Visual Studio Code vs Clipy
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Visual Studio Code is completely free, while Clipy is free trial.
At a glance
Best for
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- AI agents that plan and code
- Model selection
- MCP support
- Extension marketplace
- Integrated terminal and debugger
- Web version
- Agent-readable share links
- AI summaries and transcripts
- Click and key-frame capture
- MCP server and CLI
- Loom library import
| Feature | Visual Studio Code | Clipy |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Free open-source editor with built-in AI agents for coding | Screen recorder that gives coding agents a readable version of each video |
| Category | Coding | Coding |
| Pricing model | Free | Free trial |
| Starting price | Free | See pricing page |
| Free plan | Yes, fully free | No, 7-day trial |
| Made by | Microsoft | Clipy |
| Based in | United States | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Visual Studio Code is completely free, while Clipy is free trial.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
3 plans
Free
Free
- 7-day trial
- No card needed
- AI summaries and transcripts
Pro
$6/mo billed yearly
- Unlimited recordings
- 4K recording
- Loom migration
Teams
$6/seat/mo billed yearly
- Per user
- Only recorders need a seat
- Dedicated onboarding
Prices in USD, checked Oct 29, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
Visual Studio Code
- Free and open source
- Huge extension ecosystem
- Runs on all major desktop systems
- Heavier than lightweight editors
- AI features may need separate model access
- Extensions vary in quality
Clipy
- Built for Claude Code, Cursor and Codex
- Viewers need no account
- AI included on every plan
- Free access lasts only seven days
- Shown prices assume annual billing
- Agent context needs MCP or CLI setup
Which one should you choose?
Choose Visual Studio Code if you want:
- Free and open source
- Huge extension ecosystem
- Runs on all major desktop systems
Watch out: heavier than lightweight editors.
Choose Clipy if you want:
- Built for Claude Code, Cursor and Codex
- Viewers need no account
- AI included on every plan
Watch out: free access lasts only seven days.
Visual Studio Code vs Clipy FAQ
What is the difference between Visual Studio Code and Clipy?
Visual Studio Code: Free open-source editor with built-in AI agents for coding. Clipy: Screen recorder that gives coding agents a readable version of each video. Both are coding tools.
Is Visual Studio Code or Clipy cheaper?
Visual Studio Code is completely free, while Clipy is free trial.
Do Visual Studio Code and Clipy have free plans?
Visual Studio Code: Yes, fully free. Clipy: No, 7-day trial.
Who makes Visual Studio Code?
Visual Studio Code is made by Microsoft, based in United States.
Who makes Clipy?
Clipy is made by Clipy.
Which should I choose, Visual Studio Code or Clipy?
Choose Visual Studio Code if you value free and open source and huge extension ecosystem. Choose Clipy if you value built for claude code, cursor and codex and viewers need no account.