Best Spring Tools for Eclipse Alternatives in 2026
The top Spring Tools for Eclipse alternatives are IntelliJ IDEA, Eclipse IDE and Apache NetBeans: 15 java IDEs our editors would look at instead of Spring Tools for Eclipse, in our ranking order.
Spring Tools for Eclipse: A focused Eclipse distribution for Spring and Spring Boot development. Where it falls short: specialized for spring rather than broad standalone java development.
Switching from Spring Tools for Eclipse? For most java ides buyers the best Spring Tools for Eclipse alternative is IntelliJ IDEA, built for professional Java and JVM development.
Why People Look for a Spring Tools for Eclipse Alternative
- Specialized for Spring rather than broad standalone Java development
- Requires an Eclipse-based workflow
- AI feature details are not part of the product description
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 Spring Tools for Eclipse 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 Spring Tools for Eclipse:
- Editor score 9.4 vs 8.1
A broad Java and JVM workspace with strong debugging, testing, and build-tool support.
9.4/10★★★★★Visit IntelliJ IDEA -
Best forFree, general-purpose Java development
- Better than Spring Tools for Eclipse:
- Editor score 9.2 vs 8.1
A free, broad Java IDE with strong build, framework, database, and remote-development tooling.
- JavaFX support
- Spring support
- Remote development
9.2/10★★★★★Visit Eclipse IDE -
Best forFree open-source Java development
- Better than Spring Tools for Eclipse:
- Editor score 9.0 vs 8.1
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
- Better than Spring Tools for Eclipse:
- Editor score 8.8 vs 8.1
A broad paid IDE for enterprise Java teams spanning Spring, web, servers, and databases.
8.8/10★★★★☆Visit MyEclipse -
Best forOracle enterprise Java teams
- Better than Spring Tools for Eclipse:
- Editor score 8.2 vs 8.1
A free desktop IDE for Java teams building Oracle-platform enterprise applications.
8.2/10★★★★☆Visit Oracle -
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
Spring Tools for Eclipse Alternatives: Common Questions
What is the best alternative to Spring Tools for Eclipse?
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 Spring Tools for Eclipse?
Yes. IntelliJ IDEA, Eclipse IDE, Apache NetBeans, Oracle JDeveloper and BlueJ have a free plan or a free tier (14 of the 15 alternatives on this page).
Why do people look for Spring Tools for Eclipse alternatives?
Specialized for Spring rather than broad standalone Java development; Requires an Eclipse-based workflow; AI feature details are not part of the product description.
How do I switch from Spring Tools for Eclipse?
Export your data from Spring Tools for Eclipse (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 Spring Tools for Eclipse.
How to Switch from Spring Tools for Eclipse
- Export your data from Spring Tools for Eclipse (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 Spring Tools for Eclipse.
Spring Tools for Eclipse vs Each Alternative
| # | Tool | Free plan | Paid from | Supported operating systems | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | Spring Tools for Eclipse | Yes | Free | Windows, macOS, Linux | 8.1 |
| 1 | IntelliJ IDEA | Yes | windows, macos, linux | 9.4 | |
| 2 | Eclipse IDE | Yes | Free | Windows, macOS, Linux | 9.2 |
| 3 | Apache NetBeans | Yes | Free | windows, macos, linux | 9.0 |
| 4 | MyEclipse | No | $37/user/yr | windows, macos, linux | 8.8 |
| 5 | Oracle JDeveloper | Yes | Free | windows, macos, linux | 8.2 |
| 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
- Spring Tools for Eclipse vs IntelliJ IDEA
- Spring Tools for Eclipse vs Eclipse IDE
- Spring Tools for Eclipse vs Apache NetBeans
- Spring Tools for Eclipse vs MyEclipse
- Spring Tools for Eclipse vs Oracle JDeveloper
- Spring Tools for Eclipse vs BlueJ
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update