PyCharm vs Spyder
PyCharm
jetbrains.comSpyder
spyder-ide.github.ioSide by side
| Figure | PyCharm | Spyder |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $8.33/mo | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | — |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 5 | 1 |
| Spec score · Integrated Development Environments | 8.9 (#5) | 7.5 (#45) |
| Spec score · Python IDEs | 9.2 (#2) | 7.5 (#15) |
| Debugging | PyCharm includes a configurable visual debugger that works locally, remotely, in virtual environments, and in containers. | Spyder 6’s Debugger pane supports controlling execution, navigating the stack and viewing or managing breakpoints. |
| Integrations | Built-in version-control integrations include Git, GitHub, GitLab, Subversion, Mercurial, and Perforce support. | Spyder documents built-in integration with Matplotlib, NumPy and Pandas, among other scientific Python libraries. |
| Purpose | PyCharm is an IDE built for web, data, and AI/ML professionals. | Spyder is a scientific Python development environment designed for scientists, engineers and data analysts. |
| Support | PyCharm lists a community forum, bug and issue tracker, plugin repository, and PyCharm blog as support resources. | The project directs users to its troubleshooting guide, GitHub issue tracker, developer documentation and Google Group for help. |
Plans
PyCharm
- PyCharm coreFree
- PyCharm FreeFree
- PyCharm Pro personal annual first year$100 a year
- PyCharm Pro$200 a year
- PyCharm Pro commercial annual$200 a year
In their own words
PyCharm
PyCharm is an IDE for web, data, and AI/ML professionals, with tools for Python development. It provides code completion, PEP 8 checks, inspections, and refactoring, alongside debugging and testing. The IDE includes an integrated terminal, package managers, Docker integration, and support for Pipenv, conda, virtualenv, and Poetry. Version control includes Git, GitHub, GitLab, Subversion, Mercurial, and Perforce; database tools cover MySQL, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, Oracle, Redis, and other providers. Local AI code completion can run local LLMs without sending code over the internet. Remote development supports several listed services, and remote connections use end-to-end TLS 1.3 with SSH security and host-fingerprint verification. PyCharm runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows. Its free plan costs nothing and includes one month of Pro. The listed Pro plan costs $200 a year, billed per user per year. PyCharm Ultimate can be evaluated free for 30 days before purchase and license activation are required.
Spyder
Spyder is a free, open-source scientific Python development environment for scientists, engineers, and data analysts. Its Editor can create, open, and edit source files, highlight syntax, and run files, lines, selections, or code cells. The IPython Console includes code completion, function calltips, debugger integration, a Variable Explorer, and Matplotlib plots. The Variable Explorer lets users inspect and edit lists, dictionaries, NumPy arrays, and Pandas DataFrames, and plot or visualize supported objects. Spyder 6’s Debugger pane supports execution control, stack navigation, and breakpoint management. The project documents built-in integration with Matplotlib, NumPy, Pandas, and other scientific Python libraries. Standalone installers include Python and common scientific libraries; users can connect an external Python distribution for additional packages. Third-party plugins currently require installation in a Conda or virtual environment, and documentation says a built-in plugin manager is in development for Spyder 6.2. Spyder is available for Linux, macOS, web, and Windows. The project permits use, modification, and redistribution, including commercial use, though Anaconda distribution terms may separately affect some large enterprises.