When comparing Native vs Microsoft Verdana, the Slant community recommends Native for most people. In the question“What are the best programming fonts?” Native is ranked 79th while Microsoft Verdana is ranked 105th.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Readable
Pro Consistent character widths between the italics and weights
Within Native's weights and styles, each character occupies 580 points of space. This ensures code does not become misaligned if a developer prefers certain callouts in a different style.
Pro The regular weight is free for Desktop, Web, and App Licensing
The regular weight can be picked up free of charge on MyFonts or Fort Foundry’s site.
Pro No alignment issues when switching between styles
Pro Italics are given a lot of differentiation
Pro Free with Windows
Pro Compact while light
Packs lots of information into your screen space while remaining clear and never looking crowded.
Pro Renders perfectly at all sizes
Again, particularly in Windows
Pro Looks absolutely gorgeous in Windows
Looks good elsewhere as well, but the world-class hinting here really comes out with the windows rasterizer (probably optimized for it).
Cons
Con Not FREE
Not free and hard to find.
Con Not monospaced
-if that is an absolute must for you. But don't assume it is until you've tried without...