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ReviewsIs VSCodium actually free?
How free100/100
Value8/10
How these scores work
Free Score (0–100) follows a fixed rubric: cards up front, auto-billing, hard time cutoffs, withheld core features, and paying with your data or attention all deduct points. 90–100 truly free · 70–89 free forever · 45–69 squeezed · 15–44 trial mechanics · under 15 fake or gone. Value (0–10) is editorial: real-world worth of the free offering measured against its paid equivalent. Full rubric on the methodology page.
Yes. VSCodium is VS Code compiled from the same open-source repository with Microsoft's telemetry and branding removed. Same editor, no tracking, no account.
What it’s worth
The same as VS Code — which is to say free — with the telemetry difference being the entire point.
What you get free
- The VS Code editor, built from source without Microsoft's telemetry
- Every language and extension workflow developers expect
- Builds for Windows, macOS and Linux
- No account prompts and no branding
In practice: the same editor most developers already use, with the data collection compiled out.
Drawbacks
- A different extension marketplace with some gaps
- Some Microsoft extensions are licensed against use here
- Updates trail the official builds slightly
Also paywalled
- Nothing
Free facts
| Verdict | Truly Free |
| Card required | No |
| Auto-bills | — |
| Account | None needed |
| Limits | None |
| The real cost | Nothing. Community builds of Microsoft's own open-source code. |
The catch
One practical wrinkle: it uses a different extension marketplace, because Microsoft's is licensed for their own builds only. Most extensions are there; a few Microsoft-published ones aren't.
The smart play
- Pick this over VS Code if the default telemetry is the thing that bothers you
- Check your must-have extensions in the Open VSX registry before switching
- Settings and keybindings transfer straight across from VS Code
Common questions
Does VSCodium require a credit card?
No — VSCodium does not ask for a card to use the free version. Auto-billing: —.
What are the limits of VSCodium's free plan?
None. One practical wrinkle: it uses a different extension marketplace, because Microsoft's is licensed for their own builds only. Most extensions are there; a few Microsoft-published ones aren't.
How do I use VSCodium without paying?
Pick this over VS Code if the default telemetry is the thing that bothers you Check your must-have extensions in the Open VSX registry before switching Settings and keybindings transfer straight across from VS Code
What does VSCodium really cost?
Nothing. Community builds of Microsoft's own open-source code.
Why is VSCodium free?
Nothing. Community builds of Microsoft's own open-source code. The same as VS Code — which is to say free — with the telemetry difference being the entire point.
Is VSCodium still free?
As of our August 2026 check, yes. Yes. VSCodium is VS Code compiled from the same open-source repository with Microsoft's telemetry and branding removed. Same editor, no tracking, no account. Free tiers change without notice, which is why every page here carries the date it was checked.
More info — tap to expand
What the difference actually is
VS Code's source is open, but the build Microsoft ships adds telemetry, their marketplace and a proprietary licence. VSCodium is the same source compiled without those. If you are happy with VS Code, nothing here is an upgrade — it only matters if you would rather not send usage data to Microsoft.
Checked: August 2026 · Verdict: Truly Free — no card, no account wall, no meaningful catch. use it and go.
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