kitio.aiVisual Studio Code vs SmartScripter
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Visual Studio Code is completely free, while SmartScripter 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
- Excel VBA scripts
- Google Apps Script
- Bash and PowerShell
- Python and SQL
- Plain-language prompts
| Feature | Visual Studio Code | SmartScripter |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Free open-source editor with built-in AI agents for coding | Describe a task and get an Excel VBA or Python script back |
| Category | Coding | Coding |
| Pricing model | Free | Freemium |
| Starting price | Free | See pricing page |
| Free plan | Yes, fully free | Yes |
| Made by | Microsoft | SmartScripter |
| 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 SmartScripter is freemium.
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
SmartScripter
- Covers spreadsheet and shell languages
- No programming knowledge needed
- Shows the generated code right away
- Pricing is not visible on the homepage
- Scripts need testing before use
- Not a full coding assistant
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 SmartScripter if you want:
- Covers spreadsheet and shell languages
- No programming knowledge needed
- Shows the generated code right away
Watch out: pricing is not visible on the homepage.
Visual Studio Code vs SmartScripter FAQ
What is the difference between Visual Studio Code and SmartScripter?
Visual Studio Code: Free open-source editor with built-in AI agents for coding. SmartScripter: Describe a task and get an Excel VBA or Python script back. Both are coding tools.
Is Visual Studio Code or SmartScripter cheaper?
Visual Studio Code is completely free, while SmartScripter is freemium.
Do Visual Studio Code and SmartScripter have free plans?
Visual Studio Code: Yes, fully free. SmartScripter: Yes.
Who makes Visual Studio Code?
Visual Studio Code is made by Microsoft, based in United States.
Who makes SmartScripter?
SmartScripter is made by SmartScripter.
Which should I choose, Visual Studio Code or SmartScripter?
Choose Visual Studio Code if you value free and open source and huge extension ecosystem. Choose SmartScripter if you value covers spreadsheet and shell languages and no programming knowledge needed.