Hosted VS Code Server
VCloud runs VS Code Server as a managed service starting at $49/month, giving you a full browser-accessible development environment on dedicated infrastructure. Unlike GitHub Codespaces or Gitpod, billing is a flat monthly rate rather than per compute-hour, and the environment persists instead of being torn down between sessions.
- From $49/month
- Starter plan
- Unlimited seats
- No per-user charge
- Daily · 7d backups
- Automated and verified
What is VS Code Server?
VS Code Server runs Visual Studio Code on a remote machine and serves the editor to your browser. You get the familiar editor, an integrated terminal, extensions, and debugging, with compute happening server-side.
Why self-host VS Code Server instead of using GitHub Codespaces and Gitpod?
- Per-hour metering disappears. Codespaces and Gitpod bill for compute time, which penalises leaving an environment running; a flat monthly plan does not.
- The environment is persistent. Installed tooling, shell history, and local state survive between sessions rather than being rebuilt from a container definition.
- Development happens next to your other services. If your database or internal API also runs on VCloud, the editor can reach it directly without tunnelling.
- Any device with a browser becomes a workstation, including tablets and locked-down corporate laptops, with source never cloned locally.
Why use managed hosting instead of running VS Code Server yourself?
- Exposing a code editor to the internet is a genuine security consideration. We put it behind authentication with TLS rather than leaving it open.
- Your workspace, dotfiles, and installed extensions are covered by automated backups.
- The editor depends on WebSocket connections through a correctly configured reverse proxy, or the session drops constantly.
- Certificates are issued and renewed automatically.
What resources does VS Code Server need?
Starter (2 vCPU, 4 GB RAM) handles editing, language servers, and day-to-day development. Compilation, test suites, and running containers alongside the editor are what consume resources, so step up to Business (4 vCPU, 8 GB) if builds run constantly. Choose Scale for large monorepos or heavy build workloads.
2 vCPU, 4 GB RAM, 50 GB SSD, 2 apps, 99.9% SLA
4 vCPU, 8 GB RAM, 100 GB SSD, 5 apps, 99.9% SLA
8 vCPU, 16 GB RAM, 200 GB SSD, Unlimited apps, 99.95% SLA
Can I migrate my existing VS Code Server data?
There is nothing to migrate in the usual sense - clone your repositories into the instance and install your toolchain. Settings Sync carries your existing VS Code preferences, keybindings, and extensions across from a desktop install.
Frequently asked questions about managed VS Code Server hosting
How much does hosted VS Code Server cost?
Hosted VS Code Server on VCloud is $49/month on Starter, which covers day-to-day development. Business at $199/month (4 vCPU, 8 GB RAM) is worth it if you run builds and test suites constantly. Billing is a flat monthly rate with no per-hour compute metering.
How is this different from GitHub Codespaces?
Two main differences. Billing is flat monthly rather than per compute-hour, so an idle environment costs nothing extra. And the environment is persistent rather than ephemeral, so installed tools and local state survive between sessions instead of being rebuilt from a container definition.
Can I install extensions?
Yes. VS Code Server supports extensions from the Open VSX registry. A small number of Microsoft-licensed extensions are restricted to official Microsoft builds and are not available on any non-Microsoft distribution.
Is it secure to expose an editor to the internet?
It requires care, which is a large part of what the managed service handles. Your instance sits behind authentication with TLS enforced, rather than the open configuration that quick self-install guides often produce.
Can I work from a tablet?
Yes. The editor runs in the browser and compute happens server-side, so any device with a modern browser works. Source code is never cloned onto the device, which also suits locked-down corporate machines.
Deploy VS Code Server in one click
Plans start at $49/month with unlimited seats, daily · 7d backups, and a 99.9% uptime SLA.