GNU Emacs
GNU Emacs: A mature, highly customizable editor for users who value breadth and control. Ranked #3 of 82 in Text Editors by our editors (9.2/10); pricing: Free plan; best for mature customization-focused editor users.
At a glance
- Editor score9.2 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forMature customization-focused editor users
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Multi-cursor editingYes
- Founded1984
- Facts checked22 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Free/libre and open source with no paid plans
- Macros, column editing, Unicode, and large-file handling
- Projects, version control, debugging, mail, calendars, and IRC
Where it doesn't
- Multi-cursor editing is not verified as a built-in feature
- Its broad feature set extends well beyond text editing
- Advanced customization depends on Emacs Lisp or graphical settings
Our verdict on GNU Emacs
GNU Emacs is a free/libre, open-source text editor and computing environment for users who want extensive control over editing behavior. It provides content-aware editing modes, syntax coloring for many file types, Unicode support for nearly all human scripts, built-in documentation, and a tutorial for new users. The editor runs across GNU/Linux, BSD systems, Haiku, Windows, macOS, Android, Solaris, and MS-DOS/FreeDOS, making it suitable for users working across varied platforms.
Customization is its defining strength. Commands and workflows can be adapted through Emacs Lisp or graphical settings, while the package system supports downloading and installing extensions. Keyboard macro recording and replay, rectangular or column-based editing, and content-aware modes give experienced users several ways to shape their editing process. Large-file warnings and literal visiting mode help when files would make expensive features impractical. Users choosing Emacs should be comfortable treating the editor as an extensible environment rather than only a conventional text editor.
The distribution also reaches into project management, version control, debugging, mail and news, calendars, IRC, and other workflows. That breadth can suit users who want one customizable environment across multiple tasks, while those seeking a narrowly focused editor may prefer a simpler tool. Multi-cursor editing is not verified as a built-in feature, and multiple windows or optional extensions are separate capabilities. GNU Emacs is a strong fit for mature customization-focused editor users who value macros, extensions, platform coverage, and long-established functionality; it is less suitable for buyers specifically prioritizing built-in multi-cursor editing or a limited feature scope.
Your product? Our editors can test GNU Emacs in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
GNU Emacs pricing
GNU Emacs fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Supported platforms | GNU/Linux, Windows, macOS, Android, BSD, Haiku, Solaris, MS-DOS/FreeDOS |
| Multi-cursor editing | Yes |
| Macro recording | Yes |
| Column editing | Yes |
| Large-file handling | Yes |
| Extension support | Yes |
| Deployment | Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android |
| Support | Email, Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | gnu.org |
| Facts checked | 22 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to GNU Emacs
- Visual Studio CodeA free, open-source editor with broad development features across desktop and web.9.4
- NeovimA free, open-source editor for keyboard-driven workflows and deep customization.9.3
- Notepad++A capable free editor with advanced editing tools, but Windows-only coverage narrows its fit.9.1
See all GNU Emacs alternatives →
GNU Emacs vs the competition
- GNU Emacs vs Visual Studio Code
- GNU Emacs vs Neovim
- GNU Emacs vs Notepad++
- GNU Emacs vs Kate
- GNU Emacs vs Vim
- GNU Emacs vs Zed
Compare GNU Emacs with any tool side by side →
Also Ranked In
GNU Emacs is ranked in 4 of our directories.
Used GNU Emacs? Be the first to review it
The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used GNU Emacs for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.
Write a reviewTwo minutes · verified accounts only · read by an editor before it appears
Featured on iTechGuides
GNU Emacs is listed in our Text Editors directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.
<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/gnu-emacs/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/gnu-emacs.svg" alt="Featured on iTechGuides" width="230" height="46"></a>
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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.
Last updated · How we research and update