The Best Java IDEs in 2026
We researched Java IDEs from official vendor websites, including pricing pages, plan tables, and product documentation. Rankings focus on each product’s core Java development job, value for money, and verified features for building, debugging, testing, and managing Java applications and projects.
Our top picks
-
Top ranked
IntelliJ IDEA#1 of 239.4/10A broad Java and JVM workspace with strong debugging, testing, and build-tool support.
Free plan · 30-day trial
-
Runner-up
Eclipse IDE#2 of 239.2/10A free, broad Java IDE with strong build, framework, database, and remote-development tooling.
Free plan
-
Top-ranked free plan
Apache NetBeans#3 of 239.0/10A mature, extensible Java IDE with built-in debugging, testing, profiling, and build tools.
Free plan
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
The full ranking 23 tools, best first
-
Best forProfessional Java and JVM development
A broad Java and JVM workspace with strong debugging, testing, and build-tool support.
Free plan · 30-day trial Our IntelliJ IDEA verdict → Visit IntelliJ IDEAFor vendors Sponsor this spot · #1 · $149/mo →9.4/10★★★★★Visit IntelliJ IDEA -
Best forFree, general-purpose Java development
A free, broad Java IDE with strong build, framework, database, and remote-development tooling.
- JavaFX support
- Spring support
- Remote development
9.2/10★★★★★Visit Eclipse IDE -
Best forFree open-source Java development
A mature, extensible Java IDE with built-in debugging, testing, profiling, and build tools.
9.0/10★★★★☆Try Apache NetBeans -
Best forPaid enterprise Java and Spring teams
A broad paid IDE for enterprise Java teams spanning Spring, web, servers, and databases.
8.8/10★★★★☆Visit MyEclipse -
Best forOracle enterprise Java teams
A free desktop IDE for Java teams building Oracle-platform enterprise applications.
8.2/10★★★★☆Visit Oracle -
Best forSpring Boot development with Eclipse
A focused Eclipse distribution for Spring and Spring Boot development.
- Spring support
- Database tools
8.1/10★★★★☆Visit Spring Tools -
Best forStudents learning Java fundamentals
A focused, open-source Java IDE for learning, teaching, debugging, and testing.
7.8/10★★★★☆Visit BlueJ -
Best forVisual Java and GUI design learning
A focused, free Java IDE for visual learning, GUI design, and classroom teaching.
- JavaFX support
7.6/10★★★★☆Visit Java-Editor -
Best forBeginners learning Java incrementally
A focused, free Java IDE for learning through editing, evaluation, debugging, and testing.
7.4/10★★★★☆Visit DrJava -
Best forAndroid development directly on Android devices
A capable Android-first IDE for building Java apps directly on Android devices.
7.2/10★★★★☆Visit AIDE -
Best forAP Computer Science classroom Java work
A focused AP CSA workspace with auto-testing, practice tools, and classroom collaboration.
7.1/10★★★★☆Visit CS++ -
Best forAccessible Java learning across devices
A broad, free Java learning environment with browser access and desktop support.
7.0/10★★★★☆Visit SnapCode -
Best forJava teaching with browser-based classrooms
A classroom-focused Java IDE with grading, debugging, collaboration, and LMS integrations.
- Remote development
6.9/10★★★☆☆Visit JuiceMind -
Best forFree Android coding on-device
A free, open-source Android IDE for local coding, builds, debugging, and previews.
6.8/10★★★☆☆Visit Code on the Go -
Best forOffline Java development on Android
A capable offline Java workspace for Android, with Maven and developer-focused tooling.
6.7/10★★★☆☆Visit Jvdroid -
Best forLightweight Java and Android work on Android
A capable mobile Java workspace for Android, with a narrow platform and JDK 1.7 focus.
6.6/10★★★☆☆Visit Java N-IDE -
Best forBeginners learning Java through simulations
A free, visual Java environment for learning through interactive simulations.
6.5/10★★★☆☆Visit Greenfoot -
Best forCreative coding and Java sketches
A free, open-source Java environment built for visual sketches, not general application development.
- Database tools
6.4/10★★★☆☆Visit Processing -
Best forCloud-native development teams needing workspaces
A flexible cloud workspace platform, but not a Java-specific IDE.
6.3/10★★★☆☆Visit Eclipse Che -
Best forIBM i development teams using Java-adjacent tools
A paid Eclipse IDE for IBM i teams, with broad language and remote-development tooling.
