Our verdict: WebStorm is a full IDE for JavaScript and TypeScript with refactoring and debugging that editors only reach through plugins. Hobby projects, learning, open source and content creation are free. Anyone paid for their code needs a commercial subscription.
About WebStorm
WebStorm is the same full-featured IDE whether you use it for free or pay. On first launch you choose between a 30-day commercial trial and a non-commercial license. The non-commercial license needs a JetBrains Account, is issued to individuals only, renews yearly while you keep using it, and includes anonymous usage statistics that cannot be switched off.
JetBrains counts learning, hobby development, open-source work without commercial benefit and content creation (even monetized courses or streams) as non-commercial. Work for an employer or clients needs a paid subscription; JetBrains lists the individual plan at $79 for the first year, dropping to $47 from the third year, and organizations pay more per seat.
What it does well
- JavaScript and TypeScript insight. Completion, inspections and navigation that understand the whole project.
- Framework support. Works with React, Angular, Vue and Node.js projects out of the box.
- Debugger. Debugs client-side code in the browser and Node.js apps with breakpoints.
- Test runners. Runs Jest, Vitest, Mocha and other test frameworks with clickable results.
- Refactoring and Git. Project-wide rename and extract operations, plus built-in Git tools.
Who it is for
Good fit
Front-end and Node.js developers, students and hobbyists who want a complete JavaScript IDE.
Look elsewhere
Freelancers and employees coding for pay without a subscription, and people on low-RAM PCs.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Full IDE free for hobby, learning and open source
- Strong refactoring for JavaScript and TypeScript
- Debugger and test runners built in
- Same features as the paid version
Cons
- Commercial use requires a paid subscription
- Free license needs a JetBrains Account and sends usage statistics
- Heavier on RAM than VS Code or Zed
How to install WebStorm
Download the Windows installer from jetbrains.com or install it through the JetBrains Toolbox App. On first launch choose Non-commercial use and sign in to a JetBrains Account, or start the 30-day commercial trial. Install Node.js separately for running and debugging projects.
Questions about WebStorm
Is WebStorm free?
Yes, for non-commercial use: learning, hobby projects, open source without commercial benefit and content creation. Commercial use needs a subscription, which JetBrains lists from $79 for the first year for individuals after a 30-day trial.
What counts as commercial use of WebStorm?
Developing products and earning commercial benefits, including paid work for an employer. Free licenses are for individuals only, not companies.
Does free WebStorm have fewer features?
No. It is the full IDE; only the Code With Me feature is limited to its Community version.
