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Developer Tools · head to head

PyCharm vs Surfshark

PyCharm logo

PyCharm

Developer Tools

The IDE for Professional Python Development

From
Free
Free plan
Yes
Surfshark logo

Surfshark

Cybersecurity

Secure your digital life

From
$1.78/month
Free plan
No

The short version

  • PyCharm is a dedicated Python Integrated Development Environment.
  • PyCharm has a free plan, then $24.9/mo; Surfshark starts at $1.78/mo.
  • Only PyCharm lists intelligent code editor; only Surfshark lists unlimited devices.
  • Where PyCharm falls short: exact pricing for Pro edition not available on homepage.
  • Where Surfshark falls short: smaller server network (4,500+ servers) compared to larger competitors like NordVPN.
  • Prices and features on this page were last checked on 13 November 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which PyCharm and Surfshark actually diverge.

Attributes where PyCharm and Surfshark differ
AttributePyCharmSurfshark
Starting priceFree$1.78/month
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWindows, macOS, LinuxWindows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux
CategoryDeveloper ToolsCybersecurity
Founded20102018

Not yet recorded: pricing model for Surfshark.

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 Surfshark

  • Unlimited devices
  • CleanWeb ad blocker
  • MultiHop
  • Camouflage Mode
  • NoBorders mode
  • Kill Switch
  • Bypasser split tunneling
  • Rotating IP

What people use each for

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

PyCharm

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

Surfshark

  • Vpnnot PyCharm
  • Privacynot PyCharm
  • Security Suitenot 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

Surfshark

  • Smaller server network (4,500+ servers) compared to larger competitors like NordVPN
  • Lower brand recognition compared to established VPN providers
  • Limited customer service availability in some time zones

Pricing, plan by plan

PyCharm

Free
  • CommunityFree
    • Intelligent Python editor
    • Graphical debugger and test runner
    • Navigation and refactoring
  • Professional$24.9/mo
    • Everything in Community
    • Web development frameworks
    • Database tools

Surfshark

$1.78/month
  • Starter$1.78/mo
    • Unlimited simultaneous connections
    • 4,500+ servers
    • Basic VPN
  • One$3.59/mo
    • VPN
    • Antivirus
    • Personal data leak alert
  • One+$4/mo
    • All One features
    • Incogi included

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.

Choose Surfshark if

  • You need unlimited devices.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux.
  • You also want cleanweb ad blocker.

Questions people ask

Is PyCharm or Surfshark better?
Neither clearly leads. PyCharm starts at Free and Surfshark at $1.78/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, PyCharm or Surfshark?
PyCharm has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for PyCharm and $1.78/month for Surfshark.
Does PyCharm or Surfshark run on more platforms?
PyCharm runs on Windows, macOS, Linux. Surfshark runs on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux.
Can I use PyCharm for free?
Yes. PyCharm has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Surfshark starts at $1.78/month.
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 Surfshark is typically brought in for.
What can PyCharm do that Surfshark cannot?
PyCharm covers Intelligent code editor, Smart code navigation, Fast and safe refactorings, Debugging and testing. Surfshark covers Unlimited devices, CleanWeb ad blocker, MultiHop, Camouflage Mode.

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
Surfshark: Does Surfshark maintain a no-logs policy?

Yes. Surfshark does not log browsing history, visited IP addresses, bandwidth usage, or network traffic. This policy was independently verified by Deloitte in 2025.

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
Surfshark: How many simultaneous device connections does Surfshark allow?

Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections on all subscription plans, enabling protection of every device in a household with a single subscription.

Source
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