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Developer Tools · head to head

Fig vs PhpStorm

F

Fig

Developer Tools

IDE-style autocomplete for your existing terminal

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
PhpStorm logo

PhpStorm

Developer Tools

JetBrains IDE for PHP web development

From
$24/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Fig has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Fig shut down on 1 September 2024. Amazon acquired Fig in August 2023 and folded it into Amazon Q Developer, which now carries the terminal autocomplete; PhpStorm requires an ongoing paid subscription with no free tier for commercial use.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 29 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Fig and PhpStorm actually diverge.

Attributes where Fig and PhpStorm differ
AttributeFigPhpStorm
Starting priceFree$24/month
Pricing modelfreemiumsubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWebwindows, mac, linux
Founded20202000

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Developer Tools).

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 Fig

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.

Fig

No use cases recorded yet. See the Fig review.

PhpStorm

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

Where each one falls short

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

Fig

  • Shut down on 1 September 2024. Amazon acquired Fig in August 2023 and folded it into Amazon Q Developer, which now carries the terminal autocomplete
  • The standalone desktop app is no longer available or supported
  • The completion specs remain open source on GitHub, but the product that consumed them is gone

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

Fig

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Fig 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 Fig if

  • You want to start without paying.
Fig 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 Fig or PhpStorm better?
Neither clearly leads. Fig 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, Fig or PhpStorm?
Fig has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Fig and $24/month for PhpStorm.
Does Fig or PhpStorm run on more platforms?
Fig runs on Web. PhpStorm runs on windows, mac, linux.
Can I use Fig for free?
Yes. Fig has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. PhpStorm starts at $24/month.
What can Fig do that PhpStorm cannot?
PhpStorm covers PHP-aware coding assistance, Integrated debugger, Front-end tooling, Database tools.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

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
PhpStorm: Is there a free trial?

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

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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