Alternatives to NetBeans
Apache's Java-first IDE
NetBeans ranks #3 of 10 in IDEs, with an Alt Score of 85. It is licensed under Apache-2.0, free and available on Windows, macOS and Linux. 11 of 12 checklist rows are verified against a public source.
Developers building Java applications (and to a lesser extent PHP, JavaScript, or C/C++ projects) who want a free, full-featured IDE without vendor lock-in.
A code editor with syntax highlighting, semantic analysis, and refactoring tools across multiple languages. Integrated debugger and profiler for diagnosing and tuning applications. Built-in support for Maven, Gradle, and Ant project structures with templates and wizards for common project types. Runs identically on Windows, Linux, macOS, and BSD.
Install NetBeans, then create a new project or open an existing one via a wizard that recognizes standard build tooling (Maven/Gradle/Ant). You edit code with IDE assistance, then build, run, and debug or profile the application directly from within the same environment.
Where NetBeans stands out
Verified capabilities most alternatives don't have.
Why people leave NetBeans
Dashed reasons are sourced facts; the rest are opinions. Vendors can dispute.
Sign in to add a reason — new reasons go through moderation before appearing.
Ranked alternatives
Ordered by Alt Score. Click any score to see the breakdown.
Feature comparison
Rows come from the IDEs checklist (16 rows). Human-verified cells only. ? means the value has not been verified.
| IDEs checklist | NetBeans | Visual Studio | CLion | Rider | WebStorm | PyCharm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | ||||||
| Starts at | ||||||
| License | ||||||
| Platforms | ||||||
| Language server (LSP) support | ||||||
| Debugger built in | ||||||
| Git integration | ||||||
| AI code completion | ||||||
| Remote / SSH development | ||||||
| Extensions marketplace | ||||||
| Refactoring tools | ||||||
| Integrated terminal | ||||||
| Profiler built in | ||||||
| Database tools built in | ||||||
| Free tier / community edition | ||||||
| Startup speed class |
Every fact and feature listed for NetBeans is verified against its own pages. Each alternative is sourced on its own page.
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License Apache-2.0 verified 2026-07-11
Licensed under the Apache license, version 2.0
https://netbeans.apache.org/front/main/index.html -
Pricing model Free verified 2026-07-11
The two base products, the Apache NetBeans IDE and Apache NetBeans Platform, are free for commercial and non-commercial use, under the Apache license.
https://netbeans.apache.org/front/main/about/index.html -
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux verified 2026-07-11
Apache NetBeans can be installed on all operating systems that support Java, i.e, Windows, Linux, Mac OSX and BSD
https://netbeans.apache.org/front/main/index.html -
Status active verified 2026-07-11
Latest version of the IDE, released on May 18, 2026.
https://netbeans.apache.org/front/main/download/ -
Language server (LSP) support Yes verified 2026-07-11
Apache NetBeans Language Server for VS Code extension (VSNetBeans) is based on NetBeans IDE.
https://github.com/apache/netbeans-vscode -
Debugger built in Yes verified 2026-07-11
This tutorial describes how to use the Visual Debugger to help you locate and debug the code for visual elements in your Java GUI applications.
https://netbeans.apache.org/tutorial/main/kb/docs/java/debug-visual/ -
Git integration Yes verified 2026-07-11
The Apache NetBeans IDE provides support for the Git version control system.
https://netbeans.apache.org/tutorial/main/kb/docs/ide/git/ -
AI code completion Partial verified 2026-07-11
AI-powered code completion, offering context-aware suggestions for completing code, renaming variables and methods, and improving log messages or comments.
https://plugins.netbeans.apache.org/catalogue/?id=103 -
Remote / SSH development Partial verified 2026-07-11
All data transfer between client and server is done through the Secure Shell (SSH) protocol.
https://netbeans.apache.org/tutorial/main/kb/docs/cnd/remotedev-tutorial/ -
Extensions marketplace Yes verified 2026-07-11
Apache NetBeans Plugin Portal
https://plugins.netbeans.apache.org/catalogue/ -
Refactoring tools Yes verified 2026-07-11
The NetBeans IDE Java Editor features an Inspect and Transform feature, which is a refactoring tool for running various inspections and transformations on the selected scope of files at once.
https://netbeans.apache.org/tutorial/main/kb/docs/java/editor-inspect-transform/ -
Integrated terminal Yes verified 2026-07-11
On the left margin of the Output window, click the terminal icon.
https://netbeans.apache.org/tutorial/main/kb/docs/cnd/remotedev-tutorial/ -
Profiler built in Yes verified 2026-07-11
NetBeans IDE includes a powerful profiling tool that can provide important information about the runtime behavior of your application.
https://netbeans.apache.org/tutorial/main/kb/docs/java/profiler-profilingpoints/ -
Database tools built in Yes verified 2026-07-11
This document demonstrates how to set up a connection to a MySQL database from the NetBeans IDE. Once connected, you can begin working with MySQL in the IDE's Database Explorer by creating new databas
https://netbeans.apache.org/tutorial/main/kb/docs/ide/mysql/ -
Free tier / community edition Yes verified 2026-07-11
The two base products, the Apache NetBeans IDE and Apache NetBeans Platform, are free for commercial and non-commercial use, under the Apache license.
https://netbeans.apache.org/front/main/about/index.html
FAQ
Yes. Visual Studio, CLion and Rider have a free tier or are fully free. Free-tier limits in the comparison table are verified and dated.
PyCharm, Eclipse and IntelliJ IDEA — every license claim links its source.