Sublime Text vs Visual Studio Code: Best Code Editor Comparison (2025)

When it comes to choosing a text editor for coding, developers often find themselves deciding between Sublime Text and Visual Studio Code (VS Code). Both are powerful, lightweight, and packed with features, but they cater to different user needs. In this blog, we’ll compare these two popular editors in terms of performance, features, extensibility, ease of use, and pricing.

1. Performance and Speed

Sublime Text:

Sublime Text is known for its blazing-fast speed. It is built with C++ and Python, making it extremely lightweight and responsive, even when working with large files.

VS Code:

VS Code is built using Electron, which makes it slightly heavier compared to Sublime Text. However, for most users with modern hardware, the difference is negligible.

Winner: Sublime Text (for speed and resource efficiency)

2. Features

Sublime Text:

• Powerful multi-selection and command palette
• Goto Anything for quick file navigation
• Minimal but effective UI
• Built-in syntax highlighting and support for many languages
• Customizable key bindings

VS Code:

• IntelliSense for smart autocompletion and suggestions
• Integrated Git support
• Built-in terminal for running commands
• Debugging tools for JavaScript, Python, and more
• Live Share for real-time collaboration

Winner: VS Code (for built-in features and better coding assistance)

3. Extensibility and Plugins

Sublime Text: Uses Package Control, but has fewer plugins than VS Code.

VS Code: Boasts a massive marketplace of extensions.

Winner: VS Code (for the extensive extension library)

4. Ease of Use and UI

Sublime Text: Minimalist but requires JSON-based settings for customization.

VS Code: User-friendly interface with built-in customization settings.

Winner: VS Code (for ease of use and beginner-friendliness)

5. Pricing

Sublime Text: Paid software ($99 per license) but offers an unlimited free trial.

VS Code: Completely free and open-source.

Winner: VS Code (for being free and open-source)

Final Verdict

Which One Should You Choose?

• If you need speed, simplicity, and a lightweight editor, go for Sublime Text.
• If you prefer feature-rich development, built-in tools, and free software, VS Code is the better choice.

Both editors are excellent in their own way. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your workflow and personal preference!