[Home](https://www.selecthub.com/) \> [Integrated Development Environments](https://www.selecthub.com/c/integrated-development-environment-solutions/) \> [PyCharm](https://www.selecthub.com/p/integrated-development-environment-solutions/pycharm/) \> PyCharm vs Visual Studio # PyCharm vs Visual Studio Last Updated: May 25th, 2026 Our analysts compared [PyCharm](https://www.selecthub.com/p/integrated-development-environment-solutions/pycharm/) vs [Visual Studio](https://www.selecthub.com/p/integrated-development-environment-solutions/visual-studio/) based on data from our 400+ point analysis of [Integrated Development Environments](https://www.selecthub.com/c/integrated-development-environment-solutions/), user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our [free software selection platform](https://www.selecthub.com/about/start-free-selection-project-site/?category=Integrated Development Environments&cta=integrated-development-environment-solutions). [Overview](#product-overview) [Pricing](#product-pricing) [Our Review](#product-analyst-summary) [User Ratings](#user-sentiment-section) [Features](#product-benefits-features) [Analyst Ratings](#analyst-rating-section) [Comparison Charts](#product-comparison-charts) [Screenshots](#product-screenshots) Remove Add to Compare [![PyCharm Software Tool](https://cdn.selecthub.com/products/ec217345c687eb83217574d4dccd5551-30fbe06f71351670a2e5869480341be6/resources/original/logo.svg?1731118473)](https://www.selecthub.com/p/integrated-development-environment-solutions/pycharm/) [ ![Product Awards](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/awards_badge.svg) ](#awards-section) Remove Add to Compare [![Visual Studio Software Tool](https://cdn.selecthub.com/products/f9028faec74be6ec9b852b0a542e2f39-ac4de2f48402764181ea00f908aa7141/resources/normal/logo.png?1731118799)](https://www.selecthub.com/p/integrated-development-environment-solutions/visual-studio/) [ ![Product Awards](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/awards_badge.svg) ](#awards-section) [Get Free Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Integrated+Development+Environments&product%5Fname=PyCharm&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Fec217345c687eb83217574d4dccd5551-30fbe06f71351670a2e5869480341be6%2Fresources%2Foriginal%2Flogo.svg%3F1731118473) [Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Integrated+Development+Environments&product%5Fname=PyCharm&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Fec217345c687eb83217574d4dccd5551-30fbe06f71351670a2e5869480341be6%2Fresources%2Foriginal%2Flogo.svg%3F1731118473) [Request Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Integrated+Development+Environments&product%5Fname=PyCharm&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Fec217345c687eb83217574d4dccd5551-30fbe06f71351670a2e5869480341be6%2Fresources%2Foriginal%2Flogo.svg%3F1731118473&price=3) [Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Integrated+Development+Environments&product%5Fname=PyCharm&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Fec217345c687eb83217574d4dccd5551-30fbe06f71351670a2e5869480341be6%2Fresources%2Foriginal%2Flogo.svg%3F1731118473&price=3) [Get Free Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Integrated+Development+Environments&product%5Fname=Visual%2BStudio&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Ff9028faec74be6ec9b852b0a542e2f39-ac4de2f48402764181ea00f908aa7141%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1731118799) [Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Integrated+Development+Environments&product%5Fname=Visual%2BStudio&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Ff9028faec74be6ec9b852b0a542e2f39-ac4de2f48402764181ea00f908aa7141%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1731118799) [Request Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Integrated+Development+Environments&product%5Fname=Visual%2BStudio&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Ff9028faec74be6ec9b852b0a542e2f39-ac4de2f48402764181ea00f908aa7141%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1731118799&price=2) [Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Integrated+Development+Environments&product%5Fname=Visual%2BStudio&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Ff9028faec74be6ec9b852b0a542e2f39-ac4de2f48402764181ea00f908aa7141%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1731118799&price=2) ### Products