---
title: "Apache NetBeans Software Pricing, Alternatives & More 2026 | Capterra"
description: "With the help of Capterra, learn about Apache NetBeans Software - reviews, pricing plans, popular comparisons to other Integrated Development Environment (IDE) products and more."
source_url: "https://www.capterra.com/p/178681/Apache-NetBeans/"
page_type: "product"
language: "en"
---

# 

 Apache NetBeans Software Review 2026: Features, Integrations, Pros & Cons

Last updated on September 17, 2026

Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team.

[Description](#description)[Use cases](#use-cases)[Alternatives](#alternatives)[FAQs](#faqs)[Users](#users)[Pros and Cons](#pros-cons)[Features](#features)[Pricing](#pricing)[Support](#support)[Reviews](#reviews)

Apache NetBeans

## What is Apache NetBeans?

Application development tool that provides project management, multiple languages, code editing, interface development, and more.

## What is Apache NetBeans used for?

[Integrated Development Environment (IDE)](https://www.capterra.com/ide-software/)[Application Development](https://www.capterra.com/application-development-software/)

Recognitions

Shortlist

Overall rating

Based on 231 user reviews

Reviews sentiment

Positive

87%

Neutral

11%

Negative

1%

Pros & cons

Comprehensive development workspace

Accessible open-source development platform

Sluggish performance and delays

High memory usage issues

Contact vendor  
for pricing

Free trial  
not available

Includes Free Version

Capterra Shortlist charts the highest-rated and most popular products...

-   Application Development / 2026

Our "Best of" badge program showcases products with the highest ratings...

Our "Best of" badge program showcases products with the highest ratings...

Do you work for Apache NetBeans?[Manage this product listing](https://www.g2.com/products/netbeans/claim_requests/new?auto=true)

Rating Breakdown

4.3

+−

Features4.3

Value for Money4.5

Ease of Use4.2

Customer Service3.8

Rating Breakdown

4.3

Features4.3

Value for Money4.5

Ease of Use4.2

Customer Service3.8

## Apache NetBeans Reviewers Verdict

Updated September 2026

AI summary

-   Apache NetBeans is well suited to teams and educational institutions developing Java and GUI-based applications, especially where cost-effective, open-source tools are preferred.
-   Positive feedback centers around its easy drag-and-drop interface, broad language support, and accessible project management features.
-   It helps developers and students quickly build, edit, and manage projects with intuitive tools and straightforward deployment options.
-   Some key downsides are high memory usage and slower performance on larger projects or older hardware.
-   It fits best in environments focused on Java and cross-language development but may be less ideal for teams needing lightweight, high-speed tools.

## Compare with a popular alternative

Capterra selects software alternatives based on relevant features, verified user reviews and user interactions. Placement may be influenced by client status.

### Apache NetBeans

4.3 (231)

VS.

[### Essential Studio](https://www.capterra.com/p/228226/Essential-Studio/)

[4.6 (947)](https://www.capterra.com/p/228226/Essential-Studio/reviews/)

Starting Price

Contact vendor

Starting Price

Contact vendor

Free Trial

Free Version

Pricing Options

Free Trial

Free Version

Ease Of Use

4.2 (231)

Ease Of Use

4.3 (947)

Value For Money

4.5 (167)

Value For Money

4.6 (848)

Customer Service

3.8 (150)

Customer Service

4.7 (914)

## Apache NetBeans alternatives

[Microsoft Visual Studio](https://www.capterra.com/p/80230/microsoft-visual-studio/)

[4.6 (3,016)](https://www.capterra.com/p/80230/microsoft-visual-studio/reviews/)

Starting price

$499.92

Per User, Per Month

Pricing Options

Free Trial

Free Version

User Rating

97%

of reviewers

rated it above 4 stars

[Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/80230/microsoft-visual-studio/)

Highest Rated

[GitHub](https://www.capterra.com/p/129067/GitHub/)

[4.8 (6,206)](https://www.capterra.com/p/129067/GitHub/reviews/)

Starting price

$4.00

Per User, Per Month

Pricing Options

Free Trial

Free Version

User Rating

98%

of reviewers

rated it above 4 stars

[Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/129067/GitHub/)

[IntelliJ IDEA](https://www.capterra.com/p/136010/IntelliJ-IDEA/)

[4.7 (1,261)](https://www.capterra.com/p/136010/IntelliJ-IDEA/reviews/)

Starting price

$19.90

Per User, Per Month

Pricing Options

Free Trial

Free Version

User Rating

98%

of reviewers

rated it above 4 stars

[Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/136010/IntelliJ-IDEA/)

[Jira](https://www.capterra.com/p/19319/JIRA/)

