Jetbrains vs Nova: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Jetbrains and Nova 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.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Jetbrains
Developer tools and IDEs
Best for you if:
- • JetBrains creates professional IDEs for developers including IntelliJ, WebStorm, and PyCharm
- • It provides intelligent coding assistance across all major programming languages
Nova
A powerful and flexible native macOS code editor with integrated tools for development workflows.
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.8/10 vs 7.6/10)
- • Native macOS code editor with a fast, feature-rich text editor.
- • Integrated development tools including Git, file browsers, terminal, and debugging.
| At a Glance |  Jetbrains |  Nova |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | IDE & Code Editors | IDE & Code Editors |
Rating | 76/100 | 88/100 |
| Feature | Jetbrains | Nova |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 76 | 88 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | IDE & Code EditorsVersion Control | IDE & Code EditorsDebugging |
How Jetbrains and Nova Compare
Jetbrains
Developer tools and IDEs
Paid · 76/100 score
Nova
A powerful and flexible native macOS code editor with integrated tools for development workflows.
Paid · 88/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are paid. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Nova
Want the highest-rated option?
Jetbrains: 76/100. Nova: 88/100.
Go with: Nova
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Nova
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are paid. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are ide & code editors tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Nova scores higher: 88/100 vs 76/100.
Key Takeaways
Nova
- Higher score: 88/100 vs 76
- Our pick for this comparison
Jetbrains
The Bottom Line
Nova (88/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jetbrains or Nova better?
Nova scores 88/100 in our evaluation. Both are paid.
What are Jetbrains and Nova used for?
Jetbrains: Developer tools and IDEs. Nova: A powerful and flexible native macOS code editor with integrated tools for development workflows..
What does Jetbrains cost vs Nova?
Jetbrains is a paid tool. Nova is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.