Best Apache NetBeans IDE Alternatives in 2025

Looking for alternatives to Apache NetBeans IDE? In this comparison, we take a closer look at Apache NetBeans IDE alongside similar software solutions including Apache NetBeans IDE, IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition and Java SE Development Kit.

Our detailed comparison table highlights key features, pricing, and performance of these leading solutions, empowering you to make an informed decision. Whether you're seeking robust functionality, user-friendly design, or cost-effective alternatives, explore how Apache NetBeans IDE, IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition and Java SE Development Kit stack up to find the perfect software for your goals.

	License and Cost	Programming Language Support	Features
Apache NetBeans IDE	Free and open-source software licensed under the Apache License.	Supports Java, PHP, C++, JavaScript, CSS, HTML5, and multiple other programming languages.	Provides code completion, code highlighting, debugger, profiler, GUI builder, version control integration, plugin ecosystem.
IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition	Free and open-source; no official support.	Supports Java, Kotlin, Groovy, Scala, JavaScript, TypeScript, SQL, HTML/CSS, and other languages.	Offers intelligent code completion, advanced debugging and refactoring tools, version control system integration (Git, GitHub), build tools support (Gradle, Maven).
Java SE Development Kit	Open-source implementation; subject to Oracle's licensing and support policies; some versions have additional costs.	Supports Java development; used for compiling and running Java code.	Includes compilers, runtime environment (JRE), standard libraries, debugging tools; essential for Java application development.

License and Cost

Apache NetBeans IDE	Free and open-source software licensed under the Apache License.
IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition	Free and open-source; no official support.
Java SE Development Kit	Open-source implementation; subject to Oracle's licensing and support policies; some versions have additional costs.

Programming Language Support

Apache NetBeans IDE	Supports Java, PHP, C++, JavaScript, CSS, HTML5, and multiple other programming languages.
IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition	Supports Java, Kotlin, Groovy, Scala, JavaScript, TypeScript, SQL, HTML/CSS, and other languages.
Java SE Development Kit	Supports Java development; used for compiling and running Java code.

Features

Apache NetBeans IDE	Provides code completion, code highlighting, debugger, profiler, GUI builder, version control integration, plugin ecosystem.
IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition	Offers intelligent code completion, advanced debugging and refactoring tools, version control system integration (Git, GitHub), build tools support (Gradle, Maven).
Java SE Development Kit	Includes compilers, runtime environment (JRE), standard libraries, debugging tools; essential for Java application development.

Choosing the right software isn’t just about features. Size, license type, user ratings, and popularity also matter.

This quick comparison shows how Apache NetBeans IDE stacks up against Apache NetBeans IDE, IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition and Java SE Development Kit in these key areas—helping you find the best alternative for your needs.

	Size	License	Rating	Popularity
Apache NetBeans IDE		Open Source		0%
Java SE Development Kit		Commercial		100%

Size

Apache NetBeans IDE
Java SE Development Kit

License

Apache NetBeans IDE	Open Source
Java SE Development Kit	Commercial

Rating

Apache NetBeans IDE
Java SE Development Kit

Popularity

Apache NetBeans IDE	0%
Java SE Development Kit	100%