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Which is the better code editors for Mac in 2026?
We compared BBEdit and Sublime Text across 5 key factors including price, open-source status, and community adoption. Both BBEdit and Sublime Text are excellent code editors. Read our full breakdown below.
Text, code, and markup editor
Text editor for code, markup and prose
Both BBEdit and Sublime Text are excellent code editors. BBEdit is better for users who prefer polished experiences, while Sublime Text excels for those who value established ecosystems.
| Feature | BBEdit | Sublime Text |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Open Source | No | No |
| Monthly Installs | N/A | N/A |
| GitHub Stars | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Developer Tools | Developer Tools |
brew install --cask bbeditbrew install --cask sublime-textBBEdit is a professional text and code editor for macOS, known for its robust feature set and deep integration with the operating system. Developed by Bare Bones Software, BBEdit has been a staple in the Mac community for decades, offering a comprehensive suite of tools for web developers, software engineers, and writers. It provides syntax highlighting for a wide range of programming languages, advanced search and replace capabilities, and powerful text manipulation features. BBEdit's free mode offers a substantial subset of its features, making it accessible to a wide range of users. The paid license unlocks additional functionalities, including code folding, project management, and enhanced file comparison. BBEdit stands out for its focus on text processing, file handling, and seamless integration with macOS utilities, making it a reliable and efficient tool for macOS users.
Sublime Text is a sophisticated text editor for code, markup, and prose, known for its speed, elegance, and customizability. Created by Sublime HQ, Sublime Text is a cross-platform editor that offers a distraction-free coding environment, powerful API for extensions, and efficient project management. It features multiple selections, a command palette for quick access to commands, and a wide range of syntax highlighting and code completion features. Sublime Text's extensive package ecosystem allows developers to tailor the editor to their specific needs and workflows. While Sublime Text requires a paid license for continued use, it offers a generous trial period, allowing users to evaluate its features before committing to a purchase. Its minimalist interface, efficient performance, and extensive customization options make it a popular choice among developers.
BBEdit offers comprehensive syntax highlighting for a wide array of languages, with customizable color schemes and robust support for modern web development technologies. It provides accurate and context-aware highlighting, enhancing code readability and reducing errors. BBEdit's syntax coloring extends to HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and numerous other programming languages, making it a versatile choice for diverse coding projects.
Sublime Text features excellent syntax highlighting with a vast selection of language definitions and themes. Its Package Control system allows developers to easily install and manage syntax highlighting packages for virtually any programming language or markup format. Sublime Text's highlighting is efficient and visually appealing, contributing to a pleasant and productive coding experience. It supports advanced features like bracket matching and code folding, further enhancing code navigation.
Verdict: Both editors provide robust and customizable syntax highlighting for a wide range of languages.
BBEdit offers code completion for various languages, suggesting code snippets, function names, and variable names as you type. It integrates with language-specific tools and frameworks to provide intelligent suggestions based on the current context. While its code completion is effective, it may require more manual configuration compared to Sublime Text's built-in features and package-based extensions.
Sublime Text's code completion is powered by its indexing engine, providing intelligent suggestions based on the current project, installed packages, and language-specific rules. It offers a smooth and seamless code completion experience, reducing typing and minimizing errors. Sublime Text's Package Control system allows developers to extend its code completion capabilities with language-specific plugins and frameworks, further enhancing its versatility.
Verdict: Sublime Text provides a more seamless and customizable code completion experience through its indexing engine and extensive package ecosystem.
BBEdit excels in search and replace functionality, offering a powerful and flexible set of tools for manipulating text. It supports regular expressions, grep patterns, and multi-file search and replace, allowing users to perform complex text transformations with ease. BBEdit's search and replace features are deeply integrated into the editor, providing a seamless and efficient workflow for editing large text files and codebases.
Sublime Text's search and replace features are robust and efficient, offering support for regular expressions, case-sensitive matching, and multi-file search and replace. While its search and replace capabilities are effective, they may not be as extensive or deeply integrated as BBEdit's. Sublime Text's search and replace features are accessible through keyboard shortcuts and the command palette, providing a convenient workflow for editing text and code.
Verdict: BBEdit offers a more powerful and deeply integrated search and replace experience, particularly for complex text transformations.
BBEdit's project management features allow users to organize and navigate codebases, manage files and folders, and access project-specific settings and configurations. It supports project-specific syntax highlighting, code completion, and build settings, streamlining development workflows. BBEdit's project management features are well-suited for medium-sized projects, but may become less efficient for larger, more complex codebases.
Sublime Text's project management features are efficient and customizable, allowing developers to organize and navigate codebases, manage files and folders, and define project-specific settings and build systems. Its ability to remember open files and cursor positions across sessions makes it easy to resume work where you left off. Sublime Text's project management features are well-suited for both small and large projects, providing a seamless and productive development experience.