Insights Overall Rating Comparison [ Analyst Rating 79 Detailed Analysis ](#analyst-rating-section) [ User Sentiment ![Excellent User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/excellent.svg) (1501 Reviews) ](#user-sentiment-section) [ Analyst Rating 83 Detailed Analysis ](#analyst-rating-section) [ User Sentiment ![Excellent User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/excellent.svg) (8110 Reviews) ](#user-sentiment-section) Price Starts From $249 Annually [ Free Trial is available →](https://pmo.selecthub.com/free-trial/?product%5Fname=PyCharm&category=Integrated Development Environments&product%5Flogo=https://d3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net/products/ec217345c687eb83217574d4dccd5551-30fbe06f71351670a2e5869480341be6/resources/original/logo.svg?1731118473) $45/User, Monthly, Freemium [ Free Trial is available →](https://pmo.selecthub.com/free-trial/?product%5Fname=Visual Studio&category=Integrated Development Environments&product%5Flogo=https://d3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net/products/f9028faec74be6ec9b852b0a542e2f39-ac4de2f48402764181ea00f908aa7141/resources/normal/logo.png?1731118799) Pros What we like about PyCharm and Visual Studio: * Built specifically for Python with deep support for Django, Flask, and Pyramid * Includes scientific tools and Jupyter notebook support for data science work * Integrated database tools handle SQL and NoSQL systems like PostgreSQL and MongoDB * Remote development works through SSH, Docker, and Vagrant for cloud or container setups * Covers a wide range of languages including C#, C++, Python, and JavaScript * Live Share lets developers edit and debug together in real time across machines * Built-in Azure integration smooths cloud deployment within the Microsoft ecosystem * CodeLens surfaces references, changes, and work items right inside the editor Cons What we dislike about PyCharm and Visual Studio: * Professional edition cost can deter smaller users when free alternatives exist * Heavy on RAM, with sluggish startup and performance on large Windows projects * Python-only focus limits its use for teams working in multiple languages * Advanced feature set can feel like overkill for beginners or casual Python work * Resource-intensive footprint can slow down older or less powerful machines * The sheer number of features creates a steep learning curve for newcomers * Unlocking the full toolset means paying for Professional or Enterprise editions * Frequent updates can disrupt workflows for some users mid-project ### Our Review **Bottom line:** PyCharm and Visual Studio are both serious IDEs, but they aim at different developers. Pick PyCharm if you live in Python and want every tool tuned for that language. Pick Visual Studio if you work across C#, C++, .NET, or the wider Microsoft stack. PyCharm shines for Python-heavy work like Django and Flask web apps, data science with NumPy and Jupyter, and database-driven backends. Users say its code completion and debugging speed up AI and ML projects, and the Anaconda and Git integrations make daily work smoother. If your team writes Python all day, you'll feel at home. Visual Studio fits a broader scope. It supports C#, C++, Python, JavaScript, and more, and its Azure hooks help if you deploy to the Microsoft cloud. Live Share is a real draw for pair programming and remote code reviews. For Windows desktop, game development, or large enterprise apps, it's the natural choice. On price, PyCharm starts at $249 per year, while Visual Studio starts at $45 per user per month and offers a free tier. Both have a reputation for eating RAM, so plan for a capable machine either way. If you're a solo Python developer or a small team focused on one language, PyCharm gives you depth without distraction. If you're building across platforms or already invested in .NET, Visual Studio's range is worth the learning curve and the heavier footprint. ### Analyst Rating Summary Overall Scores Based on the research and analysis by SelectHub's team of research analysts, PyCharm has an analyst rating of 79\. By comparison Visual Studio has an analyst rating of 83\. 79 83 Features Comparison **Code Editing** Provides real-time assistance, such as syntax highlighting, autocompletion, and error detection, significantly enhancing developer productivity and reducing the likelihood of coding errors. 