My Honest Review Of The Top 10 Best Text Editors

In college, I used to think creating something meaningful in tech required superhero-level intelligence. But despite my doubts, I jumped in.

I was constantly juggling code snippets, documentation, and deadlines, switching between tools in what felt like pure chaos. Over time, with practice, I realized the journey wasn’t as daunting as I’d imagined.

I didn’t need genius-level intellect or superhero gadgets—I needed the right tools. Discovering the best text editors transformed my workflow, turning chaos into clarity and helping me work smarter. 

After countless hours of research, testing over 15 top text editors, and analyzing expert reviews on G2, I’ve curated a list of the best ones to help you find the perfect fit.

Whether you’re a web developer, writer, or casual coder, these editors will simplify your work and boost your productivity.

My top 10 text editor recommendations for 2025

The best text editor is a simple yet powerful tool for writing and editing code in a clean, organized environment. 

When I first started learning to code, I didn’t realize just how crucial this tool would be in my journey. I thought I could get by using basic programs or even just plain old Notepad, but I soon learned that a good text editor is the backbone of efficient coding. 

By providing features like syntax highlighting, code completion, and easy-to-navigate interfaces, it made coding faster, more enjoyable, and less error-prone. 

Now, after years of trial and error, I’ve narrowed down the 10 best text editors that I believe will help you take your coding skills to the next level in 2025. Each of these editors has its own unique strengths, and I’ve personally tested them to ensure they stand up to the demands of modern project development.

Here are my recommendations to make coding smoother, faster, and more effective for you.

What I look for in a text editor

When selecting a text editor, I focus on technical features that streamline my workflow and ensure smooth performance, especially when working on complex tasks. 

Here's a deeper dive into what I prioritize and why these features are crucial for me:

• Ease of use: The first thing I look for is an intuitive user interface (UI) that doesn't overwhelm me with unnecessary options. A simple, clean design with file drag-and-drop functionality makes managing projects easy. I prefer editors with a split-view for multi-file editing and an integrated file explorer to quickly navigate directories. Features like contextual menus that show relevant actions for the file type I'm working with enhance productivity and minimize the time spent looking for tools. These elements help me focus on writing or coding without the distraction of an overly complicated interface.
• Customization: It is essential because every developer or writer has a unique workflow. I look for editors that support a high degree of personalization. Custom themes with syntax-specific color schemes help me stay focused and reduce eye strain, especially during long sessions. Configuring keybindings to suit my specific preferences makes it easier to execute common actions like saving, formatting, or opening a terminal. I also appreciate editors that allow me to tweak the layout, such as arranging panels, tabs, and toolbars according to my needs. Advanced customization, like enabling Vim mode or Emacs keybindings, further enhances the editor’s utility for those comfortable with keyboard shortcuts.
• Performance: It is non-negotiable, especially when dealing with large files, heavy projects, or multiple tabs open at once. I prioritize text editors with low memory usage and efficient resource management. Features like asynchronous processing ensure that even when I load large files or run intensive tasks like find-and-replace or syntax checking, the editor remains responsive. 
• Speed: Lazy loading of plugins or files ensures that the editor only consumes my system's resources when necessary, maintaining speed and preventing lag. This is particularly important for large-scale projects, where performance can easily become a bottleneck.
• Advanced syntax highlighting: It is a must for readability and error detection. I look for editors who can recognize and highlight syntax for a wide range of languages, ensuring I can spot issues at a glance. Tools like language servers provide real-time error detection and immediately flag issues as I code. Linting support helps ensure my code adheres to best practices and style guidelines. Intelligent code completion (IntelliSense) is another key feature, where the editor suggests functions, variables, and methods based on the context of what I'm typing. This saves time and reduces errors, making the coding process smoother and more efficient.
• Plugin and extension support: A key advantage of modern text editors is their ability to be extended through plugins and extensions. I value editors with a robust ecosystem that supports various third-party plugins. Integrating with version control systems like Git, Docker, and terminal emulators directly within the editor allows me to work without switching between different tools. Language-specific extensions for Python, JavaScript, or any framework I work with can further optimize my experience. For example, I can add debugging tools, integrate with task runners, or manage dependency installations all within the same editor. This reduces context switching, improves efficiency, and gives me access to all the tools I need in one place.
• Cross-platform compatibility: I often switch between devices and operating systems, so I need an editor that works seamlessly across multiple platforms. Whether it’s Windows, macOS, or Linux, I want the same features and settings available on all my devices. Editors with cloud-syncing capabilities ensure that my preferences, plugins, and files are synced across devices so I never miss a beat. Additionally, the option to run the editor portably (without installation) on different systems via USB or cloud storage is particularly useful for working on the go or on multiple machines without needing to reconfigure anything. This ensures a consistent and uninterrupted workflow no matter where I am.
• Integration with version control systems: Effective version control is crucial, especially when working on team projects or long-term solo development. I prefer editors with native Git support or easy integration with GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket. Features like an integrated diff viewer allow me to compare changes and manage version history without leaving the editor. I look for editors that support branch management, commit staging, and even interactive rebase directly within the interface. This functionality makes it much easier to track changes, collaborate with others, and maintain a clean codebase. It streamlines the development process and helps prevent errors when managing multiple contributors or versions.
• Advanced search and navigation: When working with large codebases, advanced search functionality is essential. Editors with search capabilities allow me to quickly locate specific code patterns across multiple files. I also look for tools with fuzzy file finding, where I can search for files or symbols without remembering the exact name or location. Symbol navigation is another key feature that helps me jump directly to a function, class, or method without scrolling through hundreds of lines of code. These search and navigation features are invaluable for efficiency, particularly when working on complex projects where I need to find specific snippets of code quickly.
• Community and support: A strong community and reliable customer support are essential when I encounter issues or want to explore advanced features. I prioritize editors with active online communities, whether that’s in the form of forums, Slack channels, or Reddit threads, where I can get help from other users or share knowledge. Access to comprehensive documentation and tutorials also helps me get the most out of the editor. Regular updates and patch releases from the development team ensure that the editor stays current with the latest features and security fixes, which is crucial for maintaining a productive and secure workflow.

