Eclipse IDE vs Apache NetBeans

Eclipse IDE8.8Visit Apache NetBeans8.7Visit

Higher score Eclipse IDE #6 in IDE Software 8.8/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 4 features Visit Eclipse

vs

Apache NetBeans #7 in IDE Software 8.7/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 4 features Try Apache NetBeans

• Eclipse IDE fits best

  Developers wanting a free, extensible IDE

• Apache NetBeans fits best

  Java and web developers wanting open-source tools

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Side by side

Feature	Eclipse IDE 8.8/10 Visit ↗	Apache NetBeans 8.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	8.8	8.7
Ranking	#6 in IDE Software	#7 in IDE Software
Best for	Developers wanting a free, extensible IDE	Java and web developers wanting open-source tools
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	Tickets, Community, Docs	Community, Docs
Integrations	6 integrations	4 integrations
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Eclipse IDE 2/4 · Apache NetBeans 2/4
Mobile development	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Built-in debugger	✓	✓
Testing tools	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Build tools	✓	✓
Specs
Supported languages	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Deployment	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Our review
Pros	Java and C/C++ debugging includes breakpoints, stepping, and variable inspection Supports JUnit workflows, Git, Maven, CMake, and Make Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux with an extensible plug-in architecture	Editors cover Java, PHP, JavaScript, HTML5, and CSS. Includes debugging, JUnit testing, and CPU, memory, and thread profiling. Supports Maven, Ant, Gradle, and plugins via the NetBeans Plugin Portal.
Cons	Desktop deployment only Its broad toolset may be more than developers need for a narrow workflow Project management and dev container support are not core confirmed capabilities	Desktop-only deployment limits browser-based workflows. Community and documentation are the listed support channels. Its broad language coverage may be more than a single-language workflow needs.
Our verdict	Eclipse IDE is a free, open-source desktop development environment maintained by the Eclipse Foundation. It suits developers who want Java or C/C++ language tools, editors, project views, debugging, testing, and build support in an… Read the review →	Apache NetBeans is a free, open-source desktop IDE and development platform for Java and web development, with editors for Java, PHP, JavaScript, HTML5, and CSS. It suits developers who want coding, project setup, debugging, testing,… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Eclipse IDE — where it wins

  • Java and C/C++ debugging includes breakpoints, stepping, and variable inspection
  • Supports JUnit workflows, Git, Maven, CMake, and Make
  • Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux with an extensible plug-in architecture

  Where it doesn't

  • Desktop deployment only
  • Its broad toolset may be more than developers need for a narrow workflow
  • Project management and dev container support are not core confirmed capabilities

• Apache NetBeans — where it wins

  • Editors cover Java, PHP, JavaScript, HTML5, and CSS.
  • Includes debugging, JUnit testing, and CPU, memory, and thread profiling.
  • Supports Maven, Ant, Gradle, and plugins via the NetBeans Plugin Portal.

  Where it doesn't

  • Desktop-only deployment limits browser-based workflows.
  • Community and documentation are the listed support channels.
  • Its broad language coverage may be more than a single-language workflow needs.

• Eclipse IDE8.8/10 · Free plan

  A free desktop IDE with Java and C/C++ tools, testing, debugging, and extensible plug-ins.

  Visit EclipseFull verdict →
• Apache NetBeans8.7/10 · Free plan

  A cross-platform IDE with integrated editing, debugging, testing, profiling, and build tools.

  Try Apache NetBeansFull verdict →