Helix vs Kakoune: catalog facts
 Helix |  Kakoune |
|---|
|
Free Free and open source under the MPL 2.0. |
Free Free and open source. |
|
Windows, macOS, Linux, Command line |
Command line |
- Language server and tree-sitter support without installing anything
- Selection-first editing makes multiple cursors a first-class tool
|
- Multiple selections as the core editing model
- Selection-first commands show what will change before acting
|
- No plugin system, so anything missing stays missing
- Selection-first keys are genuinely different from Vim muscle memory
|
- Modal editing has a learning curve
- Keybindings differ from Vim, so muscle memory does not transfer directly
|
|
Downloadable app |
Downloadable app |
|
Open source |
Open source |
|
License: MPL-2.0 |
License not stated |
|
No account needed |
No account needed |
|
Works offline |
Works offline |
Checked September 21, 2026 | Checked September 23, 2026 |
Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.
Copy comparison link