These features, while technical, play a critical role in how I work with text editors. They directly impact my efficiency, productivity, and the overall quality of my work. By focusing on editors that provide these advanced capabilities, I ensure I have the best tools at my disposal for both personal and professional tasks.

The list below contains genuine user reviews from our best text editor software category page. To be included in this category, software must:

• View and edit plain text documents
• Offer minimal platform integration features and not offer all the features of an I unless added with a plugin

This data has been pulled from G2 in 2025. Some reviews have been edited for clarity.

1. Visual Studio Code (VS Code)

When I first tried Visual Studio Code (VS Code), I was looking for something lightweight but still powerful enough to handle various programming languages—especially JavaScript, Python, and TypeScript.

Right from the start, it impressed me with its clean interface and speed. It's a fast-loading, nimble tool that doesn't bog down my machine, which is a breath of fresh air compared to the heavyweight IDEs I’ve used in the past.

What I love most is IntelliSense. It’s like having a built-in assistant who’s always ready to offer function suggestions, method signatures, and even hints about what I might want to write next based on the code context. This has saved me so much time.

For example, while working with JavaScript, VS Code’s IntelliSense not only suggests methods but also provides details on what each function does, saving me from jumping to documentation. This is an absolute time-saver, especially when I'm in the flow and don’t want to break my concentration.

Additionally, the integrated debugger has been fantastic. I work on many different projects, and having the ability to set breakpoints, step through my code, and watch variables in real time within the editor is incredibly useful. I particularly like that the debugger is built into the editor and works seamlessly with the terminal. I don’t have to switch to a separate window to run commands, so everything feels streamlined and cohesive.

However sometimes it feels like it reaches its limits, especially with larger projects. For example, when I tried to work on a huge project with thousands of files and complex folder structures, VS Code began to ignore a few errors without prompting. Files took longer to open, and searching across the project wasn’t as snappy as usual.

