Head-to-head · JavaScript IDEs
Visual Studio Code vs Apache NetBeans
Visual Studio Code leads on 0 checks, Apache NetBeans on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreVisual Studio Code · 9.1/10
- Free planboth
Visual Studio Code scores higher on our rubric for javascript ides: 9.1 against 7.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #6.
Visual Studio Code is the better fit for developers who want a free, extensible editor. Apache NetBeans is the better fit for javaScript developers who prefer open-source tooling.
- Visual Studio Code fits best
Developers who want a free, extensible editor
- Apache NetBeans fits best
JavaScript developers who prefer open-source tooling
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Side by side
| Feature | Visual Studio Code 9.1/10 Visit ↗ | Apache NetBeans 7.4/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.1 | 7.4 |
| Ranking | #2 in JavaScript IDEs | #6 in JavaScript IDEs |
| Best for | Developers who want a free, extensible editor | JavaScript developers who prefer open-source tooling |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Docs | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Visual Studio Code 0/4 · Apache NetBeans 0/4 | ||
| TypeScript support | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| JavaScript debugger | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Node.js tooling | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Integrated terminal | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Languages supported | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Desktop platforms | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
| Our verdict | Visual Studio Code is a free, open-source code editor from Microsoft for developers working on individual files or complete projects. It runs as a desktop application on Windows, macOS, and Linux, and is also available in a browser through… Read the review → |
Apache NetBeans is a free, open-source desktop IDE and development platform for Java, PHP, JavaScript, HTML5, CSS, and other technologies. JavaScript developers who prefer open-source tooling can use its syntax-aware and semantic editing,… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Visual Studio Code — where it wins
- IntelliSense, integrated debugging, and testing tools support coding workflows.
- Built-in Git, source control, and terminal keep tools in the editor.
- Extensions add languages, debuggers, linters, themes, and other tools.
Where it doesn't
- Support is centered on documentation.
- The editor's broad language support may be more than a focused workflow needs.
- JavaScript-specific integrations and test frameworks are not described.
Apache NetBeans — where it wins
- Includes JavaScript, HTML5, and CSS editors with semantic source editing
- Debugger, refactoring, and integrated testing support development workflows
- Free, open-source desktop IDE for Windows, macOS, and Linux
Where it doesn't
- JavaScript is one of several supported languages, not the sole focus
- Desktop-only deployment does not suit browser-based IDE workflows
- Support is through community channels and documentation
- Visual Studio Code9.1/10 · Free plan
A free, extensible editor with coding, debugging, testing, and Git tools.
Visit siteFull verdict → - Apache NetBeans7.4/10 · Free plan
A broad, cross-platform IDE with useful JavaScript tools, though less JavaScript-focused than WebStorm.
Try Apache NetBeansFull verdict →
More comparisons
All JavaScript IDEs comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026
Last updated · How we research and update