Our verdict: PyCharm is the most complete IDE built specifically for Python, and its free tier covers what most people need. The debugger, refactoring, test runners and virtual environment handling work without paying. Django, Flask, FastAPI and JavaScript support require the Pro subscription.
About PyCharm
Since the 2025 releases PyCharm is one unified product instead of separate Community and Professional editions. New installations start with a 30-day Pro trial; after that you can subscribe or keep using the core features for free, including basic Jupyter notebook support.
The free tier includes code completion, inspections, refactoring, the debugger, a terminal, Docker support, virtualenv, Poetry, uv and Conda environments, test frameworks such as pytest, and Git. JetBrains states that the free version may be used for commercial work. Pro adds Django, Flask and FastAPI tooling, frontend frameworks, remote development and full-scale Jupyter features.
What it does well
- Python code insight. Completion, type-aware inspections and quick fixes across the whole project.
- Debugger. Breakpoints, variable inspection and step-through debugging for scripts and tests.
- Environment management. Creates and switches virtualenv, Poetry, uv and Conda interpreters.
- Test runners. Runs pytest, unittest and doctest with clickable results.
- Jupyter notebooks. Opens and runs notebooks with code completion in the free tier.
Who it is for
Good fit
Python developers, data analysts and students who want a full IDE rather than an editor with plugins.
Look elsewhere
Web developers who need Django, Flask or FastAPI tooling without paying, and users on low-RAM PCs.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free core features, also for commercial use
- Excellent debugger and refactoring
- Virtual environments handled for you
- Basic Jupyter support included
Cons
- Django, Flask, FastAPI and JavaScript support require Pro
- Heavier on RAM than editors like VS Code
- Pro trial and upgrade prompts in the free version
How to install PyCharm
Download the Windows installer from jetbrains.com or use the JetBrains Toolbox App. Install Python separately first, then point PyCharm to it or let it create a virtual environment for each project. The Pro trial starts automatically; afterwards the IDE keeps working with the free features.
Questions about PyCharm
Is PyCharm free?
Yes. PyCharm's core Python features are free without a subscription; advanced features need a Pro subscription.
What happened to PyCharm Community Edition?
Its features became the free tier of the unified PyCharm. The open-source parts remain on GitHub.
Does PyCharm include Python?
No. Install Python from python.org first; PyCharm then detects it or creates virtual environments from it.
