Eclipse IDE alternatives: 4 apps ranked by verified data
Common reasons people leave Eclipse IDE: interface feels dated, and setting up plugins and workspaces takes effort. We ranked 4 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Eclipse IDE, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. IntelliJ IDEA currently ranks first.
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Show all 4 alternativesThe best Eclipse IDE alternative for…
The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.
Best Eclipse IDE alternative for most people
IntelliJ IDEAStronger code analysis and a more modern interface, with a free core.
Best Eclipse IDE alternative for a free option
Visual Studio CodeLighter and free, with Java extensions built on Eclipse's own language server.
Best Eclipse IDE alternative for a free plan you can upgrade
IntelliJ IDEAStronger code analysis and a more modern interface, with a free core.
Best Eclipse IDE alternative for open source
Eclipse TheiaThe Eclipse Foundation's modern, VS Code-compatible IDE and tool platform.
Best Eclipse IDE alternative for self-hosting
Eclipse TheiaThe Eclipse Foundation's modern, VS Code-compatible IDE and tool platform.
Best Eclipse IDE alternative for Mac
Apache NetBeansAnother free open-source Java IDE that works well out of the box.
Best Eclipse IDE alternative for Windows
IntelliJ IDEAStronger code analysis and a more modern interface, with a free core.
Best Eclipse IDE alternative for Linux
IntelliJ IDEAStronger code analysis and a more modern interface, with a free core.
Best Eclipse IDE alternative for working in the browser
Visual Studio CodeLighter and free, with Java extensions built on Eclipse's own language server.
Eclipse IDE alternatives: common questions
What is the best alternative to Eclipse IDE?
IntelliJ IDEA ranks first right now. Stronger code analysis and a more modern interface, with a free core. Visual Studio Code and Eclipse Theia follow it in our ranking.
Is there a free alternative to Eclipse IDE?
Yes. IntelliJ IDEA (free plan + paid), Visual Studio Code (free), Eclipse Theia (open source) and Apache NetBeans (open source) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.
Is there an open-source alternative to Eclipse IDE?
Yes: Visual Studio Code, Eclipse Theia and Apache NetBeans. Eclipse Theia can also be self-hosted.
Which Eclipse IDE alternatives work on Linux?
IntelliJ IDEA, Visual Studio Code, Eclipse Theia and Apache NetBeans run on Linux.
Why do people switch from Eclipse IDE?
The complaints we hear most: interface feels dated; setting up plugins and workspaces takes effort; can feel slow with many plugins installed.
How is this list ranked?
Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Eclipse IDE, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.