IntelliJ IDEA vs WebStorm
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
The capable and ergonomic Java IDE.
The verdict
Both IntelliJ IDEA and WebStorm are credible code editors tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
IntelliJ IDEA — The capable and ergonomic Java IDE.
WebStorm — The JavaScript and TypeScript IDE.
IntelliJ IDEA vs WebStorm: side by side
| Dimension | IntelliJ IDEA | WebStorm |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free – $16.90/mo | Free – $12.90/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Best for | Developers, Java Teams | Frontend Developers |
| Platforms | Windows, Mac, Linux | Windows, Mac, Linux |
| Rating | 4.7/5 | 4.6/5 |
IntelliJ IDEA key facts
- Vendor
- JetBrains
- Pricing
- Freemium — Free – $16.90/mo
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Windows, Mac, Linux
- Best for
- Developers, Java Teams
- Editor rating
- 4.7 / 5
- Founded
- 2001
- Headquarters
- Prague, Czechia
WebStorm key facts
- Vendor
- JetBrains
- Pricing
- Freemium — Free – $12.90/mo
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Windows, Mac, Linux
- Best for
- Frontend Developers
- Editor rating
- 4.6 / 5
- Founded
- 2010
- Headquarters
- Prague, Czechia
Frequently asked questions
Is IntelliJ IDEA better than WebStorm?
Neither is universally better — IntelliJ IDEA edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is IntelliJ IDEA or WebStorm cheaper?
IntelliJ IDEA is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free – $16.90/mo. IntelliJ IDEA starts at free – $16.90/mo; WebStorm starts at free – $12.90/mo.
Can IntelliJ IDEA replace WebStorm?
Yes for most teams — both are code editors tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.