The Best Python IDE for Mac: A Comprehensive Comparison

Python’s popularity is ever-growing, thanks to its versatility and ease of use. Mac users, in particular, often seek efficient development tools to make the most out of Python’s capabilities. Choosing the right Integrated Development Environment (IDE) or code editor can make a significant difference in your productivity and coding experience. However, with so many options available, it can feel overwhelming to identify which one best fits your needs.

This guide delves into five standout Python IDEs for Mac OS—VS Code, PyCharm, ZED.dev, Spyder, and Cursor. We’ll break down their key features, pricing, pros, and cons, helping you find the perfect fit for your projects.

1. VS Code: The Versatile Powerhouse

Visual Studio Code has become a favorite among developers, largely due to its flexibility. While it wasn’t created specifically for Python, its extensive range of extensions allows it to morph into an excellent Python development environment.

Key Features:

• Extensive Extensions: With thousands of extensions, developers can tailor the IDE to meet their specific needs, including Python extensions for syntax highlighting, debugging, testing, and linting.

• Lightweight and Fast: Despite offering a range of powerful tools, the IDE remains surprisingly lightweight, ensuring fast performance.

• Cross-Platform Compatibility: Works seamlessly on Mac OS, Windows, and Linux.

Pros:

• Highly Customizable: Create the environment that suits your needs with different themes, extensions, and customizable settings.

• Large Community: A wide user base provides a wealth of tutorials, guides, and forums for support.

• Integrated Terminal: No need to toggle between your IDE and a separate terminal—this IDE has it built-in.

Cons:

• Not Python-Specific: Requires extensions for full Python development capabilities.

• Can Slow Down with Many Extensions: Loading too many extensions at once can impact performance.

Best For: Developers working across multiple languages who want a flexible, all-in-one solution.

---

2. PyCharm: The Python Specialist

PyCharm, developed by JetBrains, stands out as an IDE built specifically for Python. It’s designed with Python developers in mind, offering a robust suite of features that make it one of the top choices for professional and amateur coders alike.

Key Features:

• Intelligent Code Assistance: PyCharm excels in providing smart code suggestions, autocompletion, and error detection as you write.

• Integrated Testing Tools: The IDE includes an integrated testing tool, debugging tool, and profiling options.

• Version Control: Comes with Git, SVN, Mercurial, and other version control integrations.

• Jupyter Notebook Support: Directly edit and run Jupyter notebooks inside the IDE.

Pros:

• Python-Centric: It is tailored for Python, providing features specific to Python development that general-purpose editors often lack.

• Advanced Debugging Tools: PyCharm’s debugger is arguably one of the best available, making troubleshooting smoother.

• Rich Plugin Ecosystem: A large selection of plugins allows for additional functionalities.

Cons:

• Heavy on Resources: PyCharm can be resource-intensive, which might be problematic for users with less powerful machines.

• Price for Full Features: While PyCharm offers a free community edition, some advanced features are only available in the paid Professional Edition.

Pricing:

• First Year: $100.00 (incl. VAT $110.00)

• Second Year: $99.00 (incl. VAT $108.90)

• Third Year Onwards: $79.00 (incl. VAT $86.90)

Best For: Python developers looking for a feature-rich, all-in-one environment for complex projects.

---

3. ZED.dev: The Fast and Lightweight Contender

ZED.dev is relatively new to the scene, but it has quickly attracted attention for its speed and simplicity. Unlike bulkier IDEs, ZED.dev focuses on delivering a fast, fluid development experience—ideal for those who want a minimalist, no-nonsense environment.

Key Features:

• High Performance: Built for speed, ZED.dev aims to minimize latency, offering a smooth coding experience even on large projects.

• AI-Powered Coding: ZED’s integrated AI assistant offers features like code generation and transformation.

• Collaboration Tools: Real-time collaboration tools allow for better teamwork on projects.

• Open Source: As an open-source project, ZED.dev allows for community contributions and modifications.

Pros:

• Mac OS Optimization: ZED.dev is specifically optimized for OS X, offering performance enhancements on this platform.

• Clean Interface: A distraction-free interface makes it easier to focus on coding.

• Free AI Features: The integrated AI tools are available at no cost.

Cons:

• Limited Extensions: While ZED.dev is powerful, it lacks the extensive library of extensions that IDEs like VS Code offer. Although there are still plenty of extensions for things like syntax highlighting and such, it is still an issue.

• New to the Market: As a newer IDE, it might still have some bugs, and community resources are currently limited.

Best For: Developers who prioritize speed and simplicity, and are curious about AI-powered enhancements without extra costs.

---

4. Spyder: The Data Scientist’s Choice

Spyder is an open-source IDE specifically designed for data science and engineering applications. If your Python projects involve data analysis, machine learning, or scientific computing, Spyder offers a suite of tools to enhance your workflow.

