kitio.aiVisual Studio Code vs E2B
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Visual Studio Code is completely free, while E2B is freemium.
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
- Isolated cloud sandboxes
- Python and JS SDKs
- Per-second billing
- Desktop sandboxes
- Self-hosting option
| Feature | Visual Studio Code | E2B |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Free open-source editor with built-in AI agents for coding | Secure cloud sandboxes for running AI-generated code |
| Category | Coding | Coding |
| Pricing model | Free | Freemium |
| Starting price | Free | $150/mo |
| Free plan | Yes, fully free | Yes |
| Made by | Microsoft | E2B |
| Based in | United States | United States |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Visual Studio Code is completely free, while E2B is freemium.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
3 plans
Hobby
Free
- $100 one-time usage credit
- Sessions up to 1 hour
- 20 concurrent sandboxes
Pro
$150/mo
- Plus usage billed per second
- Sessions up to 24 hours
- 100 concurrent sandboxes (up to 1,100)
Enterprise
From $3,000/mo
- Custom compute
- Contact sales
Prices in USD, checked Oct 28, 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
E2B
- Great SDK experience
- Strong isolation
- Free credits to start
- No GPU sandboxes
- Pro plan has a monthly fee
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 E2B if you want:
- Great SDK experience
- Strong isolation
- Free credits to start
Watch out: no gpu sandboxes.
Visual Studio Code vs E2B FAQ
What is the difference between Visual Studio Code and E2B?
Visual Studio Code: Free open-source editor with built-in AI agents for coding. E2B: Secure cloud sandboxes for running AI-generated code. Both are coding tools.
Is Visual Studio Code or E2B cheaper?
Visual Studio Code is completely free, while E2B is freemium.
Do Visual Studio Code and E2B have free plans?
Visual Studio Code: Yes, fully free. E2B: Yes.
Who makes Visual Studio Code?
Visual Studio Code is made by Microsoft, based in United States.
Who makes E2B?
E2B is made by E2B, based in United States.
Which should I choose, Visual Studio Code or E2B?
Choose Visual Studio Code if you value free and open source and huge extension ecosystem. Choose E2B if you value great sdk experience and strong isolation.