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Machine Learning & Data Science · head to head

Anaconda vs PyCharm

Anaconda logo

Anaconda

Machine Learning & Data Science

The world's most popular data science platform

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
PyCharm logo

PyCharm

Technology

The IDE for Professional Python Development

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Anaconda dependency resolution slower than pip due to SAT solver complexity; 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: Anaconda covers Conda package manager, PyCharm covers Intelligent code editor.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Anaconda and PyCharm actually diverge.

Attributes where Anaconda and PyCharm differ
AttributeAnacondaPyCharm
Pricing modelUnknownsubscription
PlatformsWindows, macOS, Linux, Web/CloudWindows, Macos, Linux
CategoryMachine Learning & Data ScienceTechnology
Founded20122010

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated).

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 Anaconda

  • Conda package manager
  • Environment management
  • 1500+ packages
  • Navigator GUI
  • Cross-platform support
  • VS Code
  • PyCharm
  • RStudio

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

  • Jupyter
  • Windows support

What people use each for

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

Anaconda

  • Machine learning
  • Data analysisnot PyCharm
  • Model trainingnot PyCharm
  • Predictive analyticsnot PyCharm

PyCharm

  • Python developmentnot Anaconda
  • Data science projectsnot Anaconda
  • Web developmentnot Anaconda
  • Machine learning
  • Scientific computingnot Anaconda

Both are used for machine learning, on those jobs the choice comes down to price and fit rather than capability.

Where each one falls short

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

Anaconda

  • Dependency resolution slower than pip due to SAT solver complexity
  • Not all PyPI packages available through default Anaconda repository
  • Requires paid licenses for organizations with 200+ employees
  • Larger disk footprint than minimal Python installations

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

Anaconda

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 600+ pre-installed packages
    • Anaconda Navigator
    • 5GB cloud storage
  • Starter$15/month
    • 10GB cloud storage per user
    • Professional development environment
    • Team workspace controls
  • Business$50/month
    • Automated vulnerability scanning
    • Audit trails
    • Enterprise SSO

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 Anaconda if

  • You need conda package manager.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux, Web/Cloud.
  • You also want environment management.
Anaconda 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 Anaconda or PyCharm better?
Neither clearly leads. Anaconda starts at Free and PyCharm at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Anaconda or PyCharm?
Anaconda starts at Free and PyCharm at Free.
Does Anaconda or PyCharm run on more platforms?
Anaconda runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, Web/Cloud. PyCharm runs on Windows, Macos, Linux.
Can I use Anaconda for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Anaconda best used for?
Anaconda is most often used for machine learning, data analysis, model training, predictive analytics. Of those, data analysis and model training are not what PyCharm is typically brought in for.
What can Anaconda do that PyCharm cannot?
Anaconda covers Conda package manager, Environment management, 1500+ packages, Navigator GUI. PyCharm covers Intelligent code editor, Smart code navigation, Fast and safe refactorings, Debugging and testing. Both handle Jupyter, Windows support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Anaconda: Does Anaconda have a free version?

Yes. Anaconda Distribution is free and includes 600+ pre-installed data science packages, Navigator, and 5GB of cloud storage. Organizations with 200+ employees must use paid plans unless they qualify for academic or non-profit exemptions.

Source
Anaconda: What is the difference between Anaconda Distribution and Miniconda?

Anaconda Distribution includes 600+ pre-installed packages optimized for data science out of the box. Miniconda is lightweight with only conda, Python, and essential packages, requiring manual installation of additional libraries.

Source
Anaconda: Does Anaconda integrate with VS Code?

Yes. Anaconda environments can be activated in VS Code, and you can run Jupyter Notebooks directly. Both JupyterLab and conda can be managed through the VS Code Jupyter extension.

Source
Anaconda: What platforms does Anaconda support?

Anaconda runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, with cloud-based deployment options. Anaconda Notebooks provides a cloud-based JupyterLab environment requiring no local installation.

Source
Anaconda: Do all PyPI packages work with Anaconda?

Not all PyPI packages are available through Anaconda's default conda repository. When a package is unavailable in conda, you can install it from conda-forge or pip as an alternative.

Source
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