Key Features:

• Seamless Scientific Libraries Integration: Directly integrates with popular scientific libraries like NumPy, SciPy, and Pandas.

• Variable Explorer: Allows developers to inspect variables, data frames, and arrays interactively, making it easy to analyze data.

• Advanced Editing Features: Includes features like syntax highlighting, real-time code analysis, and smart autocompletion.

• Jupyter Notebook Support: Direct integration with Jupyter Notebooks allows you to run and modify notebooks without leaving the IDE.

Pros:

• Ideal for Data Science: Tailored for Python-based data analysis and visualization, it’s perfect for scientists, engineers, and academics.

• Open Source and Free: There’s no cost involved, which makes Spyder a great option for students and professionals alike.

• Extensive Community Contributions: Spyder benefits from ongoing community-driven improvements.

Cons:

• Not Great for Web Development: Spyder’s primary focus is on data analysis, which may not suit developers focused on web or app development.

• Slows Down with Large Data Sets: Performance can be an issue when working with particularly large datasets.

Best For: Data scientists, engineers, and academics who work extensively with scientific packages and need a reliable data analysis tool.

---

5. Cursor: The AI-Enhanced VS Code Fork

Cursor takes the foundation of VS Code and adds powerful AI-driven tools to enhance productivity. It’s an excellent choice for developers looking to blend familiar tools with cutting-edge AI features.

Key Features:

• AI Autocomplete: Cursor uses AI to predict and autocomplete multiple lines of code based on context, saving you valuable coding time.

• AI Chat Functionality: The built-in AI assistant can answer questions about your codebase, making it easier to troubleshoot and debug.

• Compatible with VS Code Extensions: Cursor retains the extension compatibility of VS Code, allowing access to its vast library.

Pros:

• Boosts Productivity: The AI tools make coding faster, providing suggestions that streamline development.

• Familiar Interface: Developers already comfortable with VS Code will find it easy to transition to Cursor.

• Flexible Pricing Plans: Offers both free and paid plans, so you can choose a package that fits your budget and needs.

Cons:

• Reliance on AI: The heavy use of AI might not suit all developers, particularly those who prefer a more hands-on approach.

• Privacy Concerns: Since AI analyzes your code, there may be concerns about privacy and data sharing.

Pricing:

• Hobby (Free): Includes a two-week Pro trial, 2000 completions, and 50 slow premium requests.

• Pro ($20/month): Unlimited completions, 500 fast premium requests per month, unlimited slow premium requests, and 10 o1-mini uses per day.

Best For: Developers seeking to integrate AI into their coding workflow, or those already comfortable with VS Code looking for a productivity boost.

---

Comparing the IDEs: At a Glance

Feature	VS Code	PyCharm	ZED.dev	Spyder	Cursor
Python-Specific	Via extensions	Extensive	Moderate	Extensive	Via extensions
AI Assistance	Via extensions	No	Yes (Free)	No	Yes (Free & Paid)
Jupyter Notebook Support	Yes (with extensions)	Yes	No	Yes	Yes (with extensions)
Performance	Fast	Moderate	Very Fast	Moderate	Fast
Open Source	Partially	Yes (Community Edition)	Yes	Yes	Yes
Pricing	Free	Paid	Free	Free	Free & Paid Plans
Best For	Multi-language devs	Python specialists	Speed enthusiasts	Data scientists	AI-focused devs

---

My Opinion

Each one offers unique advantages, and I’ve found myself switching between them every few weeks… Maybe eventually I’ll settle on one.

For instance, when working on complex Python applications, PyCharm has been invaluable due to its comprehensive features. On the other hand, Cursor has been my go-to for multi-language projects that aren’t super heavy, thanks to its flexibility and extensive extension library.

Recently, I’ve experimented with ZED.dev, appreciating its speed and clean interface. The fact that Zed AI is free makes it an attractive option for integrating AI into my workflow without additional costs.

Spyder remains a staple when I’m diving into data analysis and scientific computing. Its integration with Jupyter Notebook and scientific libraries is a significant advantage.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

---

Final Thoughts

Selecting the best Mac OS Python IDE depends on your specific needs, budget, and workflow preferences. Whether you require the versatility of Visual Studio Code, the specialized features of PyCharm, the speed of ZED.dev, the data-centric tools of Spyder, or the AI enhancements of Cursor, there’s an IDE or code editor that fits your requirements.

Remember to consider factors like pricing, especially if you’re looking at paid options like PyCharm’s Professional Edition or Cursor’s Pro plan. Take advantage of free trials and community editions to test out the IDEs before committing.

As a developer, your tools significantly impact your productivity and the quality of your work. Investing time in choosing the right Python IDE or code editor can pay dividends in the long run.