Performance dipped whenever I worked on anything remotely large. While this isn’t a problem for small or medium-sized projects, working on larger codebases sometimes feels like VS Code is pushing against its limits, and that’s when I start considering heavier IDEs.

There’s also the matter of its lack of built-in advanced features. When I was working on a project that required heavy database management, project-level integration, or code profiling tools, I found VS Code lacking. It doesn’t come with native support, so I had to install extensions to get the full feature set I needed. 

That said, memory usage became an issue when  I was working with too many extensions or if multiple instances of the editor were open. This caused some lag, particularly on my older systems, and made the tool feel a bit sluggish.

What I dislike about Visual Studio Code (VS Code):

• While VS Code excels for small and medium-sized projects, I’ve noticed performance issues when working with larger codebases. It struggles with thousands of files and complex folder structures, leading to slower file loading and less responsive searching.
• I had to rely on extensions for advanced features like database management and code profiling. When I used too many extensions, it used up a lot of my system's memory, which made it slower. 

What G2 users dislike about Visual Studio Code (VS Code):

“It can be challenging for new users to navigate. While many plugins are available for download, it can take time to locate and determine which best suits your needs.”

- Visual Studio Code Review, Sahil K.

2. Notepad++

I've been using Notepad++ for years now. It started as a simple text editor, but over time, it’s evolved into a powerful utility that I rely on for everything from coding to taking quick notes.

I was looking for something lightweight, fast, and versatile. Notepad++ is all of that and more. The best part? It’s completely free, which was a huge win for me, especially when I started out because I didn't want to commit to a text editor.

One of the first things that stood out to me about Notepad++ is its speed. It launches almost instantly, which is great when I need to quickly check something or jot down a snippet of code. Compared to other editors, it’s incredibly light on system resources. I’ve worked on large files, and Notepad++ still performs efficiently without slowing down, which is a huge plus when I'm dealing with hundreds or thousands of lines of code.

Another feature I’ve come to love is syntax highlighting. Notepad++ supports a wide variety of programming languages out of the box—JavaScript, Python, HTML, CSS, PHP, and many more. Syntax highlighting helps me easily spot errors and navigate through code, especially when I’m jumping between different languages in the same file. It’s incredibly useful when I’m debugging or reviewing code since I can quickly see function names, keywords, and variables in different colors, making the whole process smoother.

Notepad++ also supports regular expressions, which are invaluable for searching and replacing complex patterns in large files. Whether I’m refactoring code or trying to clean up a document, regular expressions allow me to find and replace text more powerfully than the basic search function. It’s not something I use daily, but when I need it, it’s invaluable.

However, while Notepad++ is great for a wide range of tasks, it’s not without its drawbacks. I'm used to an IDE that has deep integrations like unit testing, debugging, and profiling tools, but Notepad++ doesn't meet those needs. It’s primarily a text editor, and while it’s awesome for quick code editing, it doesn’t have the sophisticated debugging tools or code management features that a more complex IDE provides. 

Another issue is the interface. It hasn’t really evolved much over the years, so it can feel a bit dated. It doesn’t have the visual appeal of some other tools, and some of the menu options can feel a bit cluttered.

One downside I’ve also encountered is plugin compatibility. While the plugin system is a huge benefit, there have been occasions where certain plugins were buggy or didn’t work as expected after updates. This can be frustrating, especially when a plugin that I rely on stops functioning properly. 

Lastly, lack of collaboration features can be a limitation for teams. Unlike cloud-based editors like Visual Studio Code, Notepad++ doesn’t have built-in version control or real-time collaboration tools. When I'm working on a team project, I need to rely on external tools for things like Git integration or collaboration, which can be a bit cumbersome.

What I dislike about Notepad++:

• While I rely on Notepad++ for quick edits, I’ve found it lacking advanced features like debugging, unit testing, or deeper code management tools. For more complex development tasks, I need to switch to a full-fledged IDE.
• The interface feels outdated, and sometimes the menus seem cluttered. I’ve also had issues with plugins—some stop working properly after updates, which can be really frustrating when I depend on them for specific tasks.