98 100 **Compilation and Build Tools** Automates the process of transforming source code into executable programs, streamlining development workflows and minimizing the risk of manual errors. 97 100 **Debugging** Identifies and resolves errors in source code, enhancing software reliability and efficiency within the integrated development environment. 100 97 [Show More](#) [Show More](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Integrated Development Environments) Strengths The best features of PyCharm and Visual Studio as judged by user reviews and analyst validation. Debugging Code Editing Compilation and Build Tools Integrations Security Code Editing Compilation and Build Tools Integrations Platform Capabilities Debugging ### Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements [Customize This Data](#) [Customize This Data](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Integrated Development Environments) Implementation Level of Effort Estimation **Tier 1:** Fully/moderately supported out-of-the-box allowing for quick and easy deployment. [Read more](#) **Tier 2:** Supported with workarounds or add-ons that may require additional costs. **Tier 3:** Requires partner integrations or custom development that is often at an additional cost. **Code Editing** Provides real-time assistance, such as syntax highlighting, autocompletion, and error detection, significantly enhancing developer productivity and reducing the likelihood of coding errors. 100% 0% 0% 100% 0% 0% **Compilation And Build Tools** Automates the process of transforming source code into executable programs, streamlining development workflows and minimizing the risk of manual errors. 100% 0% 0% 100% 0% 0% **Debugging** Identifies and resolves errors in source code, enhancing software reliability and efficiency within the integrated development environment. 100% 0% 0% 100% 0% 0% **Platform Capabilities** Provides cross-platform development support, streamlining application creation for diverse operating systems and devices. 73% 9% 18% 100% 0% 0% **Customize This Data For Your Unique Needs** and compare feature capabilities head-to-head [CUSTOMIZE NOW](#) [CUSTOMIZE NOW](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Integrated Development Environments) ### Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements [Customize This Data](#) [Customize This Data](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Integrated Development Environments) Implementation Level of Effort Estimation **Tier 1:** Fully/moderately supported out-of-the-box allowing for quick and easy deployment. [Read more](#) **Tier 2:** Supported with workarounds or add-ons that may require additional costs. **Tier 3:** Requires partner integrations or custom development that is often at an additional cost. **Integrations** Connects various development tools and services, fostering a streamlined and collaborative workflow for software creation. 90% 10% 0% 100% 0% 0% **Security** Helps developers identify and mitigate vulnerabilities early in the development process, improving software robustness and protecting against threats. 100% 0% 0% 88% 0% 12% **Requirements Summary** Of typical requirements, 68.8% are fully supported out of the box by PyCharm including Debugging, Code Editing and Compilation And Build Tools. Visual Studio supports 87.5% and excels at Code Editing, Compilation And Build Tools and Integrations. PyCharm has an analyst rating of 79 and a user sentiment rating of 'excellent' based on 1501 reviews, while Visual Studio has an analyst rating of 83 and a user sentiment rating of 'excellent' based on 8110 reviews. ### User Sentiment Summary PyCharm has a user sentiment rating of 92 based on 1501 reviews. Visual Studio has a user sentiment rating of 91 based on 8110 reviews. ![Excellent User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/excellent.svg) 1501 reviews ![Excellent User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/excellent.svg) 8110 reviews Synopsis Evaluating all review platforms, our market analysts have compiled the following user sentiment data. 92% of users recommend this product PyCharm has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 92% when considering 1501 user reviews from 4 recognized software review sites. 