Best Notepad++ Alternatives in 2025

Looking for alternatives to Notepad++? In this comparison, we take a closer look at Notepad++ alongside similar software solutions including Notepad++, NFOpad, Sublime Text, Notepad5, Notepad2, Phase HTML-Editor, PSPad, Atlantis Word Processor, Clavier+, Visual Studio Code and TeXstudio.

Our detailed comparison table highlights key features, pricing, and performance of these leading solutions, empowering you to make an informed decision. Whether you're seeking robust functionality, user-friendly design, or cost-effective alternatives, explore how Notepad++, NFOpad, Sublime Text, Notepad5, Notepad2, Phase HTML-Editor, PSPad, Atlantis Word Processor, Clavier+, Visual Studio Code and TeXstudio stack up to find the perfect software for your goals.

Platform Support

Notepad++
Notepad++
Windows only
NFOpad
NFOpad
Windows only
Sublime Text
Sublime Text
Cross-platform (Windows, macOS, Linux)
Notepad5
Notepad5
Windows and Mac
Notepad2
Notepad2
Windows only
Phase HTML-Editor
Phase HTML-Editor
Web-based, accessible via modern browsers on any platform
PSPad
PSPad
Windows only
Atlantis Word Processor
Atlantis Word Processor
Windows only
Clavier+
Clavier+
Windows only (Vista and later)
Visual Studio Code
Visual Studio Code
Cross-platform (Windows, macOS, Linux)
TeXstudio
TeXstudio
Cross-platform (Windows, macOS, Linux)

Syntax Highlighting Support

Notepad++
Notepad++
Supports syntax highlighting for 80 languages
NFOpad
NFOpad
Supports syntax highlighting
Sublime Text
Sublime Text
Enhanced syntax highlighting with support for many languages and frameworks
Notepad5
Notepad5
Supports syntax highlighting for multiple programming languages
Notepad2
Notepad2
Supports syntax highlighting
Phase HTML-Editor
Phase HTML-Editor
Supports HTML syntax highlighting
PSPad
PSPad
Supports syntax highlighting for over 50 programming languages
Atlantis Word Processor
Atlantis Word Processor
Not focused on code, supports various document formats but no mention of syntax highlighting
Clavier+
Clavier+
No indication of syntax highlighting support, is a keyboard shortcut utility
Visual Studio Code
Visual Studio Code
Supports syntax highlighting with extensive language support via extensions
TeXstudio
TeXstudio
Supports syntax highlighting specialized for LaTeX

Key Features / Functionality Highlights

Notepad++
Notepad++
Lightweight text editor with tabbed editing, macros, plugin support, built-in spell checker, user-friendly interface
NFOpad
NFOpad
Simple and lightweight text editor focused on NFO and similar text files with limited advanced features and several keyboard shortcuts
Sublime Text
Sublime Text
Powerful code editor with multiple cursors, command palette, extensive customization, numerous plugins, built-in color schemes, steep learning curve
Notepad5
Notepad5
Open-source text editor with collaboration feature, autocompletion, code folding, configurable options but limited advanced features and plugin support
Notepad2
Notepad2
Lightweight open-source text editor with advanced text manipulation features including regular expressions and customizable keyboard shortcuts
Phase HTML-Editor
Phase HTML-Editor
Web-based HTML editor supporting collaborative editing, code completion, undo/redo, drag-and-drop file upload (requires internet)
PSPad
PSPad
Free Windows text editor with built-in FTP client, spellchecker, code folding, macro support and plugin system for easy multi-file and remote editing
Atlantis Word Processor
Atlantis Word Processor
Word processor focused on document editing with spelling and grammar checking, supports multiple formats like DOCX and PDF, includes word count and formatting tools
Clavier+
Clavier+
Free open-source keyboard shortcut utility featuring highly customizable hotkeys and macros with fast performance but limited technical support
Visual Studio Code
Visual Studio Code
Free open-source source code editor providing IDE-like experience with debugging, intelligent code completion, extensive extensions and version control integration
TeXstudio
TeXstudio
Powerful LaTeX editor providing advanced WYSIWYG tools, in-built spellchecker and auto-completion with integrated PDF viewer and citation management

Choosing the right software isn’t just about features. Size, license type, user ratings, and popularity also matter.

This quick comparison shows how Notepad++ stacks up against Notepad++, NFOpad, Sublime Text, Notepad5, Notepad2, Phase HTML-Editor, PSPad, Atlantis Word Processor, Clavier+, Visual Studio Code and TeXstudio in these key areas—helping you find the best alternative for your needs.