PyCharm vs gh: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between PyCharm and gh 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.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
PyCharm
JetBrains IDE for Python development
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.0/10 vs 8.7/10)
- • Python IDE trusted by data scientists
- • Jupyter notebook support built-in
gh
Bring GitHub to your terminal for streamlined development workflows.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • Manages GitHub issues, pull requests, and releases from the terminal.
- • Eliminates context switching for a more efficient workflow.
| At a Glance |  PyCharm |  gh |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free |
Best For | IDE & Code Editors | IDE & Code Editors |
Rating | 90/100 | 87/100 |
| Feature | PyCharm | gh |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| Editorial Score | 90 | 87 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | IDE & Code EditorsDebugging | IDE & Code EditorsVersion Control |
Understanding the Differences
Both PyCharm and gh solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.PyCharm positions itself as "jetbrains ide for python development" while ghfocuses on "bring github to your terminal for streamlined development workflows.". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose PyCharm
PyCharm makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution. With a score of 90/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose gh
gh is worth considering if you need a free tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, PyCharm lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: PyCharm
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. PyCharm handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: PyCharm
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: PyCharm
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Zero budget? gh won't cost you anything.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated PyCharm higher (90/100). But the community has upvoted gh more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What PyCharm Does Better
- Higher overall score (90/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider gh If
- You need a completely free solution
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with PyCharm (90/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. PyCharm scores higher in our analysis, but gh might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PyCharm or gh better?
Based on our analysis, PyCharm scores higher with 90/100. PyCharm isfreemium while gh is free. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from PyCharm to gh easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do PyCharm and gh offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. PyCharm is freemium with a free tier.gh is completely free. Visit their websites for current trial offers.