Apache NetBeans AlternativesTop IDEs & Code Editors like Apache NetBeans

Apache NetBeans is described as 'A free, open-source Integrated Development Environment for software developers. You get all the tools you need to create professional desktop, enterprise, web, and mobile applications with the Java language, C/C++, and even dynamic languages such as PHP, JavaScript, Groovy, and' and is a leading IDE in the development category. There are more than 100 alternatives to Apache NetBeans for a variety of platforms, including Windows, Linux, Mac, BSD and Android apps. The best Apache NetBeans alternative is Visual Studio Code, which is free. Other great apps like Apache NetBeans are VSCodium, Eclipse, IntelliJ IDEA and Microsoft Visual Studio.

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Apache NetBeans alternatives are mainly IDEs but may also be Code Editors or Text Editors.  Other popular filters includes Android + IDE. Filter by these or use the filter bar below if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of Apache NetBeans.
Apache NetBeans iconApache NetBeans
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  • IDE
  • Free • Open Source
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A free, open-source Integrated Development Environment for software developers. You get all the tools you need to create professional desktop, enterprise, web, and mobile applications with the Java language, C/C++, and even...

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Apache NetBeans alternatives page was last updated Feb 15, 2025
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Alternatives
  1. Visual Studio Code icon

    Visual Studio Code

     1313 likes
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    Free and extensible code editor with built-in Git support, smart IntelliSense, integrated debugger, 30,000+ extensions, works offline, supports markdown and syntax highlighting for numerous languages.

    205 Visual Studio Code alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Proprietary

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Chrome OS
    Visual Studio Code screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Customizable
    2.  Support for Themes

    Features

    1.  Extensible by Plugins/Extensions
    2.  Autocompletion
    3.  Built-in terminal emulation
    4.  Syntax Highlighting
    5.  Code Completion
    6.  Multiple languages
    7. Git icon  Git Support
    8. GitHub icon  GitHub Integration
    9.  Dark Mode
    10.  Supports Python
    11.  Multiple Cursors
    12.  C++

    Visual Studio Code VS Apache NetBeans

     
    Comments about Visual Studio Code as an Alternative to Apache NetBeans
    Guest
    Negative •Nov 6, 2019
    4

    Visual Studio Code has nothing similar to projects. It simply opens folders and files. If you have to deal with many projects, some of which have staging and live environment, things became messy very fast

    Guest
    Negative •Dec 9, 2017
    0

    Basic isnt the same as Java?!

    Apache NetBeans Icon
    Visual Studio Code icon

    • Some users think Visual Studio Code is a great Apache NetBeans alternative, some don't.

    • Visual Studio Code is the most popular Web-based, Windows, Mac & Linux alternative to Apache NetBeans.

    • Visual Studio Code is the most popular free alternative to Apache NetBeans.

    • Visual Studio Code is Free and ProprietaryApache NetBeans is Free and Open Source
    • Visual Studio Code is CustomizableApache NetBeans is not according to our users
  2. VSCodium icon

    VSCodium

     343 likes
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    This repository contains a build file to generate FLOSS release binaries of Microsoft's Visual Studio Code - Open Source ("Code - OSS") project, the open source core of the proprietary Visual Studio Code.

    195 VSCodium alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Flathub
    • Electron
    VSCodium screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Customizable
    2.  Privacy focused
    3.  Support for Themes
    4.  Lightweight
    5.  Clean design

    Features

    1.  No Tracking
    2.  Prevent telemetry
    3.  Extensible by Plugins/Extensions
    4.  Works Offline
    5.  No registration required
    6.  Autocompletion
    7.  MIT License
    8.  Dark Mode
    9. Git icon  Git integration
    10.  Syntax Highlighting
    11.  Ad-free
    12.  Minimap

    VSCodium VS Apache NetBeans

     

    • VSCodium is the most popular Open Source alternative to Apache NetBeans.

    • VSCodium is Free and Open SourceApache NetBeans is also Free and Open Source
    • VSCodium is Customizable and Privacy focusedApache NetBeans is not according to our users
  4. Eclipse icon

    Eclipse

     1143 likes
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    Eclipse is an extensible development platform with runtimes and application frameworks for building, deploying and managing software across the entire software lifecycle. Many people know Eclipse as a Java IDE, but it is much more than that- Eclipse actually consists of over 60...