Verdict: Sublime Text offers a more efficient and customizable project management experience, particularly for larger and more complex codebases.
BBEdit offers basic integration with version control systems like Git, allowing users to commit changes, view diffs, and manage branches directly from the editor. Its version control features are functional, but may not be as feature-rich or deeply integrated as dedicated Git clients. BBEdit's version control integration is sufficient for basic version control tasks, but users requiring advanced functionality may prefer to use a separate Git client.
Sublime Text relies on third-party packages for version control integration. While several Git packages are available, they may not offer the same level of polish or feature completeness as dedicated Git clients. Sublime Text's version control integration can be customized through packages, but it requires more manual configuration compared to BBEdit's built-in features.
Verdict: BBEdit's built-in version control integration offers a more seamless experience compared to Sublime Text's reliance on third-party packages.
BBEdit offers some extensibility through scripting and third-party plugins, but its ecosystem is not as vibrant or extensive as Sublime Text's. BBEdit's extensibility options are sufficient for basic customization, but developers requiring advanced functionality may find Sublime Text's package ecosystem more appealing. BBEdit’s extensions are not as easily accessible as Sublime Text's Package Control.
Sublime Text's Package Control system provides a vast and easily accessible ecosystem of packages and extensions, allowing developers to tailor the editor to their specific needs and workflows. Its powerful API enables developers to create custom plugins and integrations, extending its functionality far beyond its default capabilities. Sublime Text's extensibility is a key strength, making it a highly customizable and versatile editor.
Verdict: Sublime Text's Package Control system and powerful API provide a superior extensibility experience compared to BBEdit's limited options.
BBEdit is deeply integrated with macOS, offering native support for macOS features like Services, AppleScript, and the macOS file system. Its seamless integration with macOS utilities and workflows makes it a natural fit for users deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem. BBEdit's macOS integration extends to its UI, adopting a traditional Mac-like design that feels familiar and intuitive to macOS users.
Sublime Text offers good integration with macOS, but it doesn't offer the same level of native support for macOS features as BBEdit. While it supports basic macOS features like Services and the file system, it may not integrate as seamlessly with macOS utilities and workflows. Sublime Text's cross-platform design means it doesn't always feel as native or intuitive as BBEdit on macOS.
Verdict: BBEdit offers superior macOS integration, providing a more seamless and native experience for macOS users.
Sublime Text's extensive package ecosystem and cross-platform compatibility make it an excellent choice for web developers working with multiple languages and frameworks.
BBEdit's deep integration with macOS and familiar Mac-like interface provide a seamless and intuitive coding experience for macOS users.
BBEdit's free mode offers a comprehensive feature set without requiring a paid license.
Sublime Text's powerful API and customizable settings allow power users to tailor the editor to their specific needs and workflows.
Sublime Text's efficient project management features and speed make it an excellent choice for developers working on large and complex codebases.
BBEdit’s rock solid text manipulation is unmatched, which allows developers to make quick, precise edits.
Migrating from BBEdit to Sublime Text involves familiarizing yourself with Sublime Text's command palette, package control system, and keybindings. You can import BBEdit's syntax highlighting and code completion settings into Sublime Text, but some manual configuration may be required. Take advantage of Sublime Text's trial period to evaluate its features and customize it to your liking.
Migrating from Sublime Text to BBEdit involves adapting to BBEdit's traditional Mac-like interface and workflow. You can export Sublime Text's settings and preferences to BBEdit, but some manual adjustments may be necessary. Explore BBEdit's menus and keyboard shortcuts to discover its comprehensive feature set. BBEdit's free mode offers a great way to get started and evaluate its capabilities.
Regardless of which editor you migrate to, remember to back up your settings and preferences before making any changes. Experiment with different themes and plugins to find a setup that suits your coding style. Take advantage of community resources and documentation to learn new features and workflows.
Winner
Runner-up
BBEdit and Sublime Text are both excellent code editors for macOS users, each offering its own unique strengths and weaknesses. Choosing between them depends on your individual needs, preferences, and coding style. Consider your priorities, budget, and macOS comfort. While BBEdit may take the top pick, Sublime Text has some impressive features.
Bottom Line: If you value a traditional Mac-like experience and require deep integration with macOS, choose BBEdit. If you prioritize speed, customization, and a distraction-free coding environment, choose Sublime Text.
Browse code editors apps, read our complete guide, or discover curated bundles.
Comparison of code editors for macOS, focusing on features, performance, and user experience.
Tools and techniques for manipulating text, including search and replace, regular expressions, and code formatting.
Resources and tools for developing applications on macOS, including code editors, debuggers, and build systems.
Last verified: Feb 15, 2026
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
Research queries: BBEdit vs Sublime Text 2026; BBEdit features; Sublime Text features; Code editors for macOS 2026