Best Thonny Alternatives in 2026
The top Thonny alternatives are PyCharm, Wing Python IDE and Spyder: 15 python IDEs our editors would look at instead of Thonny, in our ranking order.
Thonny: A free, approachable Python IDE for learning, debugging, and small projects. Where it falls short: code intelligence is basic compared with more advanced python IDEs..
Switching from Thonny? For most python ides buyers the best Thonny alternative is PyCharm, built for professional Python development across platforms.
Why People Look for a Thonny Alternative
- Code intelligence is basic compared with more advanced Python IDEs
- The interface is primarily designed for beginner-oriented development
- Verified integrations are not a stated strength
Quick Picks by What You Need
- Best overallPyCharm9.4
Professional Python development across platforms
Visit PyCharm - Best free optionPyCharm9.4
Has a free plan
Visit PyCharm
All 15 Thonny Alternatives, Ranked
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.
-
Best forProfessional Python development across platforms
- Better than Thonny:
- Editor score 9.4 vs 7.5
A full-featured, cross-platform Python IDE with a capable free tier.
9.4/10★★★★★Visit PyCharm -
Best forTeams needing a polished paid Python IDE
- Better than Thonny:
- Editor score 9.0 vs 7.5
A feature-rich Python IDE for teams willing to pay for an integrated workflow.
9.0/10★★★★☆Visit Wingware -
Best forFree data-science and Python development
- Better than Thonny:
- Editor score 8.8 vs 7.5
A broad, free Python IDE with strong data inspection, debugging, testing, and remote-development tools.
- Integrated profiler
- Integrated test runner
- Remote development
8.8/10★★★★☆Visit Spyder -
Best forFree open-source general Python development
- Better than Thonny:
- Editor score 8.6 vs 7.5
A capable free Python IDE with debugging, profiling, testing, and environment tools.
- Integrated profiler
- Integrated test runner
- Remote development
8.6/10★★★★☆Visit Eric -
Best forData scientists using Python and R
- Better than Thonny:
- Editor score 8.4 vs 7.5
A focused Python-and-R IDE with strong data science tooling at no software cost.
- Remote development
- Python environment tools
- Integrated debugger
8.4/10★★★★☆Visit Positron -
Best forWindows developers wanting a full free IDE
- Better than Thonny:
- Editor score 8.2 vs 7.5
A capable free Windows IDE with debugging, testing, refactoring, and AI-assisted coding.
- Integrated profiler
- Integrated test runner
- Remote development
8.2/10★★★★☆Visit PyScripter -
Best forEclipse users wanting a focused Python IDE
- Better than Thonny:
- Editor score 7.9 vs 7.5
A paid Python IDE for Eclipse users who need advanced development tools.
- Integrated test runner
- Remote development
- Python environment tools
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit LiClipse -
Best forFree interactive Python development
- Better than Thonny:
- Editor score 7.7 vs 7.5
A focused, free Python IDE for interactive work, debugging, and scientific computing.
- Python environment tools
- Integrated debugger
7.7/10★★★★☆Visit Pyzo -
Best forBuilding and deploying Python web applications
A broad Python application platform for teams building and deploying web apps.
- Integrated profiler
- Python environment tools
- Integrated debugger
7.3/10★★★★☆Visit Anvil -
Best forCloud Python development and lightweight deployment
A capable web IDE for cloud Python work, package management, and lightweight app hosting.
- Remote development
- Python environment tools
7.2/10★★★★☆Visit Python Online -
Best forAndroid-based Python development
A capable Android Python workspace for learning, scripting, and scientific packages.
- Integrated debugger
7.0/10★★★★☆Visit Pydroid 3 -
Best foriPhone and iPad coding with notebooks
A capable local Python workspace for iOS, with notebooks and optional AI assistance.
- Python environment tools
- Integrated debugger
6.9/10★★★☆☆Visit Juno -
Best foriPad and iPhone Python development
A capable paid Python workspace for developing directly on iPhone and iPad.
- Integrated test runner
- Integrated debugger
6.8/10★★★☆☆Visit Pythonista -
Best forPaid Python coding on iOS and macOS
A capable paid Python workspace for Apple devices, with debugging and local execution.
- Integrated debugger
6.7/10★★★☆☆Visit Pyto -
Best forFree browser-based Python practice and demos
A free web IDE for Python practice, demos, and quick experiments.
- Integrated test runner
- Integrated debugger
6.6/10★★★☆☆Visit Online Python
Thonny Alternatives: Common Questions
What is the best alternative to Thonny?
PyCharm: #1 in our Python IDEs ranking, with an editor score of 9.4 out of 10. A full-featured, cross-platform Python IDE with a capable free tier.
Is there a free alternative to Thonny?
Yes. PyCharm, Wing Python IDE, Spyder, Eric and Positron have a free plan or a free tier (12 of the 15 alternatives on this page).
Why do people look for Thonny alternatives?
Code intelligence is basic compared with more advanced Python IDEs; The interface is primarily designed for beginner-oriented development; Verified integrations are not a stated strength.
How do I switch from Thonny?
Export your data from Thonny (most tools have an export in their settings). Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one. Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on. Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel Thonny.
How to Switch from Thonny
- Export your data from Thonny (most tools have an export in their settings).
- Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one.
- Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on.
- Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel Thonny.
Thonny vs Each Alternative
| # | Tool | Free plan | Paid from | Integrated debugger | Code intelligence | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Thonny | Yes | Free | Yes | Basic | 7.5 |
| 1 | PyCharm | Yes | 9.4 | |||
| 2 | Wing Python IDE | Yes | $69/user/yr | 9.0 | ||
| 3 | Spyder | Yes | Free | Yes | Advanced | 8.8 |
| 4 | Eric | Yes | Free | Yes | Advanced | 8.6 |
| 5 | Positron | Yes | Free | Yes | Advanced | 8.4 |
| 6 | PyScripter | Yes | Free | Yes | Advanced | 8.2 |
| 7 | LiClipse | No | $99 one-time | Yes | Advanced | 7.9 |
| 8 | Pyzo | Yes | Free | Yes | Advanced | 7.7 |
| 9 | Anvil | Yes | Yes | Ai-assisted | 7.3 | |
| 10 | Python Online | Yes | Advanced | 7.2 | ||
| 11 | Pydroid 3 | Yes | Yes | Advanced | 7.0 | |
| 12 | Juno | Yes | Yes | Ai-assisted | 6.9 | |
| 13 | Pythonista | No | Yes | Advanced | 6.8 | |
| 14 | Pyto | No | $7.99 one-time | Yes | Basic | 6.7 |
| 15 | Online Python | Yes | Free | Yes | Basic | 6.6 |
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026
Last updated · How we research and update