IntelliJ IDEA
IntelliJ IDEA, developed by JetBrains, is a standalone architecture tool that supports multiple operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux. Renowned for its robust support for a wide range of large language models (LLMs) such as GPT-5, Gemini 2.0, and JetBrains’ own SLMs, IntelliJ IDEA is designed to cater to various development needs. The tool offers a substantial context window of 200k tokens, allowing for comprehensive code analysis and suggestions. With capabilities for local inference and agentic editing across multiple files, IntelliJ IDEA ensures seamless integration with existing workflows. Its terminal access is full-featured, allowing developers to execute commands and scripts directly within the environment. Privacy is maintained under a standard privacy policy, complemented by SOC2 Type II certification for enterprise users. Offering both free and professional tiers, IntelliJ IDEA requires initial setup for migration but promises enhanced productivity for developers.
Pros
- ✓ Supports a wide range of LLMs including proprietary JetBrains SLMs
- ✓ Full terminal access for command execution
- ✓ Free tier available
- ✓ SOC2 Type II certified for enterprise
Cons
- ✕ Requires setup for migration
- ✕ Standard privacy policy may not suit all users
PearAI
PearAI is a standalone tool available on Windows, macOS, and Linux, developed by PearAI. It supports a variety of LLMs including GPT-4 and Claude 3 Opus, alongside its custom PearAI Model. With a context window of 200k tokens and capabilities for local inference, PearAI facilitates detailed code insights and predictions. The tool excels in agentic editing across multiple files and provides full terminal access for developers. A standout feature is its Zero Data Retention privacy mode, ensuring that no user data is stored, which is a significant advantage for privacy-conscious users. PearAI also holds SOC2 Type II certification, making it a reliable choice for enterprise environments. While offering a free tier, the pricing can range up to $200 per month, reflecting its extensive feature set and privacy assurances. Migration to PearAI is seamless, enhancing its appeal for developers looking for a straightforward transition.
Pros
- ✓ Zero Data Retention privacy mode
- ✓ Seamless migration
- ✓ Supports custom PearAI Model
- ✓ SOC2 Type II certified for enterprise
Cons
- ✕ Higher pricing up to $200/mo
- ✕ Limited to specific LLMs compared to competitors
Comparison Table
| Feature | IntelliJ IDEA | PearAI |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture Type | standalone | standalone |
| Supported Os | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Developer | JetBrains | PearAI |
| Supported Llms | GPT-5, Gemini 2.0, Llama 4, Mistral Enterprise, JetBrains SLMs | GPT-4, GPT-4o, Claude 3 Opus, Llama 3.1 405b, PearAI Model |
| Custom Model | JetBrains SLMs | PearAI Model |
| Context Window | 200k tokens | 200k tokens |
| Agentic Editing | Yes, multi-file | Yes, multi-file |
| Terminal Access | Full | Full |
| Privacy Mode | Standard Privacy Policy | Zero Data Retention (ZDR) |
| Certifications | SOC2 Type II (Enterprise) | SOC2 Type II (Enterprise) |
| About Price | Free/Pro | Free – $200/mo |
| Config File | .intellij-ai-config | .pearrc |
| Migration | Requires setup | Seamless |
Conclusion
Both IntelliJ IDEA and PearAI offer compelling features for developers, with IntelliJ IDEA providing a rich set of supported LLMs and PearAI excelling in privacy with its Zero Data Retention policy. While IntelliJ IDEA is ideal for users requiring extensive LLM support, PearAI is better suited for privacy-conscious developers. Ultimately, the choice depends on specific user needs and priorities regarding privacy, migration ease, and budget.