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ESLint vs WebStorm

ESLint logo

ESLint

Developer Tools

Find and fix problems in JavaScript code

From
Free
Free plan
Yes
Full reviewWebsite
WebStorm logo

WebStorm

Technology

The JavaScript and TypeScript IDE

From
$12.9/month
Free plan
No
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; WebStorm jetBrains WebStorm is sold as an annual subscription rather than a one-time purchase: commercial price is $199 per year (USD), and personal price starts at $299 in year one, dropping to $239 in year two and $179 from year three onward with continuous renewal.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which ESLint and WebStorm actually diverge.

Attributes where ESLint and WebStorm differ
AttributeESLintWebStorm
Starting priceFree$12.9/month
Pricing modelUnknownsubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsBrowser-based JavaScript, Node.js, Any JavaScript environmentWindows, Macos, Linux
CategoryDeveloper ToolsTechnology
Founded20192000

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 ESLint

Nothing recorded that WebStorm does not also cover.

Only in WebStorm

  • Smart JavaScript editor
  • TypeScript support
  • Node.js development
  • Modern framework support
  • Built-in debugger
  • Unit testing
  • Version control
  • Live templates

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 WebStorm
  • Automatically fixing issues with syntax-aware rewritesnot WebStorm
  • Enforcing a consistent code style across a teamnot WebStorm
  • Running as a CI step to block non-conforming codenot WebStorm
  • Writing custom rules for project-specific conventionsnot WebStorm

WebStorm

  • Web application developmentnot ESLint
  • React/Angular/Vue developmentnot ESLint
  • Node.js backend developmentnot ESLint
  • TypeScript projectsnot ESLint
  • Frontend testingnot 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

WebStorm

  • JetBrains WebStorm is sold as an annual subscription rather than a one-time purchase: commercial price is $199 per year (USD), and personal price starts at $299 in year one, dropping to $239 in year two and $179 from year three onward with continuous renewal.
  • If the subscription lapses, use of new versions stops; JetBrains grants a fallback license only for the last version used while the subscription was active, per its published buy page.

Pricing, plan by plan

ESLint

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the ESLint review.

WebStorm

$12.9/month
  • Individual$12.9/month
    • Intelligent JavaScript & TypeScript editor
    • Debugging and testing
    • VCS integration
  • Organizations$25.9/month
    • All Individual features
    • Commercial use license
    • Centralized license management

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 WebStorm if

  • You need smart javascript editor.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux.
  • You also want typescript support.
WebStorm review

Questions people ask

Is ESLint or WebStorm better?
Neither clearly leads. ESLint starts at Free and WebStorm at $12.9/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, ESLint or WebStorm?
ESLint has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for ESLint and $12.9/month for WebStorm.
Does ESLint or WebStorm run on more platforms?
ESLint runs on Browser-based JavaScript, Node.js, Any JavaScript environment. WebStorm runs on Windows, Macos, Linux.
Can I use ESLint for free?
Yes. ESLint has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. WebStorm starts at $12.9/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 WebStorm is typically brought in for.
What can ESLint do that WebStorm cannot?
WebStorm covers Smart JavaScript editor, TypeScript support, Node.js development, Modern framework support.

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
WebStorm: Is there a free version of WebStorm?

Yes, WebStorm is free for non-commercial use and includes access to JetBrains AI with a free tier.

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
WebStorm: What is the cost of a commercial WebStorm license?

The page references a testimonial mentioning 70 euros as a cost, though specific current pricing requires visiting the dedicated pricing page.

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
WebStorm: How does JetBrains AI licensing work?

Users can pay with JetBrains AI credits, bring their own AI subscriptions and API keys to avoid vendor lock-in, or use the free tier included with WebStorm.

Source
WebStorm: What features does the free tier include?

The free tier includes the smart code editor, navigation tools, integrated developer tools, and customization options.

Source
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