[4.4 (15,489)](https://www.capterra.com/p/19319/JIRA/reviews/)

Starting price

$7.91

Per User, Per Month

Pricing Options

Free Trial

Free Version

User Rating

91%

of reviewers

rated it above 4 stars

[Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/19319/JIRA/)

[View all alternatives](https://www.capterra.com/p/178681/Apache-NetBeans/alternatives/)

## FAQs about Apache NetBeans

Overview

### What problems does Apache NetBeans solve?

Apache NetBeans solves slow, error-prone coding and fragmented development workflows by combining code completion, debugging, GUI design, project navigation, and Git or server integrations in one IDE. Java, PHP, and web development teams, especially students, beginners, and backend developers, benefit most from faster setup, easier testing, and cleaner multi-project work.

Answer based on 123 reviews

Overview

### Which roles and teams benefit most from Apache NetBeans?

Apache NetBeans is most used by software engineers, developers, and web development teams that need an integrated environment for coding, debugging, testing, and managing Java and web applications. IT administrators and system analysts use it to support development workflows, while students, teachers, owners, and technology leaders rely on it for learning, prototyping, and oversight.

Answer based on 231 reviews

Overview

### What company size and industries is Apache NetBeans built for?

Apache NetBeans is an open-source application development solution built mainly for small businesses, which account for 60% of reviewers, especially in Computer Software at 36% and Information Technology and Services at 29%. It also serves enterprises and midsize companies for developing desktop, mobile, and web applications, most often as an IDE.

Answer based on 231 reviews

Features and Usability

### What are the key features of Apache NetBeans?

Apache NetBeans includes core version control with Git, Subversion, and Mercurial, plus code editing features like code completion, syntax highlighting, and debugging. Differentiators include the Swing GUI Builder with drag-and-drop design, Maven and Ant integrations, project management tools, and deployment support for Java, web, and PHP applications.

Answer based on 81 reviews

Integrations

### Which third-party tools and platforms does Apache NetBeans integrate with?

Apache NetBeans integrates with GitHub, Bitbucket, and CVS for version control; MySQL, Oracle Database, MariaDB, and Microsoft SQL Server for database work; and Apache Tomcat, Android Studio, and Apache Maven for web app deployment, mobile development, and build automation. Reviewer mentions confirm these as common connections.

Answer based on 81 reviews

Getting Started and Support

### How easy is it to onboard and train a team on Apache NetBeans?

Apache NetBeans is generally easy to onboard for developers, especially beginners and students, thanks to a straightforward interface and built-in guidance. Documentation is the main formal training option. Junior programmers often become productive quickly, while newcomers without prior IDE or coding experience may need more time, guidance, and better-organized tutorials.

Answer based on 43 reviews

Features and Usability

### Is Apache NetBeans easy to use for beginners?

Apache NetBeans feels approachable for many beginners, especially in Java and GUI development, with a clear interface, drag-and-drop tools, and helpful navigation. Students and individual developers often find setup and everyday coding straightforward, though the learning curve can still feel steep and larger, mixed-language projects may become harder to manage.

Answer based on 81 reviews

Features and Usability

### How good is Apache NetBeans code completion?

Apache NetBeans speeds up coding with useful code completion, syntax hints, and error detection, especially for Java, PHP, and common web work. Students, Java developers, and small teams often value the time savings, though some developers find suggestions less accurate in certain languages and slower on heavier projects or older machines.

Answer based on 72 reviews

Features and Usability

### How well does Apache NetBeans manage software projects?

Apache NetBeans handles everyday project management well through clear file organization, multi-project navigation, and built-in support for Git, Maven, Ant, and common servers. Java developers, students, and small teams often like the all-in-one workflow, though Gradle support, cross-machine library setup, and heavier projects can create friction.

Answer based on 60 reviews

## Who uses Apache NetBeans?

Based on Capterra reviews from the past 5 years

## Pros and Cons

Comprehensive development workspace

97% positive reviews out of 34

Most reviewers find the development environment intuitive and efficient, especially for building Java and GUI applications.

Sluggish performance and delays

86% negative reviews out of 43

Most reviewers report performance and speed problems, with slow startup, lag, and delays in large projects.

CLARIS N.

Finacle consultant, 11 - 50 employees.

"The IDE can be slow to start which is usually frustrating when you need to quickly open and edit a file."

Accessible open-source development platform

100% positive reviews out of 29

Most reviewers appreciate free and open source access, enabling cost-effective, feature-rich development across platforms.

High memory usage issues

100% negative reviews out of 23

Most reviewers indicate memory consumption is excessive, causing slowdowns and inefficiency, especially on older hardware.

Versatile language support

100% positive reviews out of 26

Most reviewers describe programming languages support as extensive, allowing development in Java, PHP, C++, and more.

joel K.

