kitio.aiVisual Studio Code vs Inspector
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Visual Studio Code is completely free, while Inspector 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
- Request and job monitoring
- MCP server for coding agents
- AI bug fix suggestions
- Slow query detection
- Framework integrations
- Unlimited hosts
| Feature | Visual Studio Code | Inspector |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Free open-source editor with built-in AI agents for coding | PHP production monitoring that feeds errors to your coding agent |
| Category | Coding | Coding |
| Pricing model | Free | Freemium |
| Starting price | Free | See pricing page |
| Free plan | Yes, fully free | Yes |
| Made by | Microsoft | Inspector |
| Based in | United States | Italy |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Visual Studio Code is completely free, while Inspector is freemium.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
6 plans
Free
Free
- 30K transactions per month
- 3 days retention
- Up to 3 users
Beginner
€15/mo
- 300K transactions
- 7 days retention
- Unlimited users
Developer
€39/mo
- 800K transactions
- 14 days retention
Team
€69/mo
- 1.5M transactions
- 14 days retention
Scale
€99/mo
- 3M transactions
- 21 days retention
Enterprise
€169/mo
- 6M transactions
- 21 days retention
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
Inspector
- Free plan covers 30K transactions
- AI fixes included on all plans
- Not billed per host
- PHP only
- Prices are in euros
- Short data retention on lower plans
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 Inspector if you want:
- Free plan covers 30K transactions
- AI fixes included on all plans
- Not billed per host
Watch out: php only.
Visual Studio Code vs Inspector FAQ
What is the difference between Visual Studio Code and Inspector?
Visual Studio Code: Free open-source editor with built-in AI agents for coding. Inspector: PHP production monitoring that feeds errors to your coding agent. Both are coding tools.
Is Visual Studio Code or Inspector cheaper?
Visual Studio Code is completely free, while Inspector is freemium.
Do Visual Studio Code and Inspector have free plans?
Visual Studio Code: Yes, fully free. Inspector: Yes.
Who makes Visual Studio Code?
Visual Studio Code is made by Microsoft, based in United States.
Who makes Inspector?
Inspector is made by Inspector, based in Italy.
Which should I choose, Visual Studio Code or Inspector?
Choose Visual Studio Code if you value free and open source and huge extension ecosystem. Choose Inspector if you value free plan covers 30k transactions and ai fixes included on all plans.