What G2 users dislike about Notepad++:

"While it supports numerous plugins, its native framework is somewhat limited compared to many integrated IDEs. The interface can feel outdated and confusing to some users, with opinions varying from not visually appealing to overly designed. Handling very large files or workloads may lead to performance issues or noticeable slowdowns."

- Notepad++ Review, Gaurav R.

3. Sublime Text

I love how easy Sublime Text is to use! It has a clean interface and can be customized to my varying requirements. Whether I’m working on small scripts or massive projects with thousands of lines of code, it never feels sluggish. 

You can also navigate files and projects very quickly, especially with the Command Palette. With just a few keystrokes, I can open files, jump between functions, or even search for specific lines of code without ever taking my hands off the keyboard. This is a huge time-saver, especially during long coding sessions when I want to stay in the zone.

Another thing I love about Sublime Text is its multi-caret editing. This feature lets me place multiple cursors in different places throughout my code so I can edit several lines at once. This is perfect for refactoring, updating variable names, or adding repetitive code snippets across different parts of a file. It sounds simple, but once you get used to it, it speeds up your workflow by a huge margin.

The split editing feature also works wonders for working on two files side by side, which I find handy when comparing different pieces of code or working with documentation.

I also love the package manager in Sublime Text. It’s incredibly easy to extend the editor’s functionality by installing packages and plugins. Whether I need Git integration, Python linting, or a Markdown previewer, I can install any of these tools with just a few clicks. Plus, the plugin community around Sublime is pretty active, and there are plenty of options to customize the editor to suit any project or coding style.

That said, the default user interface felt a bit sparse to me. I would have liked to be able to customize it or add unique themes for a more modern or visually appealing experience. Additionally, it lacks a built-in terminal, which is very important to me for running commands or scripts without switching to another window or app.

It doesn’t come with built-in version control or collaboration features. While this is fine for solo projects, when I'm working in a team and need integrated Git support or real-time collaboration tools, Sublime doesn’t have this natively. For example, I use a separate Git client to handle version control because Sublime’s Git plugin doesn't offer the full functionality of dedicated Git clients.

Things like automated testing or advanced debugging aren’t really built into Sublime Text, so you’ll need to rely on external tools for those purposes. 

What I dislike about Sublime Text:

• Although Sublime Text is great for many tasks, I wish there were more advanced built-in debugging tools. I often need to rely on external tools for more complex debugging.
• While the package manager is excellent for adding functionality, I sometimes wish to have some of those features built directly into the editor. This would save time and reduce the reliance on third-party packages.

What G2 users dislike about Sublime Text:

"The software lacks many basic features, such as a multi-level clipboard, bullets and numbering, auto-correct, and spell check. Including these features could help improve user productivity and efficiency.”

- SublimeText Review, Adnan N.

4. Brackets

What sets Brackets apart from other code editors is its deep focus on web development with features designed specifically to streamline those workflows.

One of the standout features I love in Brackets is the Live Preview. No other editor I’ve used does this in the same way. When working on a webpage, I can hit the “Live Preview” button, and Brackets will open a browser window that automatically syncs with my code as I type.

So, if I make a change in my HTML or CSS, it immediately shows up in the browser without having to manually refresh the page. This real-time feedback makes it so much easier to design and iterate on layouts, adjust styles, and see the results instantly, saving a ton of time in the process.

Another great feature is the Inline Editors. When I'm editing a CSS file and want to tweak the CSS for a specific element in my HTML, I can just click on that element within the code, and an inline editor will pop up. This feature reduces the need to constantly switch between files and makes navigating between your HTML structure and CSS styles much more intuitive. It's perfect for front-end work, where CSS and HTML are tightly connected, and I’ve found that it speeds up my workflow significantly.

The multilingual syntax support is another huge plus. Brackets natively support HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, but I can easily extend it to handle other languages like PHP, Python, and more through the extension library. This makes it versatile enough for a variety of web development tasks, and it’s something that I appreciate when I switch between projects that involve different languages. The syntax highlighting and auto-completion are solid, and they help me spot errors and write code faster.

