, JSFiddle is primarily targeted at writing, testing and sharing Javascript code snippets. Amazing UI with a very responsive editor makes it a must-try for any serious Javascript developer.
Pricing
- Free
When to use JSFiddle
Best used when you need to write. compile, test and share JS code snippets.
Relevance to remote workers
None
Pros
- Supports lots of JS libraries & frameworks (30+)
- Allows creation of private fiddles/ code snippets
- 'Collaborate' feature allows easy collaboration with other team members
- Provides support to create dummy AJAX requests
Cons
- No live output
- HTML preprocessor not available
A social development environment for designers and developers.
About & Top features
CodePen hosts an amazing collection of frontend code snippets called 'Pens', thanks to its huge user base. CodePen offers a great UI, an online editor and preview making it a must-have for any serious frontend developer.
Pricing
- Free public pens
- Complete Pricing
When to use CodePen
Use it primarily when you want to share styling modules/ snippets with others and to find inspiration online.
Relevance to remote workers
None
Pros
- Real-time output
- Supports lots of frameworks & preprocessors
- Great community pens/ code snippets
- Easy export
Cons
- No private pens with a free account
Windows text and source code editor.
About & Top features
Notepad++ is a text and source code editor for use with Microsoft Windows.
Some features to enhance editing are:
- Autosave.
- Finding and replacing strings of text with regular expressions.
- Guided indentation.
- Line bookmarking.
- Simultaneous editing.
- Split screen editing and synchronized scrolling.
- Supports about 80 programming languages.
Pricing
- Free.
When to use Notepad++
Notepad++ is great for developers looking for a simple and free source code editing platform.
Relevance to remote workers
Good for remote developers looking for a simple solution for editing code.
Open source software for interactive computing.
About & Top features
Jupyter is an open source tool offering unique features like:
- Run Commands
- Check Active Variables
- API Lookups
- Change the Default Output Mode
It is an open source project and can be used by all for free.
Pricing
- Free to use.
When to use Jupyter Notebook
Jupyter Notebook is great for developers looking for a free tool which offers features to a premium tool.
Relevance to remote workers
Ideal IDE for developers looking for a simple solution with many functionalities.
Open source code editor.
About & Top features
Atom has all the features you need in a code editor platform:
- Cross-platform editing
- Built-in package manager
- Smart autocompletion
- File system browser
- Use multiple panes
- Find and replace
Pricing
- Free.
When to use Atom
Atom is suitable for all coders who are looking for an easy to use solution for writing and editing code.
Relevance to remote workers
Atom provides a great environment for all to write and run functions on code with ease.
Scientific Python development environment.
About & Top features
Spyder is an open source code editor made for Python devs having some cool features like:
- syntax highlighting, introspection, code completion
- support for multiple IPython consoles
- ability to explore and edit variables from a GUI
- static code analysis
and many more.
Pricing
- Free to use.
When to use Spyder
Spyder is great for Python coders looking for a free code editor that is specialized for Python.
Relevance to remote workers
Remote Python developers can make use of Spyder as a complete coding solution, free of cost.
Python IDE for professional developers.
About & Top features
- PyCharm provides smart code completion, code inspections, on-the-fly error highlighting and quick-fixes, along with automated code refactorings and rich navigation capabilities.
- You can use it across Windows, macOS and Linux.
- Pycharm can also be integrated with a number of other tools making your coding experience more complete.
Pricing
- Free version available. Pycharm for an individual costs US $89.00 for the first year. The rate decreases in subsequent years.
- Complete Pricing
When to use Pycharm
Great for Python developers, Pycharm enhances your coding experience.
Relevance to remote workers
With a number of integrations and plans for teams, Pycharm serves as an ultimate Python IDE.
Enables teams to engage in collaborative programming remotely.
About & Top features
With Live Share, Visual Studio enables teams to engage in collaborative or pair programming remotely. The interface is intuitive and fast. A must-have for all VS loyals.
Pricing
- Free add-on to Visual Studio
When to use Live Share for VS
Remotely collaborating on the same file or codebase.
Relevance to remote workers
None
Pros
- Intuitive and fast
Cons
- Command palette is limited compared to Visual Studio
Share workspace with team members and collaborate on code.
About & Top features
Teletype for Atom wires in keystrokes of remote collaborators directly into the code editor. Provides conflict-free, low-latency collaboration. One of the most loved features and a must-have if you use Atom.
Pricing
- Free add-on to Atom
When to use TeleType for Atom
Remotely collaborating on the same file or codebase
Relevance to remote workers
None
Pros
- Real-time synchronization using webRTC (web real-time communication).
- Provides Github integration
Cons
- None
Extend Git with real‑time collaborative superpowers
About & Top features
📣 Future of social coding
Connect ◾️ See who's online & their current issue
Automated ◾️ Share your own issue based on your branch
📣 Resolve conflicts before they happen
Live ◾️ See others' local changes live in the gutter
Patch ◾️ View diffs & cherry‑pick changes
📣 Code together in real‑time
Codeshare ◾️ Place calls & see each other's cursors
Agnostic ◾️ Edit together in VS Code & JetBrains
Pricing
- Free for teams of 10 or less
- Complete Pricing
When to use GitLive
GitLive is for moden, distributed, software development teams that use Git. ℹ️ Interoperable between VS Code and all JetBrains IDEs. ℹ️ Supported services: GitHub, GitLab, GitLab Self Hosted, Bitbucket & Azure DevOps
Relevance to remote workers
GitLive is built specifically to address the needs of distributed dev teams