VS Code vs Windows Terminal
Quick verdict
VS Code and Windows Terminal are both excellent code & editor tools, and the right pick depends on what you need. VS Code is the free, extensible code editor that runs everywhere, while Windows Terminal is a modern, fast, GPU-accelerated terminal for Windows. For most people, VS Code is the safer default thanks to its wider adoption — but Windows Terminal can be the better fit for the right workflow.
VS Code vs Windows Terminal is one of those comparisons that comes up again and again. Both are strong code & editor tools, both have loyal fans, and both could be the right call depending on your situation.
We track hundreds of code & editor tools on DesignBookmark, so we've put them side by side below: what each one is, where they overlap, how they differ, and a clear answer to which you should choose.
No fluff and no fabricated benchmarks — just an honest, practical comparison to help you decide fast.
At a glance
| VS Code | Windows Terminal | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Code & Editors | Code & Editors |
| Pricing | Free | Freemium |
| On DesignBookmark | Featured pick | Listed |
| Categories | 3 | 2 |
Pricing is a general guide and changes often — always confirm current plans on each tool's site.
What they have in common
At a high level, VS Code and Windows Terminal are after the same thing. Both sit in our code & editors and windows apps category, both are aimed at designers, developers and creators, and both are built to make that job faster and more enjoyable.
So if you're only going to use one, you won't be missing out on the fundamentals either way — the question is which one's particular take on code & editor tool suits you best. That's what the rest of this comparison digs into.
VS Code
VS Code is the free, extensible code editor that runs everywhere. What stands out is how focused and dependable it feels: it does what it promises, release after release.
Compared with Windows Terminal, it's the one to reach for when you want something that just works out of the box. On the pricing side, VS Code is generally free — always click through to confirm current plans, since they change often.
Windows Terminal
Windows Terminal bills itself as a modern, fast, GPU-accelerated terminal for Windows — and in practice that's exactly what it delivers. Its biggest strength is the everyday experience — the small details are thought through, so it gets out of your way and lets you work.
Against VS Code, it tends to win people over when a clean, familiar workflow is the priority. On the pricing side, Windows Terminal is generally freemium — always click through to confirm current plans, since they change often.
How to choose between VS Code and Windows Terminal
Pick VS Code
Choose VS Code if you're watching your budget — its pricing model is the friendlier of the two to start with, and you want the more established, widely-adopted pick that most people reach for first.
Pick Windows Terminal
Choose Windows Terminal if you prefer a focused code & editor tool that does its core job exceptionally well.
Pricing & how you'll pay
Based on their general pricing models, VS Code is the friendlier option to get started with, while the other leans more premium. That said, pricing tiers shift constantly — check the current plans on each site before you commit, especially if a specific feature you need sits behind a paywall.
Workflow & learning curve
The best code & editor tool is the one that disappears into your routine. Think about which interface feels more natural to you, which integrates with the apps you already use, and which you'd actually open every day. A short free trial of each tells you more than any feature chart.
Scope — all-rounder or specialist
VS Code stretches across more of the workflow, which is handy if you want fewer tools to juggle. Windows Terminal is more focused, which often means it does its core job better. Decide whether you want breadth or depth.
Momentum & community
A tool is only as good as the team and community behind it. Both VS Code and Windows Terminal are actively maintained and listed on DesignBookmark for that reason — but it's worth a quick look at each one's changelog and community to see which is moving in a direction you like.
Frequently asked questions
Is VS Code better than Windows Terminal?+
Neither is universally "better" — they're both strong code & editor tools, which is why people compare them. VS Code suits you if you want the free, extensible code editor that runs everywhere; Windows Terminal suits you if you want a modern, fast, GPU-accelerated terminal for Windows. The best way to decide is to try both on a real project.
What's the difference between VS Code and Windows Terminal?+
They overlap a lot — both are code & editor tools aimed at the same audience. The practical difference is emphasis: VS Code is the free, extensible code editor that runs everywhere, whereas Windows Terminal is a modern, fast, GPU-accelerated terminal for Windows. That shapes which workflows each one feels best for.
Is VS Code or Windows Terminal cheaper?+
Going by their general pricing models, VS Code is usually the more affordable place to start (VS Code is free, Windows Terminal is freemium). Pricing changes often, so always confirm the latest plans on each site before deciding.
Can I use VS Code and Windows Terminal together?+
Often, yes. Plenty of people use more than one code & editor tool side by side — one as their main driver and another for the things it does best. There's no rule that says you must pick only one, though most settle on a primary tool over time.
Is there a free version of VS Code or Windows Terminal?+
Both generally offer a free or freemium way in, so you can try VS Code and Windows Terminal before paying for either.
The bottom line
The bottom line: VS Code is the easier one to recommend as a default, but there's no wrong answer between VS Code and Windows Terminal — they're both genuinely good code & editor tools. Re-read the "how to choose" points above, take whichever one speaks to you for a quick spin, and keep the one that earns a permanent place in your workflow.