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PyCharm vs WebStorm

PyCharm logo

PyCharm

Software

The IDE for Professional Python Development

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
WebStorm logo

WebStorm

Software

The JavaScript and TypeScript IDE

From
$12.9/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only PyCharm has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: PyCharm pyCharm Pro commercial licence is USD 299/year (USD 29.90/month); personal licence is USD 109/year dropping to USD 68.25 by year three with loyalty discounts, per jetbrains.com/store inline pricing JSON checked 19 Aug 2026; 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.
  • They diverge on capability: PyCharm covers Intelligent code editor, WebStorm covers Smart JavaScript editor.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which PyCharm and WebStorm actually diverge.

Attributes where PyCharm and WebStorm differ
AttributePyCharmWebStorm
Starting priceFree$12.9/month
Free tierYesNo
Founded20102000

Identical on both: pricing model (subscription), platforms (Windows, Macos, Linux), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

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 WebStorm

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

Both cover

  • Local development
  • Secure debugging
  • Local deployment
  • Windows support

What people use each for

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

PyCharm

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

WebStorm

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

Where each one falls short

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

PyCharm

  • PyCharm Pro commercial licence is USD 299/year (USD 29.90/month); personal licence is USD 109/year dropping to USD 68.25 by year three with loyalty discounts, per jetbrains.com/store inline pricing JSON checked 19 Aug 2026

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

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

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 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 WebStorm if

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

Questions people ask

Is PyCharm or WebStorm better?
Neither clearly leads. PyCharm 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, PyCharm or WebStorm?
PyCharm has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for PyCharm and $12.9/month for WebStorm.
Does PyCharm or WebStorm run on more platforms?
Both run on Windows, Macos, Linux, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
Can I use PyCharm for free?
Yes. PyCharm has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. WebStorm starts at $12.9/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 WebStorm is typically brought in for.
What can PyCharm do that WebStorm cannot?
PyCharm covers Intelligent code editor, Smart code navigation, Fast and safe refactorings, Debugging and testing. WebStorm covers Smart JavaScript editor, TypeScript support, Node.js development, Modern framework support. Both handle Local development, Secure debugging, Local deployment, Windows support.
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