Our verdict: VSCodium gives you the editor of VS Code without Microsoft's licence and telemetry. For most languages it works the same way and uses the same settings. The catch is extensions: it uses the Open VSX registry, and some Microsoft extensions are not available or not licensed for it.
About VSCodium
Microsoft's VS Code source code is MIT-licensed, but the Visual Studio Code download is built with Microsoft's own product configuration, licence and telemetry. VSCodium is a community project whose build scripts compile the same source and publish clean binaries under the MIT licence with telemetry disabled.
Extensions come from the Open VSX registry instead of the Visual Studio Marketplace, whose terms limit its use to Microsoft's products. Popular open-source extensions are on Open VSX, but some Microsoft-only extensions, such as certain remote development and C# tools, do not work or are not allowed.
What it does well
- VS Code editor. Same editing, IntelliSense, debugging and integrated terminal as VS Code.
- Telemetry disabled. Microsoft telemetry is turned off in the build.
- Open VSX extensions. Installs extensions from the vendor-neutral Open VSX registry.
- Built-in Git. Stage, commit, diff and push from the Source Control view.
- Settings compatibility. Uses the same settings.json and keybinding format as VS Code.
Who it is for
Good fit
Developers who like VS Code but want a fully open-source build without Microsoft telemetry.
Look elsewhere
People who depend on Microsoft-only extensions such as Remote Development, Live Share or the C# Dev Kit.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free and open source (MIT)
- Telemetry disabled
- Same editor and settings as VS Code
- Frequent releases tracking VS Code
Cons
- Some Microsoft extensions are unavailable or not licensed for VSCodium
- Open VSX has fewer extensions than the Visual Studio Marketplace
How to install VSCodium
The link downloads the per-user x64 installer, which does not need administrator rights; a system-wide installer and MSI are on the same release page. Tick Add to PATH so the codium command works in the terminal. To move from VS Code, copy your settings.json and reinstall extensions from Open VSX.
Questions about VSCodium
Is VSCodium free?
Yes. VSCodium is open source under the MIT licence and free for any use.
What is the difference between VSCodium and VS Code?
Both are built from the same source. VS Code is Microsoft's build with its licence and telemetry; VSCodium is a community build under the MIT licence with telemetry disabled and Open VSX for extensions.
Can I use VS Code extensions in VSCodium?
Most open-source extensions are available on Open VSX. Some Microsoft extensions are restricted to Microsoft's products.
