Is Sublime Text Free? Free to Try, but You Need a Licence

Sublime Text has a reputation as a "free" editor because the download never stops working and the reminder to buy is easy to click away. That doesn't make it free under its licence. Here's what Sublime HQ's own buy page, sales FAQ and licence agreement say, as of October 2026.

Sublime Text licences and prices

These are the prices on Sublime HQ's buy page as of October 2026, in US dollars.

Licence	Price shown	How it works
Personal	US$99, one-off	For individuals only; includes 3 years of updates; one key for all your computers
Business, seats 1 to 10	US$65 per seat per year	Annual tiered subscription
Business, seats 11 to 25	US$60 per seat per year	Annual tiered subscription
Business, seats 26 to 50	US$55 per seat per year	Annual tiered subscription
Business, further seats	US$50 per seat per year	Annual tiered subscription

The buy page says personal licence keys are only available for individuals. If you're buying for a business or organisation, you need a business licence.

What happens after 3 years on a personal licence

This is the detail people miss. Sublime HQ says a personal licence is a once-off purchase with 3 years of updates. After 3 years, an upgrade is required to keep receiving further updates. In other words, the 3 years are about updates, so budget for an upgrade if you want to stay on the newest version.

One licence, every computer you use

Here's the generous part. Sublime HQ says one licence key covers all your computers and operating systems, as long as you're the primary user. So a single personal licence covers your desktop, your laptop and a Linux machine. The licence agreement puts it the same way: licences are per user, and keys can be used on multiple computers if the licence holder is the primary user.

For businesses, the rule is the other way round. The licence agreement says businesses must buy at least as many licences as the number of people using Sublime Text, and the sales FAQ adds that employees shouldn't use a business licence at home unless it's on a work computer or for work.

Things you can't do with a licence

• Distribute or sell licence keys or Sublime Text to third parties. Sublime HQ says licences will be revoked if they're distributed or sold.
• Rent, lease or lend a licence key.
• Share a business licence with other companies or individuals.
• Group buy: bulk keys are only for use within a single company.

You can make copies of the licence key and the software for backup and archival purposes.

Sublime Merge and older versions

Sublime HQ also makes Sublime Merge, a cross-platform Git client. Its buy page says bundled licence keys are accepted by Sublime Text 4 and Sublime Merge, but not by Sublime Text 3 and earlier, so if you're still on an old version, a new bundled key won't help you there. Existing licence holders can use Sublime HQ's separate upgrade page.

Keys are issued by Sublime HQ Pty Ltd, a company based in Sydney, Australia, and are covered by its End User License Agreement. A personal key carries your name, while a business key normally carries the company name entered on the buy page.

Refunds, schools and discounts

Sublime HQ's sales FAQ says refunds are available within 30 days of purchase if you email them. It also says educational discounts aren't offered at the moment and site licences aren't offered either. For a computer lab, you buy the lesser of the number of computers with Sublime Text installed or the number of students using it.

How to evaluate Sublime Text for free

1. Download Sublime Text from its official website.
2. Use it on your real projects to see whether you like the speed and the workflow.
3. Decide whether you need it for personal use or for a business.
4. Buy the matching licence from Sublime HQ's buy page. Sublime HQ says buying direct from its website is the only way to purchase.
5. Enter the licence key, which is sent to the email address you give on the buy page.

Free alternatives if you don't want to pay

If you want a code editor that's free to keep using, there are strong options. I've covered whether Visual Studio Code is free, and my guide to free code editors compares others. For a wider view including paid options, see the best code editors.

My verdict

Sublime Text is free to evaluate, not free to keep. If you use it every day, the licence is a fair one-off at US$99 for personal use as of October 2026, covering every computer you're the main user of, with 3 years of updates. Businesses need one per-seat subscription per person. If you'd rather not pay at all, choose a free editor instead of relying on the evaluation forever.

Frequently asked questions

Is Sublime Text free?

It's free to download and evaluate, but Sublime HQ says a licence must be purchased for continued use. It isn't free to keep using under its licence.

How much is a Sublime Text licence?

As of October 2026, Sublime HQ's buy page shows a personal licence at US$99 as a one-off purchase, with business licences from US$65 per seat per year.

Does a Sublime Text licence work on more than one computer?

Yes. Sublime HQ says one licence key covers all your computers and operating systems as long as you're the primary user.

How long do Sublime Text updates last?

A personal licence includes 3 years of updates. After 3 years, Sublime HQ says an upgrade is required to receive further updates.

Can I use my personal Sublime Text licence at work?

Yes, if you're the primary user. Sublime HQ says licences are per user, so you can use your own key on all computers where you're the main user, including at work.

Is there a student discount for Sublime Text?

No. Sublime HQ's sales FAQ says educational discounts aren't currently offered. Computer labs buy the lesser of the number of computers or students using it.

Can I get a refund on Sublime Text?

Sublime HQ's sales FAQ says refunds are available within 30 days of purchase. Email Sublime HQ to claim one.