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ESLint vs PhpStorm

ESLint logo

ESLint

Software

Find and fix problems in JavaScript code

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
PhpStorm logo

PhpStorm

Software

JetBrains IDE for PHP web development

From
$24/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only ESLint has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: ESLint slow performance on large codebases compared to newer tools like Oxlint and Biome; PhpStorm requires an ongoing paid subscription with no free tier for commercial use.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which ESLint and PhpStorm actually diverge.

Attributes where ESLint and PhpStorm differ
AttributeESLintPhpStorm
Starting priceFree$24/month
Pricing modelUnknownsubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsBrowser-based JavaScript, Node.js, Any JavaScript environmentwindows, mac, linux
Founded20192000

Identical on both: 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 ESLint

Nothing recorded that PhpStorm does not also cover.

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.

ESLint

  • Statically analysing JavaScript and JSX to find problems before runtimenot PhpStorm
  • Automatically fixing issues with syntax-aware rewritesnot PhpStorm
  • Enforcing a consistent code style across a teamnot PhpStorm
  • Running as a CI step to block non-conforming codenot PhpStorm
  • Writing custom rules for project-specific conventionsnot PhpStorm

PhpStorm

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

Where each one falls short

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

ESLint

  • Slow performance on large codebases compared to newer tools like Oxlint and Biome
  • Complexity in configuration from scratch, particularly for TypeScript support
  • Limited built-in TypeScript support, requiring separate parsers and coordination with new TypeScript features

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

ESLint

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the ESLint review.

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 ESLint if

  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Browser-based JavaScript, Node.js, Any JavaScript environment.
ESLint 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 ESLint or PhpStorm better?
Neither clearly leads. ESLint 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, ESLint or PhpStorm?
ESLint has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for ESLint and $24/month for PhpStorm.
Does ESLint or PhpStorm run on more platforms?
ESLint runs on Browser-based JavaScript, Node.js, Any JavaScript environment. PhpStorm runs on windows, mac, linux.
Can I use ESLint for free?
Yes. ESLint has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. PhpStorm starts at $24/month.
What is ESLint best used for?
ESLint is most often used for statically analysing javascript and jsx to find problems before runtime, automatically fixing issues with syntax-aware rewrites, enforcing a consistent code style across a team, running as a ci step to block non-conforming code. Of those, statically analysing javascript and jsx to find problems before runtime and automatically fixing issues with syntax-aware rewrites are not what PhpStorm is typically brought in for.
What can ESLint do that PhpStorm cannot?
PhpStorm covers PHP-aware coding assistance, Integrated debugger, Front-end tooling, Database tools.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

ESLint: Does ESLint automatically fix code issues?

Many problems ESLint finds can be automatically fixed via the --fix flag. ESLint fixes are syntax-aware so you won't experience errors introduced by traditional find-and-replace algorithms.

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
ESLint: How much does ESLint cost?

ESLint is completely free and open-source software maintained by the OpenJS Foundation. The project accepts voluntary donations from sponsors.

Source
PhpStorm: Is there a free trial?

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

Source
ESLint: Can I write custom ESLint rules?

Yes. You can develop custom rules that work alongside built-in functionality through ESLint's plugin system, allowing complete customization for your project needs.

Source
PhpStorm: What platforms does PhpStorm support?

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

Source
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