That said, Brackets isn't perfect, and I’ve run into a few issues during my time using it. One of the biggest drawbacks I’ve noticed is that it’s not as fast as some of the other code editors out there, especially when working with heavy files. 

The file management system in Brackets becomes harder to navigate. The file tree can get crowded, and there’s no way to easily group or categorize files, making it difficult to quickly find what I need.

There’s also no built-in feature for bookmarking or tagging files, which would have been helpful in larger codebases. This can significantly slow me down when managing extensive HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files in a single project.

One of the most noticeable limitations I’ve faced is that Brackets doesn’t include native deployment or FTP software capabilities. When I need to upload files to a server, I have to rely on external tools. This extra step adds unnecessary time to the development process, as I have to leave the editor, open the external program, configure the connection, and then manually upload or sync files. This is especially inconvenient when working on live sites or when frequent updates are needed, as it forces me to repeat the same steps every time I need to push changes.

What I dislike about Brackets:

• Brackets can get slow when working with large files, and I’ve noticed performance lags during heavy projects. It can be frustrating when the file sizes increase.
• The file management system isn’t as smooth as I’d like, especially in larger projects. The file tree gets crowded, and there’s no easy way to categorize or bookmark files, which makes navigation slower for me.

What G2 users dislike about Brackets:

"It takes a lot of time to open large files, and the program occasionally hangs when working with complex Extensible Markup Language (XML) file codes. It does not offer optimal code completion suggestions. Additionally, the default theme selection is limited. While the default is a dark theme, it might not suit those who prefer lighter interfaces.”

- Brackets Review, Jeevan K.

5. UltraEdit

UltraEdit is a full-featured editor that caters to a wide range of users. One of the things I appreciate most about UltraEdit is its powerful handling of large files. When I'm working with files that are several gigabytes in size in other text editors, it can be frustratingly slow or even impossible. With UltraEdit, I can seamlessly open and edit these massive files without any noticeable lag. This is a game-changer when dealing with logs, databases, or any form of raw data that needs to be analyzed and edited. 

UltraEdit supports many advanced features that make development easier. For example, multi-caret editing allows me to place cursors in multiple locations and edit at the same time, which is handy for making quick changes across large blocks of code. I’ve used this feature a lot for refactoring and making repetitive changes in multiple spots without having to go through them one by one.

UltraEdit excels in the find-and-replace functionality. It supports regular expressions, which makes finding and replacing specific code patterns or variables across a large project incredibly efficient.

The integrated FTP/SFTP client is another tool I frequently use. It’s great for web development or when working with remote servers. I can quickly open remote files, edit them, and upload changes, all within UltraEdit, without needing a separate FTP client. This feature helps streamline my workflow, especially when working on web projects or remotely accessing databases.

When I started using it, I found the interface a bit cluttered and difficult to navigate. Unlike more streamlined editors, there’s a lot going on, and it took me some time to figure out how to use certain features efficiently. This steep learning curve can be a barrier for newcomers, and it requires a bit of patience to become fully comfortable with the tool. The sheer number of options and settings can feel intimidating, especially when you’re just starting out with the editor.

While UltraEdit does support both Windows and macOS, I’ve encountered issues with compatibility and performance on Linux systems. This lack of full cross-platform consistency can be a dealbreaker if I need a consistent experience across different operating systems.

While UltraEdit has plenty of features, one area where it falls short is keyboard shortcut customization. Unlike some other editors that allow for extensive and detailed mapping of keyboard shortcuts to virtually every action, UltraEdit’s customization options are somewhat limited. 

What I dislike about UltraEdit:

• I’ve experienced performance and compatibility issues on Linux systems, which makes it less reliable if I need a consistent experience across different operating systems.
• UltraEdit’s keyboard shortcut customization is somewhat limited compared to other editors, which reduces my ability to tailor my workflow fully.

What G2 users dislike about UltraEdit:

“Despite its impressive feature set, UltraEdit's menus can sometimes become overwhelming, making it challenging to find specific functionalities. As a long-time user of over 15 years, I've experienced this firsthand.”

- UltraEdit Review, Robert S.

6. Atom

Atom works exceptionally well with Python. When I first started coding in Python, I used Atom, and as a beginner, I wasn’t overwhelmed by the interface.

