Micro
Micro: A free, open-source terminal editor with plugins, linting, and broad platform support. Ranked #24 of 44 in Code Editors by our editors (6.7/10); pricing: Free plan; best for terminal users wanting a lightweight extensible editor.
At a glance
- Editor score6.7 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forTerminal users wanting a lightweight extensible editor
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Extension supportYes
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Free and open source under the MIT License
- Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux as a standalone binary
- Plugins, linting, diff indicators, and syntax highlighting for 130+ languages
Where it doesn't
- Language-server functionality is provided through an installable plugin
- Its terminal-based design is not aimed at desktop-first editing
- The editor centers on text editing rather than a broad integration ecosystem
Our verdict on Micro
Micro is a free, open-source terminal-based text editor for people who prefer working in a terminal or regularly edit files over SSH. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux as a standalone binary with no dependencies. The editor combines multiple cursors, splits and tabs, configurable keybindings, mouse support, persistent undo, and syntax highlighting for more than 130 languages. Its terminal emulator can run an interactive shell without leaving the editor, making Micro a focused option for terminal-oriented workflows.
Extension support comes through a Lua-based plugin system and built-in plugin manager. Automatic linting and error notifications add feedback while editing, while the built-in diff gutter helps show changes within files. Language-server functionality is available through an official installable plugin rather than as a built-in core feature. That gives Micro a practical path to extend its editing capabilities, while keeping the main product centered on a lightweight terminal interface. Users who want configurable behavior and editor options without moving to a desktop application should find the overall design well aligned with that preference.
Micro is strongest for developers and technical users who value a compact, keyboard-friendly editor that works across three major desktop operating systems. It should appeal to people editing files over SSH, working in shells, or looking for an open-source alternative with plugin support and core code-editing features. The trade-off is its narrow terminal focus: users seeking a desktop-first workspace or a broader integration ecosystem should consider a different code editor. Teams that require language-server workflows will also need to treat that capability as a plugin-based addition rather than a built-in feature.
Your product? Our editors can test Micro in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Micro pricing
Micro fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Supported platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Extension support | Yes |
| Built-in debugger | Not verified |
| Remote development | Yes |
| Language server support | Yes |
| Editor type | Terminal |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | micro-editor.github.io |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Micro
- Visual Studio CodeA free, open-source editor with editing, debugging, Git, terminal, and extension support.9.4
- ZedA fast, open-source editor with strong native tooling and flexible AI integrations.9.1
- VSCodiumA familiar desktop editor for VS Code users who want telemetry-disabled binaries.8.9
Also Ranked In
Micro is ranked in 4 of our directories.
Used Micro? 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 Micro 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
Micro is listed in our Code Editors directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.
<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/micro/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/micro.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