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VS Code VS HazeOver

Compare VS Code VS HazeOver and see what are their differences

VS Code

Build and debug modern web and cloud applications, by Microsoft

Rating
5.0 · 1 review
Pricing
Open source
Alternatives Is it good?
HazeOver

Focus on one app by dimming all the background windows

Rating
0 reviews
Pricing
Paid Free trial $4.99 / One-off
Alternatives Is it good?
Thalam
OpenAI-compatible API gateway for GPT, Claude, Gemini, DeepSeek, Qwen, Kling and more. One key, one endpoint, one bill. Pay per token, no lock-in. sponsored
Note: These products don't have any matching categories. If you think this is a mistake, please edit the details of one of the products and suggest appropriate categories.

Which is more popular?

Based on our record, VS Code seems to be a lot more popular than HazeOver. While we know about 1216 links to VS Code, we've tracked only 22 mentions of HazeOver.

social mentions
1,216 vs 22
Text Editors popularity
100% vs 0%

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

VS Code
HazeOver
Website code.visualstudio.com hazeover.com
Pricing
Open source
Paid Free trial $4.99 / One-off Official pricing
Platforms —
Mac MacOS
Company Startup from the United States Startup from the United States
Listed in
Text Editors IDE Software Development Developer Tools +1
Window Manager Mac Tools Productivity Crypto +1

About VS Code and HazeOver

In their own words, as submitted to SaaSHub.

VS Code
HazeOver

No description of VS Code yet.

Too many windows to manage? Large display? Or getting lost in multiple monitors? HazeOver is for you! Turn distractions down and focus on your current task. HazeOver automatically highlights the front window by dimming background windows. • Help yourself focus on one thing at a time....

Read more about HazeOver

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

VS Code 8 features
HazeOver 5 features
  • Cross-platform
    VS Code works on Windows, macOS, and Linux, providing a consistent development experience across different operating systems.
  • Extensibility
    A vast library of extensions allows users to add functionalities like debuggers, linters, and themes, making it highly customizable.
  • Integrated Git
    Built-in Git integration makes it easy to manage version control tasks directly within the editor.
  • Performance
    Lightweight compared to full-fledged IDEs, ensuring good performance even on systems with limited resources.
  • IntelliSense
    Advanced code completion and refactoring tools help improve coding efficiency and reduce errors.
  • Community Support
    A strong and active community provides extensive support, tutorials, and third-party extensions.
  • Debugging
    Robust debugging tools for various languages and frameworks are available out of the box.
  • Free and Open-Source
    VS Code is completely free to use and open-source, which is beneficial for both individual developers and organizations.

Possible disadvantages

  • Limited IDE Features
    While extensible, it may lack some advanced features found in dedicated IDEs out of the box.
  • Extension Management
    Managing and configuring a large number of extensions can become cumbersome and sometimes lead to performance issues.
  • Learning Curve
    Although user-friendly, it has a steeper learning curve for beginners due to its numerous features and customization options.
  • Memory Usage
    Despite being lightweight, it can consume a significant amount of memory when multiple extensions are installed.
  • Update Frequency
    Frequent updates may sometimes introduce bugs or require users to adapt to new changes quickly.
  • Internet Dependency
    Some features and extensions may require an internet connection to function optimally.
  • Telemetry
    By default, VS Code collects usage data, which might be a concern for users sensitive about data privacy. However, this can be disabled.
  • Focus Enhancement
    HazeOver dims background windows, allowing you to concentrate better on the task at hand without being distracted by other open applications.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The application is easy to use, with straightforward controls for adjusting the dimming intensity and other settings.
  • Customization Options
    Users can customize the dimming effect to suit their preferences, including choosing the dimness level and applying different settings for different times of day.
  • System Resource Efficiency
    HazeOver runs efficiently in the background without using significant system resources, ensuring it doesn’t slow down your computer.
  • Compatibility
    The app works well with macOS features, supporting multiple monitors and virtual desktops.

Possible disadvantages

  • Limited to macOS
    HazeOver is only available for macOS, making it inaccessible to Windows and Linux users.
  • Paid Software
    HazeOver is not free; users need to purchase a license after a trial period, which might be a deterrent for some.
  • Limited Functionality
    While useful for focusing, the app offers limited additional features beyond dimming inactive windows.
  • Potential Overhead
    Although generally light on resources, some users with lower-spec machines may notice a slight performance impact.
  • Adaptability Issues
    Some users have reported that HazeOver may not adapt perfectly to all applications, causing minor inconsistencies in the dimming effect.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

VS Code
HazeOver

Overall verdict

  • Yes, VS Code is generally considered a good choice for developers due to its flexibility, efficiency, and strong community support. It is lightweight, fast, and user-friendly, catering to both novice and experienced developers.

