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Head-to-head · Java IDEs

Eclipse IDE vs Apache NetBeans

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 checks side by side
Higher score Eclipse IDE #2 in Java IDEs 9.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 5 features Visit Eclipse IDE
Apache NetBeans #3 in Java IDEs 9.0/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 5 features Try Apache NetBeans

Eclipse IDE leads on 0 checks, Apache NetBeans on 0, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreEclipse IDE · 9.2/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresEclipse IDE · 4 of 5

Eclipse IDE scores higher on our rubric for java ides: 9.2 against 9.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #3.

Eclipse IDE is the better fit for free, general-purpose Java development. Apache NetBeans is the better fit for free open-source Java development.

  • Eclipse IDE fits best

    Free, general-purpose Java development

  • Apache NetBeans fits best

    Free open-source Java development

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Side by side

Feature Eclipse IDE 9.2/10 Visit ↗ Apache NetBeans 9.0/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 9.0
Ranking #2 in Java IDEs #3 in Java IDEs
Best for Free, general-purpose Java development Free open-source Java development
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free plan Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux Windows, macOS, Linux
Support Community, Docs Community, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Eclipse IDE 4/5 · Apache NetBeans 0/5
Spring support ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Jakarta EE support Not checked yet Not checked yet
JavaFX support ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Remote development ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Database tools ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Specs
Supported operating systems Windows, macOS, Linux windows, macos, linux
Our review
Pros
  • Free and open source across Windows, macOS, and Linux
  • Includes Git, Maven, Gradle, Spring Boot, and JavaFX tooling
  • Covers database work, web tooling, and SSH or Telnet connections
  • Free and open source under the Apache License
  • Built-in refactoring, debugging, JUnit testing, and profiling
  • Supports Maven, Ant, Gradle, and plugin extensions
Cons
  • Some Spring and JavaFX capabilities require additional projects or plug-ins
  • The broad package and plug-in model can add setup decisions
  • Desktop-focused tooling may not suit teams seeking a narrower IDE
  • 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
Our verdict

Eclipse IDE is a free, open-source desktop development environment for Java developers working across Windows, macOS, and Linux. Its Java package includes Java Development Tools, Git integration, Maven integration, and Gradle project…

Read the review →

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 →
  1. Eclipse IDEJava IDEs 9.2Free plan
  2. Apache NetBeansJava IDEs 9.0Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Eclipse IDE — where it wins

    • Free and open source across Windows, macOS, and Linux
    • Includes Git, Maven, Gradle, Spring Boot, and JavaFX tooling
    • Covers database work, web tooling, and SSH or Telnet connections

    Where it doesn't

    • Some Spring and JavaFX capabilities require additional projects or plug-ins
    • The broad package and plug-in model can add setup decisions
    • Desktop-focused tooling may not suit teams seeking a narrower IDE

  • 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

More comparisons

All java IDEs comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update