- Remote development
- Database tools
6.1/10★★★☆☆Visit IBM -
Best forWindows developers wanting compact Java tooling
A capable free Community edition for Windows, with limited platform coverage.
- Spring support
- Database tools
6.0/10★★★☆☆Visit Inteljava IQ -
Best forMinecraft Java mod creators
A focused Minecraft creation tool, not a general-purpose Java IDE.
5.9/10★★★☆☆Visit MCreator -
Best forTeams building Spring API gateways
A capable Spring API gateway library, but not a Java IDE.
5.8/10★★★☆☆Visit Spring Cloud
No tools match those filters.
Compare at a glance
| # | Tool | Free plan | Paid from | Supported operating systems | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | IntelliJ IDEA | Yes | windows, macos, linux | 9.4 | |
| 2 | Eclipse IDE | Yes | Free | Windows, macOS, Linux | 9.2 |
| 3 | Apache NetBeans | Yes | Free | windows, macos, linux | 9.0 |
| 4 | MyEclipse | No | $37/user/yr | windows, macos, linux | 8.8 |
| 5 | Oracle JDeveloper | Yes | Free | windows, macos, linux | 8.2 |
| 6 | Spring Tools for Eclipse | Yes | Free | Windows, macOS, Linux | 8.1 |
| 7 | BlueJ | Yes | Free | windows, macos, linux | 7.8 |
| 8 | Java-Editor | Yes | Free | Windows, Linux via Wine, macOS via CrossOver or virtualization | 7.6 |
| 9 | DrJava | Yes | Free | Windows, macOS, Linux | 7.4 |
| 10 | AIDE | Yes | 7.2 | ||
| 11 | CS++ Java IDE | Yes | $299/yr | web, Windows, macOS, iOS | 7.1 |
| 12 | SnapCode | Yes | Free | Windows, macOS, Linux | 7.0 |
| 13 | JuiceMind Java IDE | Yes | Web browser on any device, including Chromebooks and tablets | 6.9 | |
| 14 | Code on the Go | Yes | Free | 6.8 | |
| 15 | Jvdroid | Yes | Android | 6.7 | |
| 16 | Java N-IDE | Yes | Free | Android | 6.6 |
| 17 | Greenfoot | Yes | Free | windows, macos, linux | 6.5 |
| 18 | Processing | Yes | Free | macOS, Windows, Linux | 6.4 |
| 19 | Eclipse Che | Free | 6.3 | ||
| 20 | IBM Rational Developer for i | No | Windows, macOS, Linux | 6.1 | |
| 21 | Inteljava IQ | Yes | Windows | 6.0 | |
| 22 | MCreator | Free | Windows, macOS, Linux | 5.9 | |
| 23 | Spring Cloud Gateway | Yes | Free | 5.8 |
Head-to-head All 27 comparisons →
- IntelliJ IDEA vs Eclipse IDE
- IntelliJ IDEA vs MyEclipse
- IntelliJ IDEA vs Oracle JDeveloper
- IntelliJ IDEA vs Spring Tools for Eclipse
- IntelliJ IDEA vs BlueJ
- IntelliJ IDEA vs Java-Editor
- Eclipse IDE vs Apache NetBeans
- Eclipse IDE vs MyEclipse
- Eclipse IDE vs Oracle JDeveloper
Explore other topics All topics →
- AI Tools 303 directories · 8,269 tools ranked AI Writing Tools · AI Video Generators · Text-to-Speech Software
- Web Hosting & Domains 275 directories · 6,107 tools ranked Shared Web Hosting · Managed Cloud Hosting · Dedicated Server Hosting
- Productivity 157 directories · 4,948 tools ranked Note-Taking Apps · Calendar Apps · Project Management Software
- Marketing 135 directories · 3,978 tools ranked SEO Tools · Influencer Marketing Platforms · Email Marketing Software
- Sales & CRM 152 directories · 4,161 tools ranked Real Estate CRM Software · CRM Software · Proposal Software
- Customer Service 55 directories · 1,547 tools ranked Chatbot Builders · Knowledge Base Software · Call Center Software
How we rank java IDEs
Every tool on this page was researched by iTechGuides Editors from its official website — pricing pages, plan tables and product documentation. We rank on how well each one does this category's core job, what the free or entry plan includes, and where it falls short. Where we have enough verified facts, the score out of 10 is a rubric — job fit, value and how much we could verify — shown with its breakdown on every tool's page; a tool we have not verified enough to score yet shows its rank without a number. Scores are re-checked when a product changes its plans. Read the full editorial policy, or submit a tool we missed.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update