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Developer Tools · head to head

PhpStorm vs Subframe

PhpStorm logo

PhpStorm

Developer Tools

JetBrains IDE for PHP web development

From
$24/month
Free plan
No
Visit PhpStormFull review
Subframe logo

Subframe

Design

The AI-native design tool built for code

From
Free
Free plan
Yes
Visit SubframeFull review

The short version

  • Subframe has a free plan, then $29/mo; PhpStorm starts at $24/mo.
  • Where PhpStorm falls short: requires an ongoing paid subscription with no free tier for commercial use.
  • Where Subframe falls short: free plan limited to 1 project and 10 pages.
  • Prices and features on this page were last checked on 13 November 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which PhpStorm and Subframe actually diverge.

Attributes where PhpStorm and Subframe differ
AttributePhpStormSubframe
Starting price$24/monthFree
Pricing modelSubscriptionFreemium
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWindows, macOS, LinuxWeb
CategoryDeveloper ToolsDesign

Not yet recorded: founded for Subframe.

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 PhpStorm

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

Only in Subframe

Nothing recorded that PhpStorm does not also cover.

What people use each for

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

PhpStorm

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

Subframe

  • Creating production-ready interfaces without static mockupsnot PhpStorm
  • Syncing design components with code as single source of truthnot PhpStorm
  • Building responsive designs with auto layoutnot PhpStorm
  • Real-time multiplayer collaboration with layer commentingnot PhpStorm
  • Exporting Radix UI and Tailwind CSS code via CLInot PhpStorm

Where each one falls short

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

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

Subframe

  • Free plan limited to 1 project and 10 pages
  • Free plan includes limited AI features compared to Pro
  • Pro plan billed per editor, not per team

Pricing, plan by plan

PhpStorm

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

Subframe

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 1 project
    • Up to 10 pages
    • 2 prototypes
  • Pro$29/mo
    • Unlimited projects
    • Unlimited pages
    • Unlimited prototypes

Which should you pick?

Choose PhpStorm if

  • You need php-aware coding assistance.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux.
  • You also want integrated debugger.
PhpStorm review

Choose Subframe if

  • You want to start without paying.
Subframe review

Questions people ask

Is PhpStorm or Subframe better?
Neither clearly leads. PhpStorm starts at $24/month and Subframe at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, PhpStorm or Subframe?
Subframe has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $24/month for PhpStorm and Free for Subframe.
Does PhpStorm or Subframe run on more platforms?
PhpStorm runs on Windows, macOS, Linux. Subframe runs on Web.
Can I use Subframe for free?
Yes. Subframe has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. PhpStorm starts at $24/month.
What is PhpStorm best used for?
PhpStorm is most often used for building php web applications with laravel or symfony, debugging php code with xdebug, working across php, html, css, and javascript in one project, managing databases alongside application code. Of those, building php web applications with laravel or symfony and debugging php code with xdebug are not what Subframe is typically brought in for.
What can PhpStorm do that Subframe 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
Subframe: Is there a free version of Subframe?

Yes, Subframe offers a free plan with 1 project, up to 10 pages, 2 prototypes, unlimited team members, and limited AI features.

Source
PhpStorm: Is there a free trial?

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

Source
Subframe: How is the Pro plan priced?

Subframe Pro costs $29 per editor per month, with unlimited projects, pages, prototypes, and AI usage.

Source
PhpStorm: What platforms does PhpStorm support?

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

Source
Subframe: Are viewer seats free?

Yes, Subframe offers free viewer seats across all pricing plans, allowing team members to view without an editor license.

Source
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