Side by side
Visual Studio Code vs WebStorm
Both stand on front end tools. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan LinuxMacWeb+1
VS Code offers a broad editor toolkit and optional agent workflows across desktop and web. Consider the web environment’s limits and extension permissions when deciding how to use it.
Visit Visual Studio Code
Free plan LinuxMacWindows
Choose WebStorm for JavaScript or TypeScript work that benefits from integrated code assistance, debugging, tests, and database tools. Commercial users need a paid subscription, while the free license is restricted to qualifying non-commercial development.
Visit WebStormThe facts
| Visual Studio Code | WebStorm | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Web, Windows | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | code.visualstudio.com | jetbrains.com |
| On front end tools | #7 of 28 | #11 of 28 |
Visual Studio Code: what it does well
- Free for private or commercial use.
- Marketplace lists more than 80,000 extensions.
- Built-in Git, terminal, debugging and build tasks.
- Settings Sync shares user settings across instances.
- Workspace Trust can prevent automatic code execution.
What to know first
- Starting AI agent work requires a GitHub account.
- The web editor has a limited execution environment.
- Extensions can access files and run processes.
- Microsoft may not provide support services.
WebStorm: what it does well
- Context- and type-aware completion, inspections, and refactoring
- Runs and debugs client-side and Node.js applications
- Supports Jest, Mocha, Protractor, and Vitest
- Database tools and full SQL support included at no extra cost
- Remote development uses TLS 1.3 end-to-end encryption
What to know first
- Commercial use requires a paid subscription
- Free non-commercial license excludes development with commercial benefits
- Non-commercial license support is through public forums and the bug tracker
Alternatives to Visual Studio Code Alternatives to WebStorm The whole list