    154 Eclipse alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    eclipse on windows 10

    Top Eclipse Features

    1.  Extensible by Plugins/Extensions
    2.  Java IDE
    3.  C++
    4.  Refactoring
    5.  Autocompletion
    6.  Syntax Highlighting
    7.  Portable
    8.  No registration required
    9.  Code Formatting
    10.  Batch Editing
    11.  Works Offline
    12.  Spell Checking

    Eclipse VS Apache NetBeans

     
    Comments about Eclipse as an Alternative to Apache NetBeans
    Most Recent Comment
    Guest
    Positive •Jul 6, 2015
    3

    It almost a head to head comparison, the only difference is the paradigm and methodologies used to attain the same goals

    jrmclaughlin
    Positive •May 19, 2017
    0

    Support for Keyboard Shortcuts, Eclipse MarketPlace, SCM Integration, CheckStyle Integration, Autocomplete

    Guest
    Positive •Jul 19, 2016
    -2

    Netbeans is Developed from eclipse

    Show more comments
    3 of 4 comments
    Apache NetBeans Icon
    Eclipse icon

    • Most users think Eclipse is a great Apache NetBeans alternative.

    • Eclipse is Free and Open SourceApache NetBeans is also Free and Open Source
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    Rapid PHP icon
    Rapid PHP

    Rapid PHP is a robust PHP code editor specifically designed for Windows operating systems. It merges the functionalities of a comprehensive PHP Integrated Development Environment (IDE) with the agility of Notepad, thus offering a...

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  6. IntelliJ IDEA icon

    IntelliJ IDEA

     427 likes
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    IntelliJ IDEA is the JetBrains IDE for pro development in Java and Kotlin. Built for your comfort, it unlocks productivity, ensures quality code, supports cutting-edge tech, and protects your privacy.

    57 IntelliJ IDEA alternatives

    License model

    • Freemium • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • CZ flagCzechia
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    IntelliJ IDEA interface overview: the Project tool window (left) outlines the code structure and the Editor (right) is used to read, write, and explore the source code.

    Properties

    1.  Support for Themes

    Features

    1.  Code Completion
    2.  Java IDE
    3.  Dark Mode
    4.  Syntax Highlighting
    5.  Real time collaboration
    6.  Ad-free
    7.  Works Offline
    8.  Autocompletion
    9.  Spell Checking
    10.  Extensible by Plugins/Extensions
    11.  No registration required
    12.  WYSIWYG Support

    IntelliJ IDEA VS Apache NetBeans

     
    Comments about IntelliJ IDEA as an Alternative to Apache NetBeans
    mohsenr7596
    Positive •Jan 22, 2017
    3

    Good code Copmlection like inellisense and very user-friendly.

    Apache NetBeans Icon
    IntelliJ IDEA icon

    • Almost everyone thinks IntelliJ IDEA is a great Apache NetBeans alternative.

    • IntelliJ IDEA is Freemium and Open SourceApache NetBeans is Free and Open Source
  7. Microsoft Visual Studio icon

    Microsoft Visual Studio

     938 likes
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    Microsoft Visual Studio is an integrated development environment (IDE) for building diverse digital solutions. It supports over 36 programming languages, includes a code editor with IntelliSense, a debugger, and designers for GUI, web, and databases. The Community edition is free and integrates with GitHub Copilot.

    107 Microsoft Visual Studio alternatives

    License model

    • Free Personal • Proprietary

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Online
    • .NET Framework
    Microsoft Visual Studio screenshot 1

    Top Microsoft Visual Studio Features

    1.  Code Completion
    2.  Embedded debugger
    3.  NET Support
    4.  Nuget
    5.  VB.NET support
    6.  NET Framework
    7.  Syntax Highlighting
    8.  Extensible by Plugins/Extensions
    9.  Ad-free
    10.  Autocompletion
    11.  Works Offline
    12.  No registration required

    Microsoft Visual Studio VS Apache NetBeans

     
    Comments about Microsoft Visual Studio as an Alternative to Apache NetBeans
    NikosKeyz
    Negative •Jun 5, 2015
    8

    VS is oriented for C, C++ and C# not Java, which is the prime target of netbeans

    Guest
    Negative •May 27, 2017
    -1

    NetBeans is an IDE for Java, Microsoft Visual Studio is not.

    Apache NetBeans Icon
    Microsoft Visual Studio icon

    • Some users think Microsoft Visual Studio is a great Apache NetBeans alternative, some don't.

    • Microsoft Visual Studio is Free Personal and ProprietaryApache NetBeans is Free and Open Source
  8. Zed Editor icon

    Zed Editor

     61 likes
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    Zed is a blazing fast, multi-user, productivity-focused text editor. From the creators of Atom, Electron and Tree-sitter, the editor features built-in Vim mode with tooltips for key-bindings, language-aware...

