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Software · head to head

Acunetix vs PyCharm

Acunetix logo

Acunetix

Software

Web application security testing made easy

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
PyCharm logo

PyCharm

Software

The IDE for Professional Python Development

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only PyCharm has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Acunetix aWS Marketplace lists Acunetix Online Premium, published by seller Invicti Security, at $7,000 per year for 5 targets under a 12 month contract, where a target is one fully qualified domain, website, web app, API or web service; PyCharm pyCharm Pro commercial licence is USD 299/year (USD 29.90/month); personal licence is USD 109/year dropping to USD 68.25 by year three with loyalty discounts, per jetbrains.com/store inline pricing JSON checked 19 Aug 2026
  • They diverge on capability: Acunetix covers DAST scanning, PyCharm covers Intelligent code editor.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Acunetix and PyCharm actually diverge.

Attributes where Acunetix and PyCharm differ
AttributeAcunetixPyCharm
Starting priceOn requestFree
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsDesktop, Web, ApiWindows, Macos, Linux
Founded20052010

Identical on both: pricing model (subscription), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Acunetix

  • DAST scanning
  • IAST technology
  • AcuSensor
  • JavaScript security
  • SQL injection testing
  • XSS detection
  • OWASP Top 10
  • API security testing

Only in PyCharm

  • Intelligent code editor
  • Smart code navigation
  • Fast and safe refactorings
  • Debugging and testing
  • VCS integration
  • Scientific development tools
  • Web development support
  • Database tools

Both cover

  • GitHub
  • GitLab

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Acunetix

  • Vulnerability Scannernot PyCharm
  • Web Securitynot PyCharm
  • Dastnot PyCharm

PyCharm

  • Python developmentnot Acunetix
  • Data science projectsnot Acunetix
  • Web developmentnot Acunetix
  • Machine learningnot Acunetix
  • Scientific computingnot Acunetix

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Acunetix

  • AWS Marketplace lists Acunetix Online Premium, published by seller Invicti Security, at $7,000 per year for 5 targets under a 12 month contract, where a target is one fully qualified domain, website, web app, API or web service
  • AWS Marketplace's Invicti listing shows Premium Support priced separately at $150,000 per year and Premium Support with Guided Success at $300,000 per year, on top of the base scanning licence

PyCharm

  • PyCharm Pro commercial licence is USD 299/year (USD 29.90/month); personal licence is USD 109/year dropping to USD 68.25 by year three with loyalty discounts, per jetbrains.com/store inline pricing JSON checked 19 Aug 2026

Pricing, plan by plan

Acunetix

On request
  • StandardFree
    • Single user
    • 5 targets
    • Scheduled scans
  • PremiumFree
    • Multiple users
    • Unlimited targets
    • CI/CD integration
  • Acunetix 360Free
    • Enterprise features
    • SDLC integration
    • Custom workflows

PyCharm

Free
  • CommunityFree
    • Intelligent Python editor
    • Graphical debugger and test runner
    • Navigation and refactoring
  • Professional$24.9/month
    • Everything in Community
    • Web development frameworks
    • Database tools

Which should you pick?

Choose Acunetix if

  • You need dast scanning.
  • You work on Desktop, Web, Api.
  • You also want iast technology.
Acunetix review

Choose PyCharm if

  • You need intelligent code editor.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux.
  • You also want smart code navigation.
PyCharm review

Questions people ask

Is Acunetix or PyCharm better?
Neither clearly leads. Acunetix starts at On request and PyCharm at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Acunetix or PyCharm?
PyCharm has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for Acunetix and Free for PyCharm.
Does Acunetix or PyCharm run on more platforms?
Acunetix runs on Desktop, Web, Api. PyCharm runs on Windows, Macos, Linux.
Can I use PyCharm for free?
Yes. PyCharm has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Acunetix starts at On request.
What is Acunetix best used for?
Acunetix is most often used for vulnerability scanner, web security, dast. Of those, vulnerability scanner and web security are not what PyCharm is typically brought in for.
What can Acunetix do that PyCharm cannot?
Acunetix covers DAST scanning, IAST technology, AcuSensor, JavaScript security. PyCharm covers Intelligent code editor, Smart code navigation, Fast and safe refactorings, Debugging and testing. Both handle GitHub, GitLab.
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