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Head-to-head · Integrated Development Environment Ide Software

PyCharm vs Eclipse IDE

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks side by side
Higher score PyCharm #4 in Integrated Development Environment Ide Software 9.1/10 Free plan · 30-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 1 of 4 features Visit PyCharm

PyCharm leads on 0 checks, Eclipse IDE on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scorePyCharm · 9.1/10
  • Free planboth
  • Free trialonly PyCharm
  • Most featuresPyCharm · 1 of 4

PyCharm scores higher on our rubric for integrated development environment ide software: 9.1 against 8.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #6.

PyCharm is the better fit for python developers seeking a full-featured desktop IDE. Eclipse IDE is the better fit for java teams using Spring, JavaFX, or remote connections.

  • PyCharm fits best

    Python developers seeking a full-featured desktop IDE

  • Eclipse IDE fits best

    Java teams using Spring, JavaFX, or remote connections

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Side by side

Feature PyCharm 9.1/10 Visit ↗ Eclipse IDE 8.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.1 8.9
Ranking #4 in Integrated Development Environment Ide Software #6 in Integrated Development Environment Ide Software
Best for Python developers seeking a full-featured desktop IDE Java teams using Spring, JavaFX, or remote connections
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free
Starting price — Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial 30 days —
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux Windows, macOS, Linux
Support Docs, Tickets Community, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features PyCharm 1/4 · Eclipse IDE 0/4
Integrated debugger ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Version control support Not checked yet Not checked yet
AI coding assistance Not checked yet Not checked yet
Live collaboration Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Deployment Not checked yet Not checked yet
Supported languages Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Includes Python editing, debugging, refactoring, and integrated test runners
  • Supports Jupyter, databases, containers, and remote development
  • Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, with core functionality available free
  • Free and open source, with desktop support for Windows, macOS, and Linux
  • Java tooling includes Git, Maven, and Gradle integration
  • Optional Spring, JavaFX, database, and SSH/Telnet tooling broadens its reach
Cons
  • Advanced capabilities require a Pro subscription after the trial
  • Its broad toolset may be more than a lightweight Python editor requires
  • Desktop deployment may not suit developers seeking a browser-based IDE
  • Spring and JavaFX capabilities require additional projects or plug-ins
  • Enterprise Java and web tools come in a separate package
  • Published feature details emphasize tooling more than debugging or testing
Our verdict

PyCharm brings Python editing, debugging, testing, and project tools into a desktop IDE for developers working on web applications, data projects, and AI/ML workloads. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. The free plan includes core…

Read the review →

Eclipse IDE is a free, open-source desktop development environment for Java developers, from solo programmers to enterprise teams. Its Java package combines Java Development Tools with Git, Maven, and Gradle integration. For broader…

Read the review →
  1. PyCharmIntegrated Development Environment Ide Software 9.1Free plan · 30-day trial
  2. Eclipse IDEIntegrated Development Environment Ide Software 8.9Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • PyCharm — where it wins

    • Includes Python editing, debugging, refactoring, and integrated test runners
    • Supports Jupyter, databases, containers, and remote development
    • Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, with core functionality available free

    Where it doesn't

    • Advanced capabilities require a Pro subscription after the trial
    • Its broad toolset may be more than a lightweight Python editor requires
    • Desktop deployment may not suit developers seeking a browser-based IDE
  • Eclipse IDE — where it wins

    • Free and open source, with desktop support for Windows, macOS, and Linux
    • Java tooling includes Git, Maven, and Gradle integration
    • Optional Spring, JavaFX, database, and SSH/Telnet tooling broadens its reach

    Where it doesn't

    • Spring and JavaFX capabilities require additional projects or plug-ins
    • Enterprise Java and web tools come in a separate package
    • Published feature details emphasize tooling more than debugging or testing

More comparisons

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update