CodeRush

CodeRush is a Visual Studio extension that brings refactoring, code generation, testing and debugging into the IDE. It suits developers who spend their time in Visual Studio and want a wide set of coding tools without a commercial-use license fee. Its breadth and free plan are compelling; limits on support and source access matter if you need help or customization.

Overview

CodeRush combines code generation, navigation, formatting, debugging, testing and code coverage with project-level and batch refactoring. That range can keep routine editing and test work in one place, particularly for developers already committed to Visual Studio. Its focus is narrower than a standalone development environment or general testing platform.

The extension supports Visual Studio 2026 and 2022. You can install it through Visual Studio Marketplace or Manage Extensions, and Visual Studio can update it automatically from Marketplace. DevExpress, the maker, traces its history to 1998 and is headquartered in Glendale, California.

Key features

Refactoring and code style

More than 100 refactorings and intelligent code providers give CodeRush substantial scope for restructuring and cleanup. Refactoring is described for C#, Visual Basic and XAML; the broader supported-language list also includes Blazor, JavaScript, TypeScript, HTML and Razor. Code style can be configured for an individual, a solution or a team, and cleanup can run on save. That combination is useful for maintaining consistency across a project, though teams should ensure Visual Studio is the right home for their workflow.

Testing and AI

The test runner supports NUnit, MSTest (VS Testing), xUnit and MSpec without configuration, along with .NET Core, .NET Framework and multi-target projects. This makes it a practical fit for developers who want test runs near their editing work; code coverage adds another development check. AiGen supports GitHub Copilot as a model provider and uses a GitHub OAuth token for Copilot API access. AI features require an OpenAI API key, while voice input requires an Azure Cognitive Services Speech API key, so AI use brings setup and credential requirements rather than being ready without configuration.

Pricing

CodeRush is free for commercial use across all versions. The free plan has the same features and updates as paid subscriptions, which makes it unusually strong for individuals and teams that can work without direct technical support. Free users can search the support database, but technical support requires a paid subscription; free CodeRush source code is not included.

The pricing note gives a starting price of $249.99/user/yr and a 30-day trial. The paid plan is the relevant route for buyers who need technical support, but the price is per user per year, so team costs scale with seats. The free trial field is marked no, so the 30-day trial note and the free plan should not be conflated with a separate free trial. Support is available to owners of DevExpress Universal, DXperience or CodeRush Ultimate subscriptions.

Platforms

CodeRush is a desktop extension for Windows, macOS and Linux, with browser coverage spanning both categories. Its IDE support is specifically Visual Studio 2026 and Visual Studio 2022. The supported IDE table indicates minor updates but no security updates for the displayed version range, a consideration for organizations with formal update requirements.

Who it's for

CodeRush is best for Visual Studio developers who want refactoring depth, code-style controls and a built-in test runner without paying for commercial use. Teams can benefit from solution- or team-level style settings and cleanup on save. It is a weaker fit for users who need included source code, technical help on the free plan, or an IDE outside its stated Visual Studio support.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Commercial use is free, with the same features and updates as paid subscriptions, making the free plan capable rather than a limited sampler.
• Pro: Over 100 refactorings, batch operations, code-style controls and a test runner spanning several frameworks cover multiple daily development tasks.
• Pro: Marketplace installation and automatic updates reduce extension upkeep for Visual Studio users.
• Con: Free users do not receive technical support or source code, which can constrain teams that need escalation or customization.
• Con: AI use requires API credentials, and voice input has an additional Azure credential requirement.
• Con: The displayed supported IDE range has no security updates, which may not meet stricter maintenance expectations.

Alternatives

For a broader comparison of refactoring tools, see Code Refactoring Tools; for browser testing priorities, see Cross-Browser Testing Software.

ReSharper is worth considering if you need non-commercial C# support in VS Code or compatible editors; its non-commercial plan is free, while the paid ReSharper plan is $389.00 per [term not provided]. Roslynator is another free option for readers seeking free tools and extensions. Sourcery suits readers looking for AI reviews, PR summaries and one-click fixes for public repositories on its free Open Source plan. Moderne is an option for organizations seeking a managed backpatch service and dedicated FTEs. Scalafix, Refrax and Comby are additional alternatives.

Verdict

Choose CodeRush if you work in a supported Visual Studio version and want extensive refactoring and integrated testing without a commercial-use fee. Its strongest reason to buy is the breadth of tools available on the free plan; look elsewhere if support, source access, security updates or a different IDE are essential.