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Django vs PhpStorm

Django logo

Django

Web Development

The web framework for perfectionists with deadlines

From
Free
Free plan
Yes
Full reviewWebsite
PhpStorm logo

PhpStorm

Developer Tools

JetBrains IDE for PHP web development

From
$24/month
Free plan
No
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Django has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Django does not fully support asynchronous database access; PhpStorm requires an ongoing paid subscription with no free tier for commercial use.
  • They diverge on capability: Django covers Model-View-Template (MVT), PhpStorm covers PHP-aware coding assistance.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Django and PhpStorm actually diverge.

Attributes where Django and PhpStorm differ
AttributeDjangoPhpStorm
Starting priceFree$24/month
Pricing modelfreesubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsLinux, macOS, Windowswindows, mac, linux
CategoryWeb DevelopmentDeveloper Tools
Founded20052000

Identical on both: 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 Django

  • Model-View-Template (MVT)
  • Object-relational mapping
  • Automatic admin interface
  • URL routing
  • Template engine
  • Form handling
  • Authentication system
  • Internationalization

Only in PhpStorm

  • PHP-aware coding assistance
  • Integrated debugger
  • Front-end tooling
  • Database tools
  • Version control integration
  • Docker and remote deployment

What people use each for

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

Django

  • Web application developmentnot PhpStorm
  • Content management systemsnot PhpStorm
  • E-commerce platformsnot PhpStorm
  • API developmentnot PhpStorm
  • News websitesnot PhpStorm
  • Social networksnot PhpStorm

PhpStorm

  • Building PHP web applications with Laravel or Symfonynot Django
  • Debugging PHP code with Xdebugnot Django
  • Working across PHP, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript in one projectnot Django
  • Managing databases alongside application codenot Django

Where each one falls short

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

Django

  • Does not fully support asynchronous database access
  • Monolithic design can feel restrictive for small-scale or lightweight applications
  • Batteries-included approach adds overhead if features are not needed
  • Slower framework evolution due to backward compatibility requirements

PhpStorm

  • Requires an ongoing paid subscription with no free tier for commercial use.
  • Heavier and slower to start than lightweight code editors.
  • Some advanced framework-specific tooling requires additional configuration or plugins.
  • Renewal pricing rises for lapsed subscriptions after the grace period.

Pricing, plan by plan

Django

Free
  • Open SourceFree
    • Full web framework
    • Admin interface
    • ORM system

PhpStorm

$24/month
  • Individual$24/month
    • Personal use license
    • Access to PhpStorm
    • Free for students and open-source maintainers
  • Organization$34/month
    • Business use license
    • Access to PhpStorm
    • Volume and renewal discounts

Which should you pick?

Choose Django if

  • You need model-view-template (mvt).
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Linux, macOS, Windows.
  • You also want object-relational mapping.
Django review

Choose PhpStorm if

  • You need php-aware coding assistance.
  • You work on windows, mac, linux.
  • You also want integrated debugger.
PhpStorm review

Questions people ask

Is Django or PhpStorm better?
Neither clearly leads. Django starts at Free and PhpStorm at $24/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Django or PhpStorm?
Django has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Django and $24/month for PhpStorm.
Does Django or PhpStorm run on more platforms?
Django runs on Linux, macOS, Windows. PhpStorm runs on windows, mac, linux.
Can I use Django for free?
Yes. Django has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. PhpStorm starts at $24/month.
What is Django best used for?
Django is most often used for web application development, content management systems, e-commerce platforms, api development. Of those, web application development and content management systems are not what PhpStorm is typically brought in for.
What can Django do that PhpStorm cannot?
Django covers Model-View-Template (MVT), Object-relational mapping, Automatic admin interface, URL routing. PhpStorm covers PHP-aware coding assistance, Integrated debugger, Front-end tooling, Database tools.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Django: What databases does Django support?

Django natively supports PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite3, and Oracle databases through its ORM, allowing developers to switch databases without rewriting code.

Source
PhpStorm: How much does PhpStorm cost?

PhpStorm is sold via JetBrains Toolbox subscription starting around $24/month for individuals and $34/month for organizations, with free licenses for students and open-source maintainers.

Source
Django: How does Django handle database schema changes?

Django includes a built-in migration system. Developers use makemigrations to create migration files and migrate to apply changes to the database schema.

Source
PhpStorm: Is there a free trial?

JetBrains offers a free trial of PhpStorm so developers can test it before subscribing.

Source
Django: Does Django support asynchronous programming?

Django added basic async/await support, but full asynchronous database access remains limited. The framework does not fully support asynchronous programming, which can be a limitation for real-time applications.

Source
PhpStorm: What platforms does PhpStorm support?

PhpStorm is a desktop IDE available on Windows, macOS, and Linux via JetBrains Toolbox.

Source
Django: Is Django free and open source?

Yes, Django is free and open-source software maintained by the Django Software Foundation, founded in June 2008.

Source
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