Best Eclipse IDE Alternatives in 2026
The top Eclipse IDE alternatives are IntelliJ IDEA, Apache NetBeans and MyEclipse: 15 java IDEs our editors would look at instead of Eclipse IDE, in our ranking order.
Eclipse IDE: A free, broad Java IDE with strong build, framework, database, and remote-development tooling. Where it falls short: some spring and JavaFX capabilities require additional projects or plug-ins.
Switching from Eclipse IDE? For most java ides buyers the best Eclipse IDE alternative is IntelliJ IDEA, built for professional Java and JVM development.
Why People Look for an Eclipse IDE Alternative
- 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
Quick Picks by What You Need
- Best overallIntelliJ IDEA9.4
Professional Java and JVM development
Visit IntelliJ IDEA - Best free optionIntelliJ IDEA9.4
Has a free plan
Visit IntelliJ IDEA
All 15 Eclipse IDE Alternatives, Ranked
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
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Best forProfessional Java and JVM development
- Better than Eclipse IDE:
- Editor score 9.4 vs 9.2
A broad Java and JVM workspace with strong debugging, testing, and build-tool support.
9.4/10★★★★★Visit IntelliJ IDEA -
Best forFree open-source Java development
A mature, extensible Java IDE with built-in debugging, testing, profiling, and build tools.
9.0/10★★★★☆Try Apache NetBeans -
Best forPaid enterprise Java and Spring teams
A broad paid IDE for enterprise Java teams spanning Spring, web, servers, and databases.
8.8/10★★★★☆Visit MyEclipse -
Best forOracle enterprise Java teams
A free desktop IDE for Java teams building Oracle-platform enterprise applications.
8.2/10★★★★☆Visit Oracle -
Best forSpring Boot development with Eclipse
A focused Eclipse distribution for Spring and Spring Boot development.
- Spring support
- Database tools
8.1/10★★★★☆Visit Spring Tools -
Best forStudents learning Java fundamentals
A focused, open-source Java IDE for learning, teaching, debugging, and testing.
7.8/10★★★★☆Visit BlueJ -
Best forVisual Java and GUI design learning
A focused, free Java IDE for visual learning, GUI design, and classroom teaching.
- JavaFX support
7.6/10★★★★☆Visit Java-Editor -
Best forBeginners learning Java incrementally
A focused, free Java IDE for learning through editing, evaluation, debugging, and testing.
7.4/10★★★★☆Visit DrJava -
Best forAndroid development directly on Android devices
A capable Android-first IDE for building Java apps directly on Android devices.
7.2/10★★★★☆Visit AIDE -
Best forAP Computer Science classroom Java work
A focused AP CSA workspace with auto-testing, practice tools, and classroom collaboration.
7.1/10★★★★☆Visit CS++ -
Best forAccessible Java learning across devices
A broad, free Java learning environment with browser access and desktop support.
7.0/10★★★★☆Visit SnapCode -
Best forJava teaching with browser-based classrooms
A classroom-focused Java IDE with grading, debugging, collaboration, and LMS integrations.
- Remote development
6.9/10★★★☆☆Visit JuiceMind -
Best forFree Android coding on-device
A free, open-source Android IDE for local coding, builds, debugging, and previews.
6.8/10★★★☆☆Visit Code on the Go -
Best forOffline Java development on Android
A capable offline Java workspace for Android, with Maven and developer-focused tooling.
6.7/10★★★☆☆Visit Jvdroid -
Best forLightweight Java and Android work on Android
A capable mobile Java workspace for Android, with a narrow platform and JDK 1.7 focus.
6.6/10★★★☆☆Visit Java N-IDE
Eclipse IDE Alternatives: Common Questions
What is the best alternative to Eclipse IDE?
IntelliJ IDEA: #1 in our Java IDEs ranking, with an editor score of 9.4 out of 10. A broad Java and JVM workspace with strong debugging, testing, and build-tool support.
Is there a free alternative to Eclipse IDE?
Yes. IntelliJ IDEA, Apache NetBeans, Oracle JDeveloper, Spring Tools for Eclipse and BlueJ have a free plan or a free tier (14 of the 15 alternatives on this page).
Why do people look for Eclipse IDE alternatives?
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.
How do I switch from Eclipse IDE?
Export your data from Eclipse IDE (most tools have an export in their settings). Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one. Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on. Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel Eclipse IDE.
How to Switch from Eclipse IDE
- Export your data from Eclipse IDE (most tools have an export in their settings).
- Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one.
- Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on.
- Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel Eclipse IDE.
Eclipse IDE vs Each Alternative
| # | Tool | Free plan | Paid from | Supported operating systems | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Eclipse IDE | Yes | Free | Windows, macOS, Linux | 9.2 |
| 1 | IntelliJ IDEA | Yes | windows, macos, linux | 9.4 | |
| 2 | Apache NetBeans | Yes | Free | windows, macos, linux | 9.0 |
| 3 | MyEclipse | No | $37/user/yr | windows, macos, linux | 8.8 |
| 4 | Oracle JDeveloper | Yes | Free | windows, macos, linux | 8.2 |
| 5 | Spring Tools for Eclipse | Yes | Free | Windows, macOS, Linux | 8.1 |
| 6 | BlueJ | Yes | Free | windows, macos, linux | 7.8 |
| 7 | Java-Editor | Yes | Free | Windows, Linux via Wine, macOS via CrossOver or virtualization | 7.6 |
| 8 | DrJava | Yes | Free | Windows, macOS, Linux | 7.4 |
| 9 | AIDE | Yes | 7.2 | ||
| 10 | CS++ Java IDE | Yes | $299/yr | web, Windows, macOS, iOS | 7.1 |
| 11 | SnapCode | Yes | Free | Windows, macOS, Linux | 7.0 |
| 12 | JuiceMind Java IDE | Yes | Web browser on any device, including Chromebooks and tablets | 6.9 | |
| 13 | Code on the Go | Yes | Free | 6.8 | |
| 14 | Jvdroid | Yes | Android | 6.7 | |
| 15 | Java N-IDE | Yes | Free | Android | 6.6 |
Head-to-Head
- Eclipse IDE vs IntelliJ IDEA
- Eclipse IDE vs Apache NetBeans
- Eclipse IDE vs MyEclipse
- Eclipse IDE vs Oracle JDeveloper
- Eclipse IDE vs Spring Tools for Eclipse
- Eclipse IDE vs BlueJ
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update