Why this product is good

  • VS Code, developed by Microsoft, is a widely popular and versatile code editor. It offers a robust extension ecosystem, which allows developers to customize their workflow and coding environment extensively. Additionally, VS Code supports numerous programming languages right out of the box and provides features like IntelliSense, debugging, Git integration, and a built-in terminal, making it a powerful tool for developers.

Recommended for

  • Web developers looking for a comprehensive yet lightweight coding environment.
  • Software developers who need an editor with extensive language support and customization options.
  • Beginner programmers who would benefit from a feature-rich editor that can grow with their skills.
  • Developers interested in an open-source tool with continuous updates and community-driven enhancements.

Overall verdict

  • Overall, HazeOver receives positive reviews for its simplicity, user-friendly interface, and effectiveness in enhancing focus and productivity. Users appreciate the ability to adjust dimming intensity and customize settings to suit their preferences.

Why this product is good

  • HazeOver is designed to reduce visual clutter on your desktop by dimming background windows, allowing you to focus on the task at hand. It is particularly useful for improving productivity and reducing distractions in a busy digital environment.

Recommended for

  • Individuals who frequently multitask on their computer.
  • Users seeking to minimize distractions for improved concentration.
  • People who work with multiple windows or multiple displays.
  • Those who prefer a minimalist digital workspace.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

VS Code 2 videos + Add
HazeOver 4 videos + Add

My New Favorite Text Editor - Visual Studio Code

More videos

  • - 7 reasons why I switched to Visual Studio Code from Sublime Text

HazeOver: Distraction Dimmer™ for macOS Tahoe

More videos

  • - Review: HazeOver: dim background apps and get rid of distractions
  • - SCOM0922 - Tip - HazeOver - Preview
  • - HazeOver Review

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
VS Code
HazeOver
100% 100%
Text Editors
0% 0%
0% 0%
Productivity
100% 100%
100% 100%
IDE
0% 0%
0% 0%
Mac
100% 100%

User comments

Share your experience with using VS Code and HazeOver. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

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Reviews and articles

External articles and on-site reviews we used to compare the two products.

VS Code 5.0 · 1 review
HazeOver no reviews yet

View more

  • Best 6 Mac Window Managers
    mackeeper.com · Sep 2023

    Until Apple brings better window management to Macs, these third-party tools are the best way to improve organization and productivity. Most of them let you snap windows into position by dragging them to the edge of...

  • What productivity tools are most useful
    clariti.app · Feb 2021

    If you are multi-tasker and have the habit of toggling between multiple windows to get thingsdone. Thank heavens, HazeOver removes all the distractions by automatically highlighting thewindow that you are currently...

Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

VS Code 1216 mentions
HazeOver 22 mentions
  • Introducing MonoLisa for Visual Studio Code
    While Visual Studio Code supports OpenType features for its code editor well, configuring those features can be complex as it relies on understanding related CSS syntax. On top of this, additional configuration may be required. Because... - Source: dev.to / 16 days ago
  • History of JavaScript: Browser wars, ECMAScript, Node.js, TypeScript, and React
    Visual Studio Code, a code editor created by Microsoft, was first introduced on April 29, 2015, at the Build conference. - Source: dev.to / 2 months ago
  • How to Get Your First Tool Online
    The step up from there is an editor with a built-in agent like Cursor, Google Antigravity, Windsurf, or VS Code with a coding extension. These are code editors with an AI agent living inside them, and the difference is the responsible... - Source: dev.to / 3 months ago

View more

  • Alan.app – Add a Border to macOS Active Window
    In a similar vein, but different concept - https://hazeover.com/ - dimming inactive windows. - Source: Hacker News / 10 months ago
  • Alan.app – Add a Border to macOS Active Window
    Instead of adding a border to the active window, I use an app that fades out the background windows: https://hazeover.com. - Source: Hacker News / 10 months ago
  • Alan.app – Add a Border to macOS Active Window
    I run a tool that I like much better both in terms of not being distracting on-screen and reducing the light blasting my eyes: https://hazeover.com I'm not affiliated, but I love it and recommended it to friends. - Source: Hacker News / 10 months ago

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Alternatives to VS Code and HazeOver

When comparing VS Code and HazeOver, you can also consider the following products.

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