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Comparison

Vim vs CodeBrew

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
Vim
Vim
Free
📊 Productivity
★ 2.921 ratingsView app →
CodeBrew - IDE for Java
CodeBrew

Code like a Pro

Free
📊 Productivity
★ 3.89 ratingsView app →
About

Vim

A highly configurable text editor with a long history, designed for efficient editing from both command lines and graphical interfaces. It offers extensive customization options for programmers and writers alike.

Highlights
  • Text editing
  • Command-line interface support
  • Graphical user interface support
  • Highly configurable
  • Free and open source
Features
Read full description

Vim is a text editor first released publicly in 1991. Based on the vi editor common to Unix-like systems, Vim is designed for use both from a command line interface and as a standalone application in a graphical user interface. Vim is free and open source software and is released under a license which includes some charityware clauses, encouraging users who enjoy the software to consider donating to children in Uganda. https://vim.sourceforge.io/about.php

About

CodeBrew

This mobile application provides a full Java Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for iOS devices. It features intelligent code completion, live issue highlighting, and includes the Java 21 JDK for offline use. Users can also explore game development with a custom graphics framework and learn from example projects.

Highlights
  • Java 21 JDK included
  • Offline coding support
  • Intelligent code completion
  • Live issue highlighting
  • Custom graphics framework for games
  • Example projects library
Features
Read full description

Introducing CodeBrew: Your Java IDE for iPad & iPhone! Unleash the power of Java coding on your iPhone or iPad with CodeBrew - the ultimate Java Integrated Development Environment designed for developers on the go. Dive into the world of seamless coding, whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting your programming journey. What sets CodeBrew apart? CodeBrew is not just an IDE; it's your complete coding sanctuary on your iPad & iPhone. The powerful code editor comes equipped with intelligent code completions and live issue highlighting, ensuring your code is not just written but crafted to perfection. Java 21 JDK On-The-Go! CodeBrew comes bundled with OpenJ9 Java 21 JDK, running entirely on your iPad or iPhone - no internet connection required. Empower your coding journey without limitations, anytime, anywhere. Craft Simple Games with Ease! Unleash your creativity! CodeBrew boasts a custom graphics framework that simplifies game development. Whether you're building the next viral sensation or just tinkering for fun, CodeBrew makes coding games a breeze. Explore with Example Projects! Not sure where to start? CodeBrew includes a library of example projects to guide you. Learn from real-world scenarios, kickstart your projects, and elevate your coding prowess. Who is CodeBrew for? CodeBrew is tailor-made for developers seeking a powerful, portable Java 17 IDE. Whether you're a student learning the ropes, a professional crafting intricate solutions, or a hobbyist exploring the world of coding, CodeBrew is your ideal companion. Embark on a coding adventure like never before with CodeBrew. Download now and revolutionize your Java development experience on your iPad! Java is a registered trademark of Oracle and/or its affiliates The Terms of Service apply: https://astrobeats.net/tos.html

Screenshots

Vim1 screens
CodeBrew4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: CodeBrew at 3.8 against Vim's 2.9. CodeBrew also leads on review sentiment (69% vs 46%) and update cadence (every 3 months vs every 9 months). Vim's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and iOS requirement (9.0 vs 15.0). On price, ratings volume, ads and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. CodeBrew sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Vim asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

CodeBrew holds the better App Store score, 3.8 against 2.9. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 21 and 9 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 46% of Vim's written reviews are positive against 69% of CodeBrew's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Vim ships an update every 9 months, CodeBrew every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Vim versus CodeBrew: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterVimCodeBrew
PriceFreeFree
Rating2.9 (21 ratings)3.8 (9 ratings) — better
Positive reviews46.2% of reviews68.8% of reviews — better
Number of ratings21 — better9
Update frequencyEvery 9 monthsEvery 3 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS9.0 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size37 MB379 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperApplidiumJulius Naeumann

Customer experience

Vim

All ratings21 ratings
Positive42.9%
Neutral9.5%
Negative47.6%
Written reviews117 reviews
Positive46.2%
Neutral15.4%
Negative38.5%

CodeBrew

All ratings9 ratings
Positive55.6%
Neutral22.2%
Negative22.2%
Written reviews16 reviews
Positive68.8%
Neutral18.8%
Negative12.5%

Bugs and requests

Vim

Reported bugs

13 issues
  • Escape key not recognized on external keyboards
  • Space bar non-functional with external keyboards
  • Font illegible on Retina and newer displays
  • Significant input lag between keystrokes and display
  • Window focus not maintained in multitasking
Show 8 more
  • Keyboard recognition delays
  • Graphics scrambled on iPhone 6 and newer
  • Character rendering issues (missing 'f' character)
  • Command line errors with certain commands (:ls, :echo)
  • Syntax highlighting broken
  • App crashes on older iOS versions
  • 32-bit app incompatibility with iOS 11+
  • Slow response to Bluetooth keyboard input

Requested features

15 requests
  • Custom keyboard row with Esc, Tab, Ctrl, and common symbols
  • Dropbox and cloud service integration
  • iOS copy/paste and clipboard integration
  • File browser and file management system
  • Better font rendering and scaling options
Show 10 more
  • Swipe gestures for common operations (Esc, Tab)
  • Plugin support
  • SSH/FTP connectivity
  • Customizable color schemes and themes
  • Better Bluetooth keyboard support and detection
  • MacVim-style tabs
  • iCloud synchronization
  • Open source project status
  • Support for external shell integration
  • Email attachment opening support

CodeBrew

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

Vim

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

CodeBrew

One-time1
  • CodeBrew Pro$17.99

Questions

Is Vim free?
Vim is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is CodeBrew free?
CodeBrew is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Vim or CodeBrew?
CodeBrew is rated higher. Vim averages 2.9 out of 5 from 21 ratings, while CodeBrew averages 3.8 from 9 ratings.
Do Vim or CodeBrew have ads?
Neither Vim nor CodeBrew shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Vim or CodeBrew?
Vim ships an update every 9 months, and CodeBrew every 3 months. Most recently, Vim was updated on October 12, 2026 and CodeBrew on October 1, 2026.

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