WebStorm vs Apache NetBeans

WebStorm9.0Visit Apache NetBeans8.7Visit

Higher score WebStorm #4 in IDE Software 9.0/10 Free plan · 30-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 2 of 4 features Visit WebStorm

vs

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

• WebStorm fits best

  JavaScript and TypeScript developers

• Apache NetBeans fits best

  Java and web developers wanting open-source tools

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Side by side

Feature	WebStorm 9.0/10 Visit ↗	Apache NetBeans 8.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.0	8.7
Ranking	#4 in IDE Software	#7 in IDE Software
Best for	JavaScript and TypeScript developers	Java and web developers wanting open-source tools
Pricing model	Free plan + paid	Free
Starting price	—	Free plan
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	30 days	—
Deployment	Desktop	Desktop
Platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux	Windows, macOS, Linux
Support	Tickets, Community, Docs	Community, Docs
Integrations	11 integrations	4 integrations
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features WebStorm 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	JavaScript and TypeScript completion, inspections, refactoring, and navigation Built-in debugging and test runners for Jest, Mocha, Protractor, and Vitest Includes Docker, Dev Containers, package managers, database tools, and an HTTP client	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	Commercial development requires a paid subscription after the trial The free license is limited to qualifying non-commercial use Desktop-only deployment, rather than a browser-based IDE	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	WebStorm is JetBrains’ desktop IDE for JavaScript, TypeScript, and related web technologies, suited to developers who want coding, debugging, testing, and project tools in one workspace. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Its… 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

• WebStorm — where it wins

  • JavaScript and TypeScript completion, inspections, refactoring, and navigation
  • Built-in debugging and test runners for Jest, Mocha, Protractor, and Vitest
  • Includes Docker, Dev Containers, package managers, database tools, and an HTTP client

  Where it doesn't

  • Commercial development requires a paid subscription after the trial
  • The free license is limited to qualifying non-commercial use
  • Desktop-only deployment, rather than a browser-based IDE

• 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.

• WebStorm9.0/10 · Free plan · 30-day trial

  Code, debug, test, and manage web projects in one desktop IDE.

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

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

  Try Apache NetBeansFull verdict →