VSCodium vs VS Code: What Is the Difference and Does It Matter?

Visual Studio Code is one of the most popular code editors in the world, and Microsoft publishes its source code on GitHub under the MIT license. But the binary that Microsoft distributes — the one you download from code.visualstudio.com — includes proprietary additions: telemetry, tracking, and Microsoft-specific branding. VSCodium is a community-maintained build of VS Code compiled directly from the open-source repository, without any of those additions. ### What Is Different **Telemetry:** VS Code sends usage data to Microsoft by default (you can opt out). VSCodium has telemetry disabled entirely and removed from the build. **Extension marketplace:** VS Code uses Microsoft's proprietary extension marketplace. VSCodium uses the Open VSX Registry, an open alternative. Most popular extensions are available on both, but some Microsoft-exclusive extensions (like the official Python and C# extensions) are only on the Microsoft marketplace. **License:** The VS Code binary is under a proprietary Microsoft license. VSCodium is MIT. ### Does It Matter? For most developers, the practical difference is small. The editor experience is identical, and the Open VSX Registry covers the vast majority of extensions. The extension gap is the main friction point. If you rely on Microsoft-exclusive extensions, you may need to add the Microsoft marketplace manually or stick with VS Code. ### Who Should Use VSCodium - Developers who want zero telemetry without configuring opt-outs - Organizations with strict open-source policies - Users who prefer fully MIT-licensed software **If you care about open source beyond just the source code, VSCodium is the more consistent choice.**