Nova alternatives: 5 apps ranked by verified data
Common reasons people leave Nova: macOS only, and smaller extension library than VS Code. We ranked 5 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Nova, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Visual Studio Code currently ranks first.
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Show all 5 alternativesThe best Nova alternative for…
The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.
Best Nova alternative for most people
Visual Studio CodeFree and cross-platform, with a far larger extension library.
Best Nova alternative for a free option
ZedA fast native editor that also runs on Linux and Windows, with AI built in.
Best Nova alternative for a free plan you can upgrade
BBEditAnother long-standing native Mac editor, strong on text processing and search.
Best Nova alternative for open source
CotEditorA free, open-source native Mac editor for lighter work.
Best Nova alternative for Windows
Visual Studio CodeFree and cross-platform, with a far larger extension library.
Best Nova alternative for Linux
Visual Studio CodeFree and cross-platform, with a far larger extension library.
Best Nova alternative for working in the browser
Visual Studio CodeFree and cross-platform, with a far larger extension library.
Nova alternatives: common questions
What is the best alternative to Nova?
Visual Studio Code ranks first right now. Free and cross-platform, with a far larger extension library. Zed and Sublime Text follow it in our ranking.
Is there a free alternative to Nova?
Yes. Visual Studio Code (free), Zed (open source), BBEdit (free plan + paid) and CotEditor (open source) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.
Is there an open-source alternative to Nova?
Yes: Visual Studio Code, Zed and CotEditor.
Which Nova alternatives work on Linux?
Visual Studio Code, Zed and Sublime Text run on Linux.
Why do people switch from Nova?
The complaints we hear most: macOS only; smaller extension library than VS Code; few built-in AI features.
How is this list ranked?
Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Nova, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.