Head-to-head · Mobile Development IDEs
Codename One vs DroidScript
Codename One leads on 0 checks, DroidScript on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreCodename One · 8.4/10
- Free planboth
- Free trialonly Codename One
- Most featuresCodename One · 3 of 3
Codename One scores higher on our rubric for mobile development ides: 8.4 against 7.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #5 and #16.
Codename One is the better fit for java teams shipping Android and iOS apps. DroidScript is the better fit for flexible Android scripting.
- Codename One fits best
Java teams shipping Android and iOS apps
- DroidScript fits best
Flexible Android scripting
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Side by side
| Feature | Codename One 8.4/10 Visit ↗ | DroidScript 7.2/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.4 | 7.2 |
| Ranking | #5 in Mobile Development IDEs | #16 in Mobile Development IDEs |
| Best for | Java teams shipping Android and iOS apps | Flexible Android scripting |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | $300/user/yr | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | 14 days | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile | Mobile |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, Android |
| Support | Email, Phone, Live chat, Community, Docs | Email, Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business, Mid-market |
| Features Codename One 3/3 · DroidScript 2/3 | ||
| Emulator or simulator | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Visual UI designer | ✓ | ✓ |
| App packaging | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Mobile targets | Android, iOS/iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS | Android, Amazon Fire, ChromeOS |
| Desktop platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Supported languages | Java, Kotlin | JavaScript, Python |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | Codename One is an open-source framework and development toolchain for Java and Kotlin developers building native applications from a shared codebase. It targets Android, iOS/iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, and web browsers.… Read the review → |
DroidScript is a mobile development IDE for learners, hobbyists, and professional developers creating Android-oriented applications. It supports JavaScript and Python, with options for native, HTML, NodeJS, and hybrid app creation.… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Codename One — where it wins
- Native Android and iOS builds from a shared Java or Kotlin codebase
- Visual GUI builder, simulator, testing, and CSS live updates
- Free plan plus cloud builds and broad Java ecosystem integrations
Where it doesn't
- Free plan limits builds to 100 credits monthly
- Free plan has an 8.5 MB user JAR limit
- Paid plans use annual billing per developer seat
DroidScript — where it wins
- Supports JavaScript and Python development
- Builds APK and AAB application packages
- Offers remote editing, plugins, and device hardware access
Where it doesn't
- Primarily focused on Android-oriented development
- No verified integrations are listed
- Advanced visual layouts require an extension
- Codename One8.4/10 · Free plan · 14-day trial
A Java and Kotlin toolchain for native mobile builds, visual design, testing, and cloud delivery.
Visit Codename OneFull verdict → - DroidScript7.2/10 · Free plan
A flexible Android-focused IDE for scripting, hardware access, and app packaging.
Visit DroidScriptFull verdict →
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All mobile development IDEs comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update








