kitio.aiVisual Studio Code vs Stakpak
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Visual Studio Code is completely free, while Stakpak 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
- Autonomous app monitoring
- Auto-healing and fixes
- Cloud cost scans
- Network sandbox
- Secret substitution
- LLM gateway
| Feature | Visual Studio Code | Stakpak |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Free open-source editor with built-in AI agents for coding | Open-source agent that monitors and fixes your apps in production |
| Category | Coding | Coding |
| Pricing model | Free | Freemium |
| Starting price | Free | $15/mo |
| Free plan | Yes, fully free | Yes |
| Made by | Microsoft | Stakpak |
| 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 Stakpak is freemium.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
5 plans
Open Source
Free
- Self-hosted agent
- Bring your own model
Hacker
$15/mo
- 3 apps on autopilot
- $10 gateway credits a month
- Private skills and audit logs
Builder
$45/mo
- 10 apps on autopilot
- $35 gateway credits a month
- $5 per extra app
Team
$450/mo
- 50 apps, unlimited users
- $350 shared credits a month
- SSO and Slack integration
Enterprise
Custom
- Unlimited apps
- Dedicated support and 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
Stakpak
- Open source under Apache 2.0
- Keeps secrets away from model providers
- Runs on your own machines
- Hosted plans charge fees on credit top-ups
- Future plans may change after the Vercel deal
- Needs care when granting production access
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 Stakpak if you want:
- Open source under Apache 2.0
- Keeps secrets away from model providers
- Runs on your own machines
Watch out: hosted plans charge fees on credit top-ups.
Visual Studio Code vs Stakpak FAQ
What is the difference between Visual Studio Code and Stakpak?
Visual Studio Code: Free open-source editor with built-in AI agents for coding. Stakpak: Open-source agent that monitors and fixes your apps in production. Both are coding tools.
Is Visual Studio Code or Stakpak cheaper?
Visual Studio Code is completely free, while Stakpak is freemium.
Do Visual Studio Code and Stakpak have free plans?
Visual Studio Code: Yes, fully free. Stakpak: Yes.
Who makes Visual Studio Code?
Visual Studio Code is made by Microsoft, based in United States.
Who makes Stakpak?
Stakpak is made by Stakpak.
Which should I choose, Visual Studio Code or Stakpak?
Choose Visual Studio Code if you value free and open source and huge extension ecosystem. Choose Stakpak if you value open source under apache 2.0 and keeps secrets away from model providers.