Visual Studio alternatives: 4 apps ranked by verified data
Common reasons people leave Visual Studio: windows only, and large install and heavy resource use. We ranked 4 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Visual Studio, 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 4 alternativesThe best Visual Studio alternative for…
The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.
Best Visual Studio alternative for most people
Visual Studio CodeFree and much lighter, with C# Dev Kit and C++ extensions on any OS.
Best Visual Studio alternative for a free option
Visual Studio CodeFree and much lighter, with C# Dev Kit and C++ extensions on any OS.
Best Visual Studio alternative for a free plan you can upgrade
JetBrains RiderCross-platform .NET IDE with strong refactoring, free for non-commercial use.
Best Visual Studio alternative for open source
Visual Studio CodeFree and much lighter, with C# Dev Kit and C++ extensions on any OS.
Best Visual Studio alternative for Mac
CursorAI-first editor for developers who want agents doing more of the coding.
Best Visual Studio alternative for Windows
CLionJetBrains' C and C++ IDE that works the same on Windows, macOS and Linux.
Best Visual Studio alternative for Linux
Visual Studio CodeFree and much lighter, with C# Dev Kit and C++ extensions on any OS.
Best Visual Studio alternative for working in the browser
Visual Studio CodeFree and much lighter, with C# Dev Kit and C++ extensions on any OS.
Visual Studio alternatives: common questions
What is the best alternative to Visual Studio?
Visual Studio Code ranks first right now. Free and much lighter, with C# Dev Kit and C++ extensions on any OS. JetBrains Rider and Cursor follow it in our ranking.
Is there a free alternative to Visual Studio?
Yes. Visual Studio Code (free), JetBrains Rider (free plan + paid), Cursor (free plan + paid) and CLion (free plan + paid) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.
Is there an open-source alternative to Visual Studio?
Yes: Visual Studio Code.
Which Visual Studio alternatives work on Linux?
Visual Studio Code, JetBrains Rider, Cursor and CLion run on Linux.
Why do people switch from Visual Studio?
The complaints we hear most: windows only; large install and heavy resource use; bigger companies must pay for Professional or Enterprise.
How is this list ranked?
Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Visual Studio, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.