kitio.aiVisual Studio Code vs Stately
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Visual Studio Code is completely free, while Stately 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
- Visual state machine editor
- XState code export
- Simulation mode
- AI flow generation
- Version history
- Figma embeds
| Feature | Visual Studio Code | Stately |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Free open-source editor with built-in AI agents for coding | Visual state machine editor with AI flow generation |
| Category | Coding | Coding |
| Pricing model | Free | Freemium |
| Starting price | Free | $39/mo |
| Free plan | Yes, fully free | Yes |
| Made by | Microsoft | Stately |
| 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 Stately is freemium.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
4 plans
Free
Free
- 2 projects, 3 machines
- Export to JavaScript and TypeScript
- Community support
Pro
$39/mo
- Unlimited public and private projects
- 1,000 AI generations per month
- Version history and live simulation
Team
$199/mo
- Up to 10 team members
- Shared team projects
- Everything in Pro
Enterprise
Contact us
- Unlimited generated flows
- SSO and custom server locations
- Dedicated priority support
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
Stately
- Exports to open-source XState
- Simulate before building
- Free plan available
- Free plan: 2 projects and 3 machines
- AI generations capped at 1,000 a month on Pro
- Team plan is $199 a month
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 Stately if you want:
- Exports to open-source XState
- Simulate before building
- Free plan available
Watch out: free plan: 2 projects and 3 machines.
Visual Studio Code vs Stately FAQ
What is the difference between Visual Studio Code and Stately?
Visual Studio Code: Free open-source editor with built-in AI agents for coding. Stately: Visual state machine editor with AI flow generation. Both are coding tools.
Is Visual Studio Code or Stately cheaper?
Visual Studio Code is completely free, while Stately is freemium.
Do Visual Studio Code and Stately have free plans?
Visual Studio Code: Yes, fully free. Stately: Yes.
Who makes Visual Studio Code?
Visual Studio Code is made by Microsoft, based in United States.
Who makes Stately?
Stately is made by Stately.
Which should I choose, Visual Studio Code or Stately?
Choose Visual Studio Code if you value free and open source and huge extension ecosystem. Choose Stately if you value exports to open-source xstate and simulate before building.