IntelliJ IDEA vs Visual Studio Code
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
The capable and ergonomic Java IDE.
The world's most popular code editor.
The verdict
Both IntelliJ IDEA and Visual Studio Code are credible code editors tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
IntelliJ IDEA — The capable and ergonomic Java IDE.
Visual Studio Code — The world's most popular code editor.
IntelliJ IDEA vs Visual Studio Code: side by side
| Dimension | IntelliJ IDEA | Visual Studio Code |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free – $16.90/mo | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Free |
| Best for | Developers, Java Teams | Developers, Everyone |
| Platforms | Windows, Mac, Linux | Mac, Windows, Linux |
| Rating | 4.7/5 | 4.7/5 |
IntelliJ IDEA key facts
- Vendor
- JetBrains
- Pricing
- Freemium — Free – $16.90/mo
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Windows, Mac, Linux
- Best for
- Developers, Java Teams
- Editor rating
- 4.7 / 5
- Founded
- 2001
- Headquarters
- Prague, Czechia
Visual Studio Code key facts
- Vendor
- Microsoft
- Pricing
- Free — Free
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Mac, Windows, Linux
- Best for
- Developers, Everyone
- Editor rating
- 4.7 / 5
- Founded
- 2015
- Headquarters
- Redmond, WA, USA
Frequently asked questions
Is IntelliJ IDEA better than Visual Studio Code?
Neither is universally better — IntelliJ IDEA edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is IntelliJ IDEA or Visual Studio Code cheaper?
IntelliJ IDEA is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free – $16.90/mo. IntelliJ IDEA starts at free – $16.90/mo; Visual Studio Code starts at free.
Can IntelliJ IDEA replace Visual Studio Code?
Yes for most teams — both are code editors tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.