The split-pane feature is great for comparing or editing two files side by side, and the command palette lets me quickly access commands and features without needing to dive into menus.

One of Atom’s standout features for me has been its Teletype collaboration tool. When I was working with a team, I found this feature to be extremely useful. It allowed multiple developers to work on the same codebase in real time, seeing each other’s cursor movements and changes instantly, which made collaboration smooth and efficient.

The editor’s open-source nature allowed me to customize and extend it with a variety of plugins. I could install the exact plugins I needed, whether for linting, testing, or code completions.

The default Git integration is nice, but I’ve found it a bit basic compared to dedicated Git tools or other IDEs. While it can handle simple Git operations, I’ve had issues with more complex workflows, like managing branches or dealing with merge conflicts. It doesn’t quite match up to other advanced text editors when it comes to integrated Git functionality.

Atom’s search and replace functionality is usually great, but aren’t always as fast or responsive as I’d like, especially when searching through hundreds of files or directories. Sometimes, it feels like it takes longer than it should to find what I need, and I’ve had to rely on external tools for heavy-duty search tasks in larger codebases.

Atom is known for its frequent updates, which, while aimed at improving functionality, can sometimes be disruptive. These frequent updates often require restarts, and occasionally, plugins might break or need to be reconfigured after updates. For me, these constant changes can be a bit of a hassle.

Atom also lacks some of the more advanced code refactoring tools that other Python IDEs offer. While basic features like find-and-replace are available, Atom doesn’t provide advanced features like automatic code restructuring or method/variable extraction. This can slow down my workflow when working with large codebases that require frequent refactoring.

What I dislike about Atom:

• While Atom has basic Git integration, when I want to work with complex workflows,  it falls short. Managing branches or resolving merge conflicts can be challenging, especially when compared to more advanced Git tools.
• The search and replace functionality is slower than I’d like, particularly when searching through large codebases with hundreds of files. This occasionally forces me to rely on external tools for more efficient searching.

What G2 users dislike about Atom:

"Due to its wide range of functionalities, Atom may pose a steep learning curve for new users who may need to become familiar with all the available features and shortcuts. Additionally, some users have reported occasional crashes and bugs with Atom, which can be frustrating for those seeking a stable and reliable experience.”

-Atom Review, Akshaj M.

7. Oxygen XML Editor

I've been using Oxygen XML Editor for several XML-related tasks, and it’s truly a powerhouse when it comes to handling everything XML.

One of the features that immediately stood out to me is its comprehensive XML schema support. The editor fully supports various XML schema languages like XSD, DTD, and Relax NG. As someone who works with complex data structures, this was a huge draw for me.

The validation and bug tracking tools in Oxygen XML Editor have been incredibly helpful, saving me a lot of time, especially when working with complex XML projects. The editor’s ability to instantly catch and highlight errors as I work allows me to quickly address issues before they snowball, making the development process smoother.

Additionally, the XSLT and XQuery debugging tools are standout features. I've used these tools extensively for troubleshooting and optimizing XSLT transformations. The interface is incredibly clean and intuitive, making it easy to track down issues.

Another feature I really value is the built-in XPath expression editor, which lets me test and debug XPath expressions directly within the editor itself. This has saved me from the hassle of relying on external tools and makes debugging much more efficient.

Despite all these strengths, Oxygen XML Editor isn’t without its drawbacks. When I first started using it, I found that its interface was overwhelming, with so many menus and options that it was easy to get lost. It took me a little while to get comfortable with all the features, and I still sometimes have to refer back to the documentation to find the right tool or setting.

The tool is also pretty resource-heavy, especially when dealing with large files or complex XML projects. I’ve noticed occasional lag when navigating through large files or loading extensive data, which can be frustrating when I need to make quick edits or run tests. 

Additionally, Oxygen XML Editor is very focused on XML, which is fantastic for XML-centric projects. However, this means it doesn’t support other common data formats like JSON, YAML, or CSV. When working on projects that involve these formats, I find myself needing to rely on external tools or plugins, which can make the workflow feel less streamlined and efficient. It would be so much easier if the editor had native support for these formats, especially on projects where multiple data types need to be handled at once.

