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Technology · head to head

PyCharm vs Shortcut

PyCharm logo

PyCharm

Technology

The IDE for Professional Python Development

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Shortcut logo

Shortcut

Technology

Project management for software teams

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: PyCharm exact pricing for Pro edition not available on homepage; Shortcut limited reporting compared to Jira
  • They diverge on capability: PyCharm covers Intelligent code editor, Shortcut covers Stories & epics.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which PyCharm and Shortcut actually diverge.

Attributes where PyCharm and Shortcut differ
AttributePyCharmShortcut
Pricing modelsubscriptionUnknown
PlatformsWindows, Macos, LinuxWeb, macOS, Windows, Linux
Founded20102014

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), 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 PyCharm

  • Intelligent code editor
  • Smart code navigation
  • Fast and safe refactorings
  • Debugging and testing
  • VCS integration
  • Scientific development tools
  • Web development support
  • Database tools

Only in Shortcut

  • Stories & epics
  • Iterations (sprints)
  • Kanban boards
  • Roadmaps
  • Reporting
  • Docs
  • API & webhooks
  • Mobile apps

Both cover

  • GitHub
  • GitLab

What people use each for

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

PyCharm

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

Shortcut

  • Sprint planningnot PyCharm
  • Bug trackingnot PyCharm
  • Feature developmentnot PyCharm
  • Product roadmappingnot PyCharm
  • Team collaborationnot PyCharm

Where each one falls short

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

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

Shortcut

  • Limited reporting compared to Jira
  • Designed specifically for software teams, not general project management
  • Can experience slow loading times with very large projects

Pricing, plan by plan

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

Shortcut

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Kanban boards
    • Sprints
    • Roadmaps
  • Team$8.5/user/month
    • Unlimited users
    • Advanced reports
    • WIP limits
  • Business$12/user/month
    • Unlimited workspaces
    • OKRs
    • Advanced custom fields
  • Enterprise$undefined/custom
    • Volume discounts
    • SSO/SCIM
    • Premier support

Which should you pick?

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

Choose Shortcut if

  • You need stories & epics.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, macOS, Windows, Linux.
  • You also want iterations (sprints).
Shortcut review

Questions people ask

Is PyCharm or Shortcut better?
Neither clearly leads. PyCharm starts at Free and Shortcut at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, PyCharm or Shortcut?
PyCharm starts at Free and Shortcut at Free.
Does PyCharm or Shortcut run on more platforms?
PyCharm runs on Windows, Macos, Linux. Shortcut runs on Web, macOS, Windows, Linux.
Can I use PyCharm for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is PyCharm best used for?
PyCharm is most often used for python development, data science projects, web development, machine learning. Of those, python development and data science projects are not what Shortcut is typically brought in for.
What can PyCharm do that Shortcut cannot?
PyCharm covers Intelligent code editor, Smart code navigation, Fast and safe refactorings, Debugging and testing. Shortcut covers Stories & epics, Iterations (sprints), Kanban boards, Roadmaps. Both handle GitHub, GitLab.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

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
Shortcut: Does Shortcut have a free plan?

Yes, Shortcut offers a free plan for up to 10 users with core features like kanban boards, roadmaps, sprints, and reports. Paid plans start at $8.50 per user per month.

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
Shortcut: Does Shortcut integrate with GitHub?

Yes, Shortcut has native GitHub integration that automatically syncs pull requests and commits to stories, and includes GitLab and Bitbucket support as well.

Source
Shortcut: Can I use Shortcut for non-technical projects?

Shortcut is built for software teams, though you can customize workflows for other use cases. Linear and Asana may be better suited for non-technical project management.

Source
Shortcut: Does Shortcut support SSO and SCIM?

Yes, SSO and SCIM support are available on the Enterprise plan, allowing centralized identity management for large organizations.

Source
Shortcut: What's the difference between Shortcut and Jira?

Shortcut is lighter and faster with less setup required, while Jira offers deeper customization and enterprise features. Shortcut works better for modern software teams wanting simplicity; Jira suits enterprises needing extensive configuration.

Source
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