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Eclipse vs PyCharm

Eclipse logo

Eclipse

Technology

The Eclipse Foundation - home to a global community

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: Eclipse high memory consumption and CPU usage, especially with multiple plugins installed; PyCharm exact pricing for Pro edition not available on homepage
  • They diverge on capability: Eclipse covers Java development environment, PyCharm covers Intelligent code editor.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Eclipse and PyCharm actually diverge.

Attributes where Eclipse and PyCharm differ
AttributeEclipsePyCharm
Pricing modelUnknownsubscription
Founded20012010

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), platforms (Windows, macOS, Linux), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Technology).

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 Eclipse

  • Java development environment
  • Extensible plugin architecture
  • Integrated debugger
  • Code refactoring
  • Version control integration
  • Build automation
  • Multi-language support
  • Rich client platform

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

  • Git
  • Mercurial
  • Local development
  • Local deployment
  • Windows support

What people use each for

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

Eclipse

  • Java application developmentnot PyCharm
  • Enterprise software developmentnot PyCharm
  • Web application developmentnot PyCharm
  • Plugin developmentnot PyCharm
  • Educational programmingnot PyCharm

PyCharm

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

Where each one falls short

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

Eclipse

  • High memory consumption and CPU usage, especially with multiple plugins installed
  • Slow startup times and performance degradation with large projects or many open editors
  • Requires configuration of eclipse.ini file to optimize heap sizes for adequate performance
  • User interface considered outdated compared to modern IDE alternatives
  • User base fell from 39% of Java developers in 2024 to 28% in 2025, indicating market decline

PyCharm

  • Exact pricing for Pro edition not available on homepage
  • Community edition free but limited to open-source projects only
  • Professional edition pricing requires visiting buy page

Pricing, plan by plan

Eclipse

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Eclipse review.

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 Eclipse if

  • You need java development environment.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux.
  • You also want extensible plugin architecture.
Eclipse 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 Eclipse or PyCharm better?
Neither clearly leads. Eclipse 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, Eclipse or PyCharm?
Eclipse starts at Free and PyCharm at Free.
Does Eclipse or PyCharm run on more platforms?
Eclipse runs on Windows, macOS, Linux. PyCharm runs on Windows, Macos, Linux.
Can I use Eclipse for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Eclipse best used for?
Eclipse is most often used for java application development, enterprise software development, web application development, plugin development. Of those, java application development and enterprise software development are not what PyCharm is typically brought in for.
What can Eclipse do that PyCharm cannot?
Eclipse covers Java development environment, Extensible plugin architecture, Integrated debugger, Code refactoring. PyCharm covers Intelligent code editor, Smart code navigation, Fast and safe refactorings, Debugging and testing. Both handle Git, Mercurial, Local development, Local deployment.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Eclipse: How much does Eclipse IDE cost?

Eclipse IDE is completely free and open-source, released under the Eclipse Public License 2.0.

Source
PyCharm: How much does PyCharm cost?

PyCharm offers a free Community edition plus a Professional edition with a one-month free trial of Pro features included. Exact Pro pricing is available on JetBrains' buy page.

Source
PyCharm: Is there a free version of PyCharm?

Yes, PyCharm Community Edition is completely free. All new downloads also include one month of PyCharm Professional included free.

Source
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