Side by side
PhpStorm vs Visual Studio
Both stand on web development ides. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Choose PhpStorm if PHP work calls for integrated coding assistance, framework support, debugging, testing, databases, and remote development. The main reason to look elsewhere is its paid model if you need a generally available free plan; students, teachers, and qualifying projects may have free-license eligibility.
Visit PhpStorm
Visual Studio brings development, debugging, testing, GitHub, and Azure workflows into a Windows IDE. Community is free within its stated use limits, while paid monthly options are listed for Professional and Enterprise.
Visit Visual StudioThe facts
| PhpStorm | Visual Studio | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | A free trial | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | No |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Windows | API, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | See the plans |
| Plans published | 2 | 13 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | jetbrains.com | visualstudio.microsoft.com |
| On web development ides | #32 of 44 | #28 of 44 |
PhpStorm: what it does well
- Works on Linux, macOS, and Windows.
- Built-in support for Laravel, Blade, Symfony, and WordPress.
- Xdebug debugger includes conditional breakpoints and step-through execution.
- Supports PHPUnit and Pest, test generation, and code coverage views.
- Offers remote interpreters through SSH, Docker, Vagrant, and WSL.
What to know first
- There is no general free plan.
- The trial lasts 30 days.
- Pricing for the individual and organization plans is not established here.
Visual Studio: what it does well
- Includes debugging and integrated testing tools.
- GitHub support is built into the IDE.
- Copilot offers code and debugging assistance.
- Can manage Azure resources and deploy applications.
What to know first
- Supported operating system is Windows.
- Community use is restricted for enterprise organizations.
- Professional monthly access costs $45 a month.
- Enterprise monthly access costs $250 a month.
Alternatives to PhpStorm Alternatives to Visual Studio The whole list