The Best VS Code Themes (And Why You Should Try Them)
Picking a theme is a tough choice, but here's a list of 7 of our favorites.
Choosing the right VS Code theme is like picking the perfect outfit—it sets the tone for your coding experience, influences your mood, and, let’s be honest, makes you feel cooler than you actually are. Whether you prefer a dark, moody aesthetic or a bright, cheerful workspace (we won’t judge… much), there’s a theme out there that’s perfect for you.
After diving deep into the VS Code theme marketplace (and totally not spending hours just switching between them for fun), here are some of the most popular themes and why they’re worth trying.
One Dark Pro – The Reliable Classic
One Dark Pro is like that one friend who’s always got your back—reliable, stylish, and never lets you down. Based on Atom’s One Dark theme, it offers a balanced contrast that’s easy to look at for hours without melting your retinas.
Why it’s great:
✅ High readability without straining your eyes
✅ Works well for both day and night coding
✅ A subtle yet stylish color scheme
If you’re new to custom themes and want something polished and professional, One Dark Pro is an easy pick.
Dracula – The Dark Side Has Never Looked Cooler
Dracula isn’t just a theme—it’s a lifestyle. With deep purples, blues, and greens, it gives off a sleek cyberpunk vibe while still keeping your code readable. This theme is perfect for night owls and anyone who wants their editor to feel like a hacker’s dream setup.
Why it’s great:
✅ Cool, cyberpunk-inspired colors
✅ Easy on the eyes with well-balanced contrast
✅ It just feels cool—seriously, try it
It’s one of the most downloaded VS Code themes for a reason: Dracula turns your workspace into a coding lair.
Night Owl – Made for Nocturnal Coders
If you do your best work when the rest of the world is asleep, Night Owl is for you. Created by our old colleagueSarah Drasner, this theme was designed specifically for low-light environments, making it a lifesaver for late-night debugging marathons.
Why it’s great:
✅ Great contrast for visibility in dim lighting
✅ Warm colors that reduce eye strain
✅ Also comes with a light version (if you dare)
For those who live on caffeine and commit messages at 2 AM, Night Owl will be your new best friend.
Gruvbox – Retro Cool with a Modern Feel
Gruvbox brings a bit of retro charm into your coding environment. Its color palette is inspired by vintage terminal aesthetics, but it still feels fresh and modern. It’s a great pick if you’re tired of standard dark themes and want something unique without sacrificing readability.
Why it’s great:
✅ A warm, earthy color scheme that’s easy on the eyes
✅ Works well for both light and dark versions
✅ Gives off a subtle, hacker-in-the-woods aesthetic
If you like your code editor to feel like a warm cup of coffee, Gruvbox is the way to go.
SynthWave ’84 – Neon Lights and Vaporwave Vibes
Ever wanted your editor to look like it was pulled straight from a neon-drenched retro-futuristic movie? SynthWave ’84 brings bold neon pinks, purples, and blues, making your VS Code feel like a cyberpunk hacker’s paradise. Bonus points if you play synthwave music while coding.
Why it’s great:
✅ High contrast with glowing neon colors
✅ Totally unique and visually striking
✅ Makes you feel like you’re in Blade Runner
If dark themes bore you and you want your coding environment to look like a synthwave album cover, this is your theme.
Tokyo Night – Clean, Professional, and Stylish
Tokyo Night is for developers who want a sleek, well-balanced theme that looks great without being too flashy. Its mix of deep blues, purples, and gentle highlights makes it feel professional while still having personality. This one is Rob's favorite!
Why it’s great:
✅ Aesthetic and modern color choices
✅ Easy to read for long coding sessions
✅ Comes in three versions: Night, Storm, and Light
For a refined, beautiful theme that doesn’t distract you from your work, Tokyo Night is a top contender.
Ayu – For Those Who Like a Little Warmth
Ayu brings a breath of fresh air to your workspace with its warm, pastel-like tones. It’s available in three flavors—Dark, Light, and Mirage—so you can choose what works best for your setup.
Why it’s great:
✅ Soft, warm colors that don’t feel harsh
✅ A refreshing alternative to traditional dark themes
✅ Great for people who prefer a minimalistic aesthetic
If you’re tired of typical dark themes but don’t want anything too intense, Ayu is a great middle ground.
So, Which One Should You Use?
Honestly? It depends on your vibe. Want a hacker aesthetic? Go for Dracula or SynthWave ’84. Need something clean and elegant? Tokyo Night or One Dark Pro is your friend. Prefer warm, inviting tones? Try Ayu or Gruvbox. Night coder? Night Owl’s got your back.
If you're Burke Holland, than you burn your retinas with a light theme.
The best part? You can switch it up anytime. So go ahead—download a few, play around, and find the one that makes your coding experience feel just right.
Happy coding, and may your theme always be aesthetically pleasing!