What I dislike about Oxygen XML Editor:

• The interface was a bit overwhelming when I first started using it. With so many menus and options, I often had to refer back to the documentation to find the right tools or settings.
• Oxygen XML Editor is resource-heavy, which can be frustrating when working with large files or complex projects. I’ve noticed lag when navigating through large data, especially when making quick edits or running tests.

What G2 users dislike about Oxygen XML Editor:

"I have used this tool for over a decade, and AI has not yet been integrated to help with content identification from content management systems (CMS). There is an opportunity for automation to streamline this process. Additionally, printing the output is often challenging..”

- Oxygen XML Editor Review, Vishnu H.

8. CodePen

What I dislike about CodePen:

• A downside I’ve encountered is that CodePen is entirely cloud-based, meaning there’s no offline functionality. This can be a significant issue when I don’t have a stable internet connection or need to work on the go.
• I’ve also found the lack of autocomplete for certain JavaScript libraries or custom code to be frustrating. When working with more complex scripts or unfamiliar libraries, I often have to type out the full syntax instead of relying on autocomplete.

What G2 users dislike about CodePen:

"Many tools are available but not practical for real code development situations. The premium version is costlier, and you can't work on it offline. Additionally, the auto code completion is a little poor compared to others.”

- Codepen Review, Lokesh S.

9. NoteTab

What I really appreciate about NoteTab is its simplicity; it doesn’t overwhelm me with unnecessary features or a bloated interface. It’s perfect for quick edits or jotting down ideas without distractions.

For text processing, NoteTab stands out as a robust tool because it seamlessly handles large text files and takes an intuitive, straightforward approach.

One feature I particularly enjoy is the tabbed interface, which makes multitasking a breeze. I can easily switch between several open documents and compare code snippets or reference one while editing another.

Another standout feature is the search and replace functionality, which supports regular expressions—this has saved me so much time, especially when dealing with large log files or editing multiple files at once.

Another major time-saver for me is the ability to automate repetitive tasks using macros. If I need to apply specific formatting to several files, I can create a macro to handle it, which speeds up my workflow significantly.

However, as much as I enjoy using NoteTab, it does have a few drawbacks. For one, it lacks the advanced features of modern IDEs—things like version control, code completion, and debugging tools—that you’d find in editors like Visual Studio Code or Sublime Text.

NoteTab is more of a lightweight editor focused on basic text manipulation, so if you need something more robust for development, it may not be the best choice. The interface, while simple, can feel outdated, especially compared to newer code editors that have more polished and visually appealing designs. Another issue is the limited plugin ecosystem.

While NoteTab supports a variety of plugins, the selection isn’t as extensive as some other popular editors, making it harder to find the exact functionality I need. Additionally, while NoteTab excels at handling smaller files, it starts to struggle with larger, more complex files. I’ve experienced noticeable lag when editing files several hundred megabytes in size, which can be frustrating. Lastly, the lack of cross-platform support is a limitation for me.

Since NoteTab is only available for Windows, it’s not an option for anyone who works on macOS or Linux. Overall, NoteTab is great for basic tasks and simple editing, but it falls short when it comes to more advanced development needs or cross-platform use.

What I dislike about NoteTab:

• NoteTab lacks the advanced features of modern IDEs, such as version control, code completion, and debugging tools. If I need something more robust for development, it doesn’t quite meet my needs.
• The limited plugin ecosystem is a drawback. While it supports a variety of plugins, the selection isn’t as extensive as some other editors, making it harder for me to find the specific functionality I need for more complex tasks.

What G2 users dislike about NoteTab:

"The sheer number of extensions available can sometimes feel overwhelming, and it would be much more convenient if they were organized into categories for easier navigation. Additionally, I've experienced performance issues when working on large projects, with the program occasionally slowing down my computer and causing unexpected crashes—often without saving my work."

- NoteTab Review, Alejandro B.

