Use PyCharm if you want a Python-first IDE that understands your whole project, from Django models and FastAPI routes to the SQL underneath, with deep refactoring built in. Use VS Code if you want a lighter, free editor you shape with extensions, where Python is one language among many. PyCharm is now one product with a free core, and VS Code is free for private or commercial use, so you can try both in full.
I read JetBrains' PyCharm home and download pages, then Microsoft's VS Code home page, its FAQ and the Python in Visual Studio Code docs. The biggest recent change: PyCharm no longer has a separate Community Edition.
PyCharm and VS Code in one table
| PyCharm | VS Code | |
|---|---|---|
| Maker | JetBrains | Microsoft |
| Type | Python IDE | Code editor extended with extensions |
| Python support | Built in, including Jupyter, web frameworks and databases | Through the Microsoft Python extension |
| Editions | One unified product: free core plus Pro features | One editor; Code - OSS source under the MIT licence |
| AI agents | Built-in MCP server and a live Jupyter kernel for coding agents | Multi-agent features, extensions and MCP servers; Copilot Chat open sourced |
| Free option (as of October 2026) | Free forever core, with one month of Pro included | Free for private or commercial use |
Where PyCharm earns its place
JetBrains pitches PyCharm at web, data and machine learning work. It understands FastAPI routes, Django models, JavaScript components and the SQL beneath them, manages uv dependencies, and can run and debug Rust inside Python projects. For data work, you can query databases straight from Jupyter notebooks with SQL cells that save to a dataframe, then turn notebooks into scripts with project-wide refactoring.
The licensing has changed. PyCharm is now one unified product: everything that used to be in the Community Edition is the free core, now with Jupyter support, and every new user gets a free month of Pro. After that you subscribe to Pro or keep the core for free.
What VS Code does differently
Microsoft's FAQ describes VS Code as a streamlined code editor with debugging, task running and version control, leaving heavier workflows to fuller IDEs. Python comes from the Microsoft Python extension, which adds IntelliSense, linting, debugging, unit testing and quick switching between virtual and conda environments, plus Jupyter notebooks.
The licence detail surprises people. The Code - OSS repository is MIT licensed, but the VS Code you download is Microsoft's distribution under a product licence, with some proprietary assets and features. Microsoft has also open sourced the GitHub Copilot Chat extension under MIT, and you can hide the built-in AI features if you don't want them.
Microsoft is also clear about where VS Code stops. Its FAQ says the editor aims to give you just the tools for a quick code-build-debug cycle and leaves more complex workflows to fuller IDEs such as Visual Studio IDE. If you don't have a Copilot subscription, there's a Copilot Free plan with a monthly allowance, and you can use VS Code with no AI at all.
Questions that settle it
- Is Python most of your work? PyCharm's built-in understanding of Python projects saves setup.
- Do you switch between Python, JavaScript, Go and config files all day? VS Code's extension model suits that.
- Do you live in Jupyter notebooks? Both handle them; PyCharm's free core now includes Jupyter support.
- Want the most AI agent tooling inside the editor? Compare PyCharm's MCP server with VS Code's agent and MCP features on your own project.
- Unsure? Install both free versions and open the same repository in each for a week.
You may also like this look at AI coding assistants worth trying and what to check in productivity tools for developers.
My advice on PyCharm or VS Code
If you're a Python developer or data scientist who wants things to work the moment you open a project, I'd start with PyCharm's free core and see whether the Pro month changes your mind. If you write in several languages, or you like building your setup piece by piece, VS Code with the Python extension is light and flexible. You can also keep both installed for different jobs.
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Frequently asked questions
Is PyCharm free now?
Yes, as of October 2026 PyCharm is one unified product with a free forever core, which includes Jupyter support, and a one-month Pro trial for every user.
What happened to PyCharm Community Edition?
JetBrains merged it into the unified PyCharm: the former Community features are now the free core, and Pro features sit on top.
Is VS Code free for commercial use?
Yes. Microsoft's FAQ says VS Code is free for private or commercial use.
Is VS Code open source?
The Code - OSS repository is under the MIT licence. Microsoft's VS Code build is a distribution of it under a Microsoft product licence.
How do I get Python support in VS Code?
Install the Microsoft Python extension, which adds IntelliSense, linting, debugging, testing and environment switching.
