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Best Free Alternatives to PyCharm Professional (Unified)
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Category: IDEVerified for 2025
Top Recommended Replacements
VS Code
FREETop General Alternative
Why we like it
Extremely fast; massive library of Python extensions (Pylance, Jupyter); the 2025 'Copilot Workspace' update allows for agent-led coding; perfect for full-stack developers moving between Python and JS.
Keep in mind
Requires manual setup of virtual environments and linting to match PyCharm's out-of-the-box 'Pro' intelligence.
Cursor
FREEBest AI-Native Alternative
Why we like it
An AI-first fork of VS Code; its 'Composer' feature can generate entire multi-file Python microservices; natively understands the relationship between your Python scripts and project structure better than basic LLM chats.
Keep in mind
The most advanced AI models require a monthly subscription; lacks the deep static analysis and debugging stability of the JetBrains engine.
PyCharm (Core/Free features)
FREEBest for Pure Python & Data Science
Why we like it
The free tier of the new unified PyCharm now includes Jupyter Notebook support; best-in-class code completion and integrated virtual environment management.
Keep in mind
Lacks the 'Pro' features like the database manager, remote SSH development, and full-stack web framework support.
Spyder 6.0
FREEBest for Scientific Research
Why we like it
Specifically designed for data science; features a 'Variable Explorer' that is superior to PyCharm for inspecting large DataFrames and NumPy arrays; zero cost with no commercial restrictions.
Keep in mind
Not suitable for web development (Django/Flask); the UI can feel cluttered and 'scientific' rather than modern.
Positron
FREEBest for Data-First Python/R
Why we like it
A new 2024-2025 competitor from the creators of RStudio; built on the VS Code core but optimized specifically for data science workflows; exceptional 'Data Explorer' functionality.
Keep in mind
Still in active early development; smaller extension ecosystem than VS Code.