91% of users recommend this product Visual Studio has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 91% when considering 8110 user reviews from 3 recognized software review sites. User Review Scores **G2.com, Inc** **4.6** (752) **4.5** (3688) **Software Advice, Inc** **4.7** (366) **4.6** (3006) **Gartner, Inc** **4.5** (162) **4.5** (1416) **TrustRadius** **4.5** (221) n/a ### Awards SelectHub awards earned by these products based on a comprehensive analysis by our research analysts. SelectHub research analysts have evaluated PyCharm and concluded it earns best-in-class honors for Debugging. PyCharm stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite. ![User Favorite Award]() ![Debugging Award]() SelectHub research analysts have evaluated Visual Studio and concluded it deserves the award for the Best Overall Integrated Development Environments available today and earns best-in-class honors for Code Editing, Platform Capabilities and Integrations. Visual Studio stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite. ![Analysts' Pick Award]() ![User Favorite Award]() Show more ![Code Editing Award]() ![Platform Capabilities Award]() ![Integrations Award]() ### Product Assistance Training Resources Documentation In Person Live Online Videos Webinars Documentation In Person Live Online Videos Webinars Support Email Phone Chat FAQ Forum Knowledge Base 24/7 Live Support Email Phone Chat FAQ Forum Knowledge Base 24/7 Live Support ### Product Basics Company Size i Small Medium Large Small Medium Large Platforms Supported Windows Mac Linux Android Chromebook Windows Mac Linux Android Chromebook Deployment Supported Cloud On-Premise Mobile Cloud On-Premise Mobile Comparison of Top Alternatives [ PyCharm Alternatives](https://www.selecthub.com/integrated-development-environment-solutions/pycharm/alternatives/) [ Visual Studio Alternatives](https://www.selecthub.com/integrated-development-environment-solutions/visual-studio/alternatives/) ### Screenshots ![Screenshots]() ![Screenshots]() ### Key Features * **Code completion** – Predicts Python code with context-aware suggestions and on-the-fly error checks tuned to the language. * **Integrated debugger** – Sets breakpoints, inspects variables, and steps through Python code with a visual interface built around the language. * **Web framework support** – Includes dedicated tools for Django, Flask, and Pyramid, with template editing and URL routing assistance. * **Scientific tools** – Works with NumPy, SciPy, Matplotlib, and Jupyter notebooks for data science and analytical workflows. * **Remote development** – Connects to remote servers and containers through SSH, Docker, and Vagrant for cloud or distributed coding. * **IntelliSense** – Suggests completions and parameter info across many languages, not just one, predicting what you might type next. * **Built-in debugger** – Handles breakpoints, watches, and call stack inspection across C#, C++, Python, and other supported languages. * **Multi-language support** – Covers C#, C++, Python, JavaScript, and more in one IDE for teams juggling diverse projects. * **Live Share** – Lets developers edit and debug the same session together in real time from different machines. * **Azure integration** – Deploys and manages Azure services directly from the IDE, handy for Microsoft cloud workflows. ### Top Alternatives in Integrated Development Environments [ Android Studio ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/integrated-development-environment-solutions/android-studio/) [ Arduino IDE ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/integrated-development-environment-solutions/arduino-ide/) [ AWS Cloud9 ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/integrated-development-environment-solutions/aws-cloud9/) [ BlueJ ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/integrated-development-environment-solutions/bluej/) [ Code Blocks ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/integrated-development-environment-solutions/code-blocks/) [ DevExpress ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/integrated-development-environment-solutions/devexpress/) [ Eclipse IDE ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/integrated-development-environment-solutions/eclipse-ide/) [ IntelliJ IDEA ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/integrated-development-environment-solutions/intellij-idea/) [ Jupyter Notebook ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/integrated-development-environment-solutions/jupyter-notebook/) [ Komodo IDE ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/integrated-development-environment-solutions/komodo-ide/) [ NetBeans ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/integrated-development-environment-solutions/netbeans/) [ RubyMine ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/integrated-development-environment-solutions/rubymine/) [ Selenium IDE ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/integrated-development-environment-solutions/selenium-ide/) [ Visual Studio ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/integrated-development-environment-solutions/visual-studio/) [ WebStorm ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/integrated-development-environment-solutions/webstorm/) ### Head-to-Head Comparison ![PyCharm Software Tool]() ![Android Studio Software Tool]() [PyCharm VS Android Studio](https://www.selecthub.com/integrated-development-environment-solutions/pycharm-vs-android-studio/) ![PyCharm Software Tool]() ![Arduino IDE Software Tool]() [PyCharm VS Arduino IDE](https://www.selecthub.com/integrated-development-environment-solutions/pycharm-vs-arduino-ide/) ![PyCharm Software Tool]() ![AWS Cloud9 Software Tool]() [PyCharm VS AWS Cloud9](https://www.selecthub.com/integrated-development-environment-solutions/pycharm-vs-aws-cloud9/) ![PyCharm Software Tool]() ![BlueJ Software Tool]() [PyCharm VS BlueJ](https://www.selecthub.com/integrated-development-environment-solutions/pycharm-vs-bluej/) ![PyCharm Software Tool]() ![Code Blocks Software Tool]() [PyCharm VS Code Blocks](https://www.selecthub.com/integrated-development-environment-solutions/pycharm-vs-code-blocks/) ![PyCharm Software Tool]() ![DevExpress Software Tool]() [PyCharm VS DevExpress](https://www.selecthub.com/integrated-development-environment-solutions/pycharm-vs-devexpress/) ![PyCharm Software Tool]() ![Eclipse IDE Software Tool]() [PyCharm VS Eclipse IDE](https://www.selecthub.com/integrated-development-environment-solutions/pycharm-vs-eclipse-ide/) ![PyCharm Software Tool]() ![IntelliJ IDEA Software Tool]() [PyCharm VS IntelliJ IDEA](https://www.selecthub.com/integrated-development-environment-solutions/pycharm-vs-intellij-idea/) ![PyCharm Software Tool]() ![Jupyter Notebook Software Tool]() [PyCharm VS Jupyter Notebook](https://www.selecthub.com/integrated-development-environment-solutions/pycharm-vs-jupyter-notebook/) ![PyCharm Software Tool]() ![Komodo IDE Software Tool]() [PyCharm VS Komodo IDE](https://www.selecthub.com/integrated-development-environment-solutions/pycharm-vs-komodo-ide/) ![PyCharm Software Tool]() ![NetBeans Software Tool]() [PyCharm VS NetBeans](https://www.selecthub.com/integrated-development-environment-solutions/pycharm-vs-netbeans/) ![PyCharm Software Tool]() ![Visual Studio Software Tool]() [PyCharm VS Visual Studio](https://www.selecthub.com/integrated-development-environment-solutions/pycharm-vs-visual-studio/) **About SelectHub (and our data)** We’re the employee-owned Austin-based startup democratizing software data so you can make your decisions in an influence-free zone. Our market data is crowdsourced from our user-base of 100,000+ companies. WE DISTILL IT INTO REAL REQUIREMENTS, COMPARISON REPORTS, PRICE GUIDES and more... ![SelectHub Products Reporting and Analytics]() [ Build Your Requirements](https://pmo.selecthub.com/software-requirements/?category=Integrated%20Development%20Environments&campaign%5Fname=Integrated%20Development%20Environments%20Requirements) ![SelectHub Products Cost and Pricing Guide]() [ Get Your Free Comparison Report](https://pmo.selecthub.com/request-custom-scorecard/?category=Integrated%20Development%20Environments) **Tier 1:** Fully/moderately supported out-of-the-box allowing for quick and easy deployment. Fully or moderately supported out-of-the-box with industry-leading capabilities and is immediately available after installation without needing any add-ons, integrations, or custom development. **Tier 2:** Supported with workarounds or add-ons that may require additional costs. Not directly available in the software, but can be accomplished using other built-in features, workarounds, or add-ons/products from the vendor with or without any additional cost. **Tier 3:** Requires partner integrations or custom development that is often at an additional cost. Requires additional integrations, plugins, marketplace applications from a third-party vendor, or custom development using the APIs, libraries, extensions, and development framework supported by the software, with or without any additional cost. 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