PyCharm vs Visual Studio Code: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between PyCharm and Visual Studio Code 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:
PyCharm
JetBrains IDE for Python development
Best for you if:
- • Python IDE trusted by data scientists
- • Jupyter notebook support built-in
Visual Studio Code
Free code editor by Microsoft
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.4/10 vs 9.0/10)
- • You need something completely free
- • Free, open-source code editor by Microsoft
- • Extensive marketplace with thousands of extensions
| At a Glance |  PyCharm |  Visual Studio Code |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free |
Best For | IDE & Code Editors | IDE & Code Editors |
Rating | 90/100 | 94/100 |
| Feature | PyCharm | Visual Studio Code |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| Editorial Score | 90 | 94 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 101 |
| Categories | IDE & Code EditorsVersion Control | IDE & Code EditorsDebugging |
How PyCharm and Visual Studio Code Compare
PyCharm
JetBrains IDE for Python development
Free tier available · 90/100 score
Visual Studio Code
Free code editor by Microsoft
Free · 94/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Visual Studio Code is free. PyCharm is freemium.
Go with: Visual Studio Code
Want the highest-rated option?
PyCharm: 90/100. Visual Studio Code: 94/100.
Go with: Visual Studio Code
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Visual Studio Code
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
PyCharm is freemium. Visual Studio Code is free. Go with Visual Studio Code if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are ide & code editors tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Visual Studio Code scores higher: 94/100 vs 90/100.
Key Takeaways
Visual Studio Code
- Higher score: 94/100 vs 90
- More community upvotes (101)
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
PyCharm
The Bottom Line
Visual Studio Code (94/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PyCharm or Visual Studio Code better?
Visual Studio Code scores 94/100 in our evaluation. PyCharm is freemium and Visual Studio Code is free.
What are PyCharm and Visual Studio Code used for?
PyCharm: JetBrains IDE for Python development. Visual Studio Code: Free code editor by Microsoft.
What does PyCharm cost vs Visual Studio Code?
PyCharm is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visual Studio Code is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.