10. BBEdit

When I tried BBEdit's Search and Replace Across Multiple Files feature, I immediately saw its value. This tool would be a huge time-saver for anyone working with large codebases. I was able to apply changes across multiple files at once, which saved me a lot of effort compared to doing it manually.

I also tried the Syntax Coloring feature, and it really stood out. It made the code more readable and easier to navigate, especially when working with different languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Python. The color-coded syntax helped me quickly spot errors, making the coding process much smoother.

The Text and Code Completion feature also impressed me. As I typed, BBEdit suggested relevant code snippets, speeding up the process and reducing errors. This would be especially helpful when learning new programming languages or working with repetitive code.

However, during my testing, I found that BBEdit has limitations. For one, it’s only available for macOS, which would be frustrating if I needed to collaborate with team members on different operating systems. Switching between platforms would disrupt my workflow.

Another downside I encountered was the limited community support. While the official documentation is helpful, there isn’t the same level of user-generated content, tutorials, or community support that other popular editors like Visual Studio Code have. This made it harder to find solutions to specific issues I encountered.

I also noticed that BBEdit has a steep learning curve. The interface is functional but feels somewhat outdated, and the large number of features can be overwhelming at first. It took me some time to figure out how to use tools like the Text Factory and the multi-file search effectively, which might be a challenge for anyone new to the editor.

Finally, I found that BBEdit lacks real-time collaborative editing, which is a significant drawback for teams. This feature would be essential for collaborative work, but without it, sharing files and editing together would require additional tools and processes, which would slow things down.

What I dislike about BBEdit:

• BBEdit’s availability is limited to macOS, which can be frustrating if I need to collaborate with team members who are using different operating systems. It would disrupt my workflow if I had to switch between platforms.
• The lack of real-time collaborative editing is a major downside for me. This feature is essential for teams, but without it, sharing and editing files together would require extra tools and processes, which slows things down.

What G2 users dislike about BBEdit:

"I have noticed that the launch time and tab switching in the latest macOS versions can be pretty slow, causing significant lag when using the tool.”

- BBEdit Review, Shubham V.

Text editors: frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Q. Which text editor is free?

UltraEdit is lightweight and open-source and includes everything needed for basic text editing and coding tasks. Notepad++ supports a wide range of languages and offers helpful features like syntax highlighting, search and replace, and customizable themes. Explore more free text editing software. 

Q. Which is the fastest text editor?

Sublime Text is known for its lightning-fast performance. It opens files quickly and handles large documents with ease, making it ideal for quick edits.

Q. Is Notepad++ an IDE or text editor?

Notepad++ is considered a text editor rather than an IDE. It is lightweight, fast, and great for editing code, but it does not include built-in tools and features like debugging or version control typically found in an IDE.

Q. Which is the best text editor for Windows?

Notepad++ is highly regarded for its lightweight nature, customizability, and versatility. It is perfect for various editing tasks, from coding to note-taking.

Q. Which is the best text editor for Mac?

Visual Studio Code stands out for macOS. It is highly flexible, offering numerous extensions and integrations, and it combines power with ease of use.

Q. Which is the best Java text editor?

Visual Studio Code is excellent for Java development, thanks to its IntelliSense and extensions that make coding in Java easier while supporting multiple languages.

Q. Which is the best Python text editor?

Atom is a great choice for Python development. It is highly versatile, with a package manager and plugins specifically tailored for Python coding.

Time to compile some good ideas!

Choosing the right text editor has involved trial and error, helping me discover what truly works for my coding style. I prioritize speed, simplicity, and advanced features, knowing that the right editor should enhance my productivity and make coding feel second nature.

For me, it's all about finding that perfect balance between functionality and ease of use. Much like finding the perfect pair of jeans, it took some experimenting to discover what fits best. However, once I found the text editor that truly matched my workflow, it became an essential part of my coding routine.

Once I coded in the right text editor, I couldn't imagine working without it—it’s more than just a tool; it’s a companion that empowers me to write code more efficiently.

I hope these recommendations help you in your search. Try these tools out and choose the one that best meets your needs.

Pair the perfect text editor with version control software for seamless collaboration and code management.