    77 Zed Editor alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Linux
    Zed Editor screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight
    2.  Optimal performance
    3.  Support for Themes
    4.  Distraction-free

    Features

    1.  Syntax Highlighting
    2.  Autocompletion
    3.  Dark Mode
    4.  Built-in terminal emulation
    5.  Rust
    6.  Team Collaboration
    7.  Real time collaboration
    8.  Ad-free
    9.  No registration required
    10.  Works Offline
    11.  Extensible by Plugins/Extensions
    12.  Multiple Cursors

    Zed Editor VS Apache NetBeans

     
  10. PyCharm icon

    PyCharm

     287 likes
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    Cross-platform IDE for Python and Django with refactoring capabilities, code completion, VCS integration, deployment, issue tracking, remote debugging, and Community Edition, though lacking database support and web technologies.

    61 PyCharm alternatives

    License model

    • Freemium • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • CZ flagCzechia
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    PyCharm screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Support for Themes
    2.  Privacy focused
    3.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Code Completion
    2.  Python IDE
    3.  Refactoring
    4.  Code Formatting
    5.  Embedded debugger
    6.  Syntax Highlighting
    7.  Ad-free
    8.  Works Offline
    9.  No registration required
    10. Git icon  Git Support
    11.  File Versioning
    12. Git icon  Git integration

    PyCharm VS Apache NetBeans

     
    Comments about PyCharm as an Alternative to Apache NetBeans
    Errepunto
    Negative •Oct 27, 2022
    0

    PyCharm is a Python oriented IDE, Netbeans is a Java oriented IDE.

    Apache NetBeans Icon
    PyCharm icon
    • PyCharm is Freemium and Open SourceApache NetBeans is Free and Open Source
    • PyCharm is Privacy focused and LightweightApache NetBeans is not according to our users
  11. Code::Blocks icon

    Code::Blocks

     253 likes
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    Code::Blocks is a free C++ IDE built to meet the most demanding needs of its users. It is designed to be very extensible and fully configurable.

    59 Code::Blocks alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    Code::Blocks screenshot 1

    Code::Blocks Features

    1.  C++
    2.  C support
    3.  No registration required
    4.  Extensible by Plugins/Extensions
    5.  Portable
    6.  Support for scripting
    7.  Leadfeeder integration

    Code::Blocks VS Apache NetBeans

     
  12. Aide IDE icon

    Aide IDE

     15 likes
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    Open-source code editor, enhancing VS Code with AI tools for chat-edit flow, proactive linter suggestions, AI completions, and AST navigation. Integrates with swebench-lite, empowering intelligent development with an inline AI widget and smart agents.

    57 Aide IDE alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • FR flagFrance
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    Aide IDE screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  No registration required
    2.  No Tracking
    3.  Works Offline
    4.  Ad-free
    5.  Autocompletion
    6.  Syntax Highlighting
    7.  Code Completion
    8.  VSCode
    9.  Linting
    10.  AI-Powered

    Aide IDE VS Apache NetBeans

     
  13. PhpStorm icon

    PhpStorm

     255 likes
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    Enjoy productive PHP and web development with PhpStorm. Take advantage of deep code understanding, top-notch coding assistance, and support for all major tools and frameworks.

    48 PhpStorm alternatives

    License model

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • CZ flagCzechia
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    PhpStorm screenshot 1

    Top PhpStorm Features

    1.  Syntax Highlighting
    2.  Autocompletion
    3.  Ad-free
    4.  Code Formatting
    5. Git icon  Git Support
    6.  Extensible by Plugins/Extensions
    7.  Portable
    8.  Works Offline
    9.  Spell Checking
    10.  Dark Mode
    11.  Real time collaboration
    12.  Support for MarkDown

    PhpStorm VS Apache NetBeans

     
    Comments about PhpStorm as an Alternative to Apache NetBeans
    Guest
    Positive •Jun 9, 2017
    1

    I worked with NetBeans for a couple of years and always loved it, but for professional users the yearly fee is well spent: Nicer interface, better Code Intelligence, more options to fine tune what happens on saving a file (eg. saving or uploading to various locations). You get a couple of feature update each year plus bugfixes, whereas NetBeans is sometimes very slow to update things (support for new version of a language) or to fix known bugs.

    Apache NetBeans Icon
    PhpStorm icon

    • Most users think PhpStorm is a great Apache NetBeans alternative.

    • PhpStorm is the most popular commercial alternative to Apache NetBeans.

    • PhpStorm is Paid and ProprietaryApache NetBeans is Free and Open Source
10 of 103 Apache NetBeans alternatives