kitio.aiVisual Studio Code vs Novel
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Visual Studio Code starts at Free and Novel starts at Free. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
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
- Notion-style editing
- AI autocompletion
- Tiptap-based
- Vercel AI SDK
- Live demo
| Feature | Visual Studio Code | Novel |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Free open-source editor with built-in AI agents for coding | Open-source Notion-style editor with AI autocompletion |
| Category | Coding | Coding |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes, fully free | Yes, fully free |
| Made by | Microsoft | Steven Tey |
| Based in | United States | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Visual Studio Code starts at Free and Novel starts at Free. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
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
Novel
- Free and open source
- Familiar block-editor behavior
- Documentation and demo included
- Developer component, not a finished app
- Needs your own OpenAI key and setup
- Limited detail on features beyond the demo
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 Novel if you want:
- Free and open source
- Familiar block-editor behavior
- Documentation and demo included
Watch out: developer component, not a finished app.
Visual Studio Code vs Novel FAQ
What is the difference between Visual Studio Code and Novel?
Visual Studio Code: Free open-source editor with built-in AI agents for coding. Novel: Open-source Notion-style editor with AI autocompletion. Both are coding tools.
Is Visual Studio Code or Novel cheaper?
Visual Studio Code starts at Free and Novel starts at Free. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do Visual Studio Code and Novel have free plans?
Visual Studio Code: Yes, fully free. Novel: Yes, fully free.
Who makes Visual Studio Code?
Visual Studio Code is made by Microsoft, based in United States.
Who makes Novel?
Novel is made by Steven Tey.
Which should I choose, Visual Studio Code or Novel?
Choose Visual Studio Code if you value free and open source and huge extension ecosystem. Choose Novel if you value free and open source and familiar block-editor behavior.