VSCodium

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Score9.1

Rank#4 of 44

PriceFree

Free planYes

Runs onLinux, macOS, Windows

Summary

VSCodium is a free, community-driven desktop distribution of Microsoft's VS Code editor for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Its binaries use the MIT license, and telemetry is disabled. The project aims to make the latest MIT-licensed VS Code version easier to obtain; users can also build from Microsoft's vscode repository. Special scripts clone the repository, build binaries, and upload them to GitHub releases. VSCodium supports extensions, a built-in debugger, remote development, and language servers. Installation options depend on the platform: macOS users can use the Homebrew cask, while Windows users can install through Windows Package Manager, Chocolatey, or Scoop. Linux packages or repositories are documented for Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora, RHEL, Arch, Gentoo, and other distributions. The app is also available through Snap as Codium, Flatpak via Flathub, and Nixpkgs, and it is pre-installed in Parrot OS. The project notes that package-manager issues should be reported to the related repository.

Who it is for

VSCodium suits desktop users who want a free VS Code distribution on Windows, macOS, or Linux. It may also suit developers looking for extensions, debugging, remote development, or language server support without telemetry.

What is good

Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Telemetry is disabled.
Supports extensions and a built-in debugger.
Offers remote development and language servers.

What to know first

Package-manager issues belong with the related repository.
Building from source requires using Microsoft's vscode repository.

Verdict

VSCodium provides a free, MIT-licensed desktop distribution with common development features and multiple installation routes. Check the documented installation method for your platform, and direct package-manager issues to the relevant repository.

VSCodium plans and pricing

All plans

VSCodium Free Free vscodium.com · 28 Sept 2026

Compared on code editors

Free plan: Yesvscodium.com
Supported platforms: Windows, macOS, Linuxvscodium.com
Extension support: Yesvscodium.com
Built-in debugger: Yesvscodium.com
Remote development: Yesvscodium.com
Language server support: Yesvscodium.com
Editor type: desktopvscodium.com

Facts

Open Source License: Binaries are licensed under the MIT license.vscodium.com · 28 Sept 2026
Product Type: A community-driven binary distribution of Microsoft's VS Code editor.vscodium.com · 28 Sept 2026
Telemetry Status: Telemetry is disabled.vscodium.com · 28 Sept 2026
Source Build Alternative: Users can build from Microsoft's vscode repository themselves.vscodium.com · 28 Sept 2026
Build Automation: Special scripts clone the repository, build binaries, and upload them to GitHub releases.vscodium.com · 28 Sept 2026
Latest Version Goal: The project aims to make the latest MIT-licensed VS Code version easier to obtain.vscodium.com · 28 Sept 2026
macOS Installation: Homebrew installation is supported with the vscodium cask.vscodium.com · 28 Sept 2026
Windows Installation: Windows Package Manager, Chocolatey, and Scoop installation are supported.vscodium.com · 28 Sept 2026
Linux Distribution Support: Packages or repositories are documented for Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora, RHEL, Arch, Gentoo, and others.vscodium.com · 28 Sept 2026
Snap Store Support: Available in the Snap Store as Codium.vscodium.com · 28 Sept 2026
Flatpak Support: Available as a Flatpak app through Flathub.vscodium.com · 28 Sept 2026
Parrot OS Support: Pre-installed in Parrot OS and available from its official repository.vscodium.com · 28 Sept 2026
Nix Support: Available in Nixpkgs.vscodium.com · 28 Sept 2026
Arch Support: Available through the Arch User Repository.vscodium.com · 28 Sept 2026
Windows Code Signing: Free Windows code signing is provided by SignPath.io, with a SignPath Foundation certificate.vscodium.com · 28 Sept 2026
macOS Certificate: A macOS certificate was provided by @daiyam.vscodium.com · 28 Sept 2026
Installation Support Boundary: Package-manager issues should be reported to the related repository.vscodium.com · 28 Sept 2026