Head-to-head · Linters
PMD vs Astral
PMD leads on 2 checks, Astral on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scorePMD · 8.3/10
- Free planboth
PMD scores higher on our rubric for linters: 8.3 against 8.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #9 and #10.
PMD leads on languages supported: 16 versus 1. PMD offers custom rules; Astral doesn't.
PMD is the better fit for multilanguage static-analysis programs. Astral is the better fit for python teams seeking linting, fixes, and formatting.
- PMD fits best
Multilanguage static-analysis programs
- Astral fits best
Python teams seeking linting, fixes, and formatting
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Side by side
| Feature | PMD 8.3/10 Visit ↗ | Astral 8.2/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.3 | 8.2 |
| Ranking | #9 in Linters | #10 in Linters |
| Best for | Multilanguage static-analysis programs | Python teams seeking linting, fixes, and formatting |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Self-hosted, Desktop | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Windows, Linux, macOS | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Docs | Docs |
| Integrations | 10 integrations | 6 integrations |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features PMD 3/4 · Astral 3/4 | ||
| Autofix | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Custom rules | ✓ (best) | — |
| Security rules | ✓ | ✓ |
| CI support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Languages supported | 16 (best) | 1 |
| IDE support | Ide | Ide |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
| Our verdict | PMD is an open-source, extensible static code analyzer for developers and development teams working across multiple programming languages. Its published capabilities cover 16 languages and include checks for common programming flaws such… Read the review → |
Astral is a Python developer-tools company whose products include Ruff, an open-source linter and code formatter written in Rust. Ruff is for Python developers and teams that want to check files from the command line, configure which… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
PMD — where it wins
- 400+ built-in rules across 16 supported languages
- Custom Java and XPath rules plus CPD duplicate-code detection
- Integrates with major build tools, IDEs, and CI workflows
Where it doesn't
- Autofix is not part of the stated core capabilities
- Its breadth may require managing rules across multiple languages
- Platform coverage is listed as Windows, Linux, and self-hosted
Astral — where it wins
- More than 900 built-in lint rules with configurable selection and suppression
- Can automatically fix supported findings and format Python code
- Supports editor language servers, Jupyter files, and CI workflows
Where it doesn't
- Supports Python rather than multiple programming languages
- Does not support custom user-created lint rules
- Support channels listed are documentation only
- PMD8.3/10 · Free plan
A broad, open-source linter for teams managing static analysis across 16 languages.
Visit PMDFull verdict → - Astral8.2/10 · Free plan
An open-source Python linter and formatter with fixes, editor support, and CI integration.
Visit AstralFull verdict →
All linters comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update