Compare software

Notepad++SciTE
Free

Free as in speech and free as in beer, in the author’s own words, under the GNU General…

 Freemium

Windows and Linux versions are free; the macOS version is commercial.

Windows Windows, macOS, Linux
  • Opens instantly and uses little memory, thanks to pure Win32 and the Scintilla component
  • Syntax highlighting for many programming and natural languages, with tabs and split view
  • Includes facilities for building and running programs
  • Available for Windows and Linux
  • Windows only; there is no official macOS or Linux build
  • The plugin ecosystem is older and less active than that of modern editors
  • The macOS version is commercial
Downloadable app Downloadable app
Open source Open source
License: GPL-3.0 License: HPND
No account needed Not stated if an account is needed
Works offline Not stated if it works offline

Checked September 20, 2026

Checked October 8, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.