DevToys vs IntelliJ IDEA: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between DevToys and IntelliJ IDEA comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: IntelliJ IDEA is our overall pick for IDE & code editors workflows. Pick DevToys if you need developer tools.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
DevToys
Swiss Army knife for developers
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need developer tools features specifically
- • Swiss army knife for developers
- • Offline tools for encoding and formatting
IntelliJ IDEA
The capable & ergonomic Java IDE
Best for you if:
- • You need IDE & code editors features specifically
- • Java IDE that enterprise teams rely on
- • Advanced refactoring handles complex changes
| At a Glance |  DevToys |  IntelliJ IDEA |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Developer Tools | IDE & Code Editors |
Rating | - | 4.7/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose DevToys or IntelliJ IDEA?
Choose DevToys if
Swiss Army knife for developers
- Free and open source
- 30+ built-in tools
- Works offline
- You want a fully free tool (IntelliJ IDEA requires payment)
- Your work is developer tools-shaped, not IDE & code editors-shaped
Choose IntelliJ IDEA if
The capable & ergonomic Java IDE
- Best Java IDE
- Smart completions
- Refactoring tools
- Your work is IDE & code editors-shaped, not developer tools-shaped
| Feature | DevToys | IntelliJ IDEA |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.7/5 3,562 reviews |
| Categories | Developer ToolsProductivity | IDE & Code EditorsDeveloper Tools |
In-Depth Analysis
DevToys
Swiss Army knife for developers
Strengths
- +Free and open source
- +30+ built-in tools
- +Works offline
- +Cross-platform
Weaknesses
- -Desktop only
- -No cloud sync
Key features
IntelliJ IDEA
The capable & ergonomic Java IDE
Strengths
- +Best Java IDE
- +Smart completions
- +Refactoring tools
Weaknesses
- -Resource intensive
- -Expensive Ultimate
Key features
Pricing: DevToys vs IntelliJ IDEA
| Plan | DevToys | IntelliJ IDEA |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | 0 Free | Free Community |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $599 year Ultimate |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on DevToys pricing and IntelliJ IDEA pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
DevToys is free. IntelliJ IDEA is freemium.
Go with: DevToys
Want the highest-rated option?
IntelliJ IDEA is rated 4.7/5. DevToys has no ratings yet.
Go with: IntelliJ IDEA
Value user reviews?
DevToys: no ratings yet. IntelliJ IDEA: 3,562 reviews (4.7/5).
Go with: IntelliJ IDEA
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
DevToys is free. IntelliJ IDEA is freemium. Go with DevToys if free matters most.
What's your use case?
DevToys is a developer tools tool. IntelliJ IDEA is in IDE & code editors. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
IntelliJ IDEA is rated 4.7/5; DevToys has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
IntelliJ IDEA
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
DevToys
- Completely free
- Better fit for developer tools
The Bottom Line
IntelliJ IDEA is our pick. That said, DevToys is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DevToys or IntelliJ IDEA better?
IntelliJ IDEA is rated in our evaluation. DevToys is free and IntelliJ IDEA is freemium.
What are DevToys and IntelliJ IDEA used for?
DevToys: Swiss Army knife for developers. IntelliJ IDEA: The capable & ergonomic Java IDE.
What does DevToys cost vs IntelliJ IDEA?
DevToys is completely free. IntelliJ IDEA is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.