Apache NetBeans vs Oracle JDeveloper

Apache NetBeans9.0Visit Oracle JDeveloper8.2Visit

Higher score Apache NetBeans #3 in Java IDEs 9.0/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 5 features Try Apache NetBeans

vs

Oracle JDeveloper #5 in Java IDEs 8.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 5 features Visit Oracle

• Apache NetBeans fits best

  Free open-source Java development

• Oracle JDeveloper fits best

  Oracle enterprise Java teams

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Side by side

Feature	Apache NetBeans 9.0/10 Visit ↗	Oracle JDeveloper 8.2/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.0	8.2
Ranking	#3 in Java IDEs	#5 in Java IDEs
Best for	Free open-source Java development	Oracle enterprise Java teams
Pricing model	Free	Free
Starting price	Free plan	Free
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Desktop	Desktop
Platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux	Windows, macOS, Linux
Support	Community, Docs	Community, Docs
Integrations	4 integrations	6 integrations
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Enterprise, Mid-market
Features Apache NetBeans 0/5 · Oracle JDeveloper 0/5
Spring support	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Jakarta EE support	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
JavaFX support	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Remote development	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Database tools	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Specs
Supported operating systems	windows, macos, linux	windows, macos, linux
Our review
Pros	Free and open source under the Apache License Built-in refactoring, debugging, JUnit testing, and profiling Supports Maven, Ant, Gradle, and plugin extensions	Supports Java, Java EE, REST, SOAP, databases, and SQL Includes debugging, JUnit testing, builds, deployment, and source control Integrates with ADF, WebLogic Server, and Fusion Middleware
Cons	Desktop IDE rather than a browser-based development environment Broad language support may exceed focused Java-only needs Windows, macOS, and Linux installers come from community distributors	Its strongest ecosystem fit centers on Oracle technologies The feature set may be broader than needed for basic Java projects Oracle ADF and middleware support may not suit non-Oracle teams
Our verdict	Apache NetBeans is a desktop integrated development environment, tooling platform, and application framework maintained by the Apache Software Foundation. It is aimed at developers who want free, open-source tooling for Java projects,… Read the review →	Oracle JDeveloper is a free, Java-based desktop IDE for developers building enterprise applications across the development lifecycle. It supports Java and Java EE application development alongside web services, database development, SQL… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Apache NetBeans — where it wins

  • Free and open source under the Apache License
  • Built-in refactoring, debugging, JUnit testing, and profiling
  • Supports Maven, Ant, Gradle, and plugin extensions

  Where it doesn't

  • Desktop IDE rather than a browser-based development environment
  • Broad language support may exceed focused Java-only needs
  • Windows, macOS, and Linux installers come from community distributors

• Oracle JDeveloper — where it wins

  • Supports Java, Java EE, REST, SOAP, databases, and SQL
  • Includes debugging, JUnit testing, builds, deployment, and source control
  • Integrates with ADF, WebLogic Server, and Fusion Middleware

  Where it doesn't

  • Its strongest ecosystem fit centers on Oracle technologies
  • The feature set may be broader than needed for basic Java projects
  • Oracle ADF and middleware support may not suit non-Oracle teams

• Apache NetBeans9.0/10 · Free plan

  A mature, extensible Java IDE with built-in debugging, testing, profiling, and build tools.

  Try Apache NetBeansFull verdict →
• Oracle JDeveloper8.2/10 · Free plan

  A free desktop IDE for Java teams building Oracle-platform enterprise applications.

  Visit OracleFull verdict →