IntelliJ IDEA Ultimate
$19.90/mo or $199/yr
WebStorm 2025.3
$0 (Personal/Hobby) / $69/yr (Commercial Individual)
Analysis
The definitive IDE for JVM development, now featuring a 'Unified Distribution' where professional tools are unlocked via subscription. Known for its unparalleled static analysis and the new 'Junie' AI agent, it remains the gold standard for complex enterprise Java/Kotlin, though its heavy resource footprint and high cost drive hobbyists toward AI-first editors.
Analysis
The premier specialized IDE for modern JavaScript and TypeScript. Following its 2025 transition to a free non-commercial license, it is now the top choice for hobbyists wanting pro-grade tools. The 2025.3 update introduces native Claude Agent integration, a high-performance service-powered TypeScript engine, and unified settings for Bun, Deno, and Node.js. It remains heavier than text editors but offers unmatched deep-code analysis and out-of-the-box refactoring.
The Breakdown
| Feature | IntelliJ IDEA Ultimate | WebStorm 2025.3 |
|---|---|---|
| Category | IDE | IDE |
| Subscription Cost | $19.90/mo or $199/yr | $0 (Personal/Hobby) / $69/yr (Commercial Individual) |