Software · head to head
ESLint vs Visual Studio
The short version
- Each has a real cost: ESLint slow performance on large codebases compared to newer tools like Oxlint and Biome; Visual Studio community edition is free only for individual developers, classroom use, academic research and open-source contribution, not general commercial use
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which ESLint and Visual Studio actually diverge.
| Attribute | ESLint | Visual Studio |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Unknown | freemium |
| Platforms | Browser-based JavaScript, Node.js, Any JavaScript environment | Web |
| Founded | 2019 | Unknown |
Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
ESLint
- Statically analysing JavaScript and JSX to find problems before runtimenot Visual Studio
- Automatically fixing issues with syntax-aware rewritesnot Visual Studio
- Enforcing a consistent code style across a teamnot Visual Studio
- Running as a CI step to block non-conforming codenot Visual Studio
- Writing custom rules for project-specific conventionsnot Visual Studio
Visual Studio
No use cases recorded yet. See the Visual Studio review.
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
ESLint
- Slow performance on large codebases compared to newer tools like Oxlint and Biome
- Complexity in configuration from scratch, particularly for TypeScript support
- Limited built-in TypeScript support, requiring separate parsers and coordination with new TypeScript features
Visual Studio
- Community edition is free only for individual developers, classroom use, academic research and open-source contribution, not general commercial use
- Monthly subscriptions are $45 per user per month for Professional and $250 per user per month for Enterprise, and do not include perpetual use rights the way annual Standard subscriptions do
- A standalone perpetually licensed Visual Studio Professional 2022 costs $499 as a one-time purchase, separate from the subscription tiers
Pricing, plan by plan
ESLint
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the ESLint review.
Visual Studio
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Visual Studio review.
Which should you pick?
Choose ESLint if
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Browser-based JavaScript, Node.js, Any JavaScript environment.
Questions people ask
- Is ESLint or Visual Studio better?
- Neither clearly leads. ESLint starts at Free and Visual Studio at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, ESLint or Visual Studio?
- ESLint starts at Free and Visual Studio at Free.
- Does ESLint or Visual Studio run on more platforms?
- ESLint runs on Browser-based JavaScript, Node.js, Any JavaScript environment. Visual Studio runs on Web.
- Can I use ESLint for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is ESLint best used for?
- ESLint is most often used for statically analysing javascript and jsx to find problems before runtime, automatically fixing issues with syntax-aware rewrites, enforcing a consistent code style across a team, running as a ci step to block non-conforming code. Of those, statically analysing javascript and jsx to find problems before runtime and automatically fixing issues with syntax-aware rewrites are not what Visual Studio is typically brought in for.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
ESLint: Does ESLint automatically fix code issues?
Many problems ESLint finds can be automatically fixed via the --fix flag. ESLint fixes are syntax-aware so you won't experience errors introduced by traditional find-and-replace algorithms.
SourceESLint: How much does ESLint cost?
ESLint is completely free and open-source software maintained by the OpenJS Foundation. The project accepts voluntary donations from sponsors.
SourceESLint: Can I write custom ESLint rules?
Yes. You can develop custom rules that work alongside built-in functionality through ESLint's plugin system, allowing complete customization for your project needs.
SourceRelated pages
More on Visual Studio
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