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There's a free plan; paid tiers are quoted.
Visual Studio Code is listed at $0 per month and $0 per year, with downloads for Windows, macOS, and Linux. The pricing page describes it as a standalone source code editor with extensions for just about any programming language. It does not list a paid VS Code tier, usage meter, or overage rate. The monthly and annual prices for Visual Studio subscriptions apply to Visual Studio, not VS Code. Treat third-party tools and services as separate costs.
01Every plan, line by line
| Plan | Billed annually | Billed monthly | Built for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visual Studio Code | $0 | $0 | JavaScript and web developers |
02What the plan grid doesn't tell you
Third-party extensions
The editor is listed as free, but check the terms of any extension your team adopts; its vendor may price it separately.
Connected services
Cloud services or other tools used alongside the editor can bill separately. Review their pricing and usage limits independently.
Team setup time
Language support comes through extensions. Allow time to evaluate, configure, and maintain the extensions your codebase depends on.
Prompts and updates
Some Reddit users report sign-in requests, AI prompts, and frequent update notices. Check your team's settings and rollout requirements.
03Which plan should you buy?
| If you are… | Get | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Individual developer | Visual Studio Code | The listed editor is free to download and runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. |
| Startup in production | Visual Studio Code | Use the free editor, then budget separately for extensions and services with their own charges. |
| Team at scale | Visual Studio Code | The page lists no paid VS Code plan; validate extension licensing and team requirements before standardizing. |
04Is Visual Studio Code worth the money?
For the editor itself, the listed price is $0, so there is no paid VS Code tier to justify for a typical individual or team. Its free download and extensions for many languages make it a low-cost starting point, especially for JavaScript and web development. The free price does not settle the cost of third-party extensions, services, or infrastructure. Teams should verify license terms, extension compatibility, and security requirements before rollout. The published pages do not establish a self-hosted option or a paid support plan.
Visual Studio Code pricing FAQ
How much does Visual Studio Code cost per month?
The pricing page lists Visual Studio Code at $0 per month and $0 per year. It is a free download for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Visual Studio subscription prices are for Visual Studio, not VS Code.
Does Visual Studio Code have a free plan limit?
The pricing page lists VS Code as free but does not list a usage allowance, request limit, or paid upgrade threshold. Check the terms of any extensions or connected services your team uses, since their costs and limits may be separate.
Do Visual Studio subscription prices apply to VS Code?
No. The pricing page's billing note says monthly and annual prices on the page apply to Visual Studio subscriptions, not Visual Studio Code. VS Code is listed separately as a free download.
Can a team use Visual Studio Code without paying?
The editor is listed as free, including downloads for Windows, macOS, and Linux. A team should still confirm the license terms and check whether its chosen extensions, connected services, or development infrastructure have separate costs.