CEO, 1 employee.

"its language versatility, i.e. it supports a wide range of programming languages and programming types such as object-oriented, Web, sequential, etc."

## Features

AI summary

Based on 1,512 Integrated Development Environment (IDE) reviews

Capterra data shows that buyers of Integrated Development Environment (IDE) software rank the following features as their top priorities:

-   **Code Development** (**68%** of reviewers rated this feature as critical)
-   **Code Editing** (**64%**)
-   **Debugging** (**55%**)

Apache NetBeans supports all three of the features reviewers rate most important: **Code Development**, **Code Editing**, and **Debugging**. Together, these capabilities give teams a complete environment to write software, refine code efficiently, and find issues faster, helping businesses improve development speed, code quality, and day-to-day productivity.

Code Development

4.4 (65)

72.31% of 65 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important

Apache NetBeans offers a robust environment for developing in multiple languages like Java, PHP, and JavaScript. Reviewers appreciate its code suggestions, syntax highlighting, and error detection, which help streamline coding and make it easier to spot and fix mistakes.

Code Editing

4.5 (62)

74.19% of 62 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important

With this capability, you can efficiently edit code across various languages. Reviewers highlight the helpful code completion, syntax highlighting, and error hints, making editing faster and minimizing mistakes. Many find navigation and integration with git platforms especially valuable.

Debugging

4.3 (83)

67.47% of 83 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important

It gives you comprehensive debugging tools, including easy breakpoint management and error highlighting. Reviewers indicate debugging is straightforward, with clear error locations and helpful consoles, though some mention it’s less advanced for PHP and scripting compared to commercial IDEs.

Deployment Management

4.3 (59)

64.41% of 59 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important

This capability lets you deploy applications easily to local or remote servers, with support for Java WAR and JAR packaging. Some reviewers find deployment fast and adaptable, though a few mention setup can be complex and support documentation could improve.

Graphical User Interface

4.2 (46)

67.39% of 46 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important

A visual way of interacting with an application or operating system using items such as windows, icons, and menus

Integrated Development Environment

4.3 (54)

72.22% of 54 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important

You benefit from a well-integrated environment supporting languages like Java, C++, and Python. Users think NetBeans’ integration with GitHub, Bitbucket, and database tools, plus built-in debugging and refactoring, makes development smoother and more efficient.

Apache NetBeans 13 features

### All Features
- Code Development: Apache NetBeans offers a robust environment for developing in multiple languages like Java, PHP, and JavaScript. Reviewers appreciate its code suggestions, syntax highlighting, and error detection, which help streamline coding and make it easier to spot and fix mistakes.
- Code Editing: With this capability, you can efficiently edit code across various languages. Reviewers highlight the helpful code completion, syntax highlighting, and error hints, making editing faster and minimizing mistakes. Many find navigation and integration with git platforms especially valuable.
- Debugging: It gives you comprehensive debugging tools, including easy breakpoint management and error highlighting. Reviewers indicate debugging is straightforward, with clear error locations and helpful consoles, though some mention it’s less advanced for PHP and scripting compared to commercial IDEs.
- Deployment Management: This capability lets you deploy applications easily to local or remote servers, with support for Java WAR and JAR packaging. Some reviewers find deployment fast and adaptable, though a few mention setup can be complex and support documentation could improve.
- For Developers: For the intention to be used by developers
- Graphical User Interface: A visual way of interacting with an application or operating system using items such as windows, icons, and menus
- Integrated Development Environment: You benefit from a well-integrated environment supporting languages like Java, C++, and Python. Users think NetBeans’ integration with GitHub, Bitbucket, and database tools, plus built-in debugging and refactoring, makes development smoother and more efficient.
- Mobile Development: Development of applications for mobile devices
- Software Development: Development of software programs
- Version Control: Track revisions and updates made to files and navigate between different versions
- Web App Development: Development of applications that are delivered over the internet through a browser
- Web/Mobile App Development: Create/edit commerce applications for mobile devices and/or web
- Website Development: Create/edit websites for operating systems

---

Features

4.3 (231)

4.3

Based on 231 reviews

## Pricing

Value for money

4.5 (167)

Value for money

4.5 (167)

4.5

Based on 167 reviews

## Support, customer service and training options

Customer Service

3.8 (150)

Support

-   Email/Help Desk
-   FAQs/Forum
-   Knowledge Base
-   Phone Support
-   24/7 (Live rep)
-   Chat

Training

-   In Person
-   Live Online
-   Webinars
-   Documentation
-   Videos

Deployment

-   Web
-   Android
-   iPhone/iPad

Typical users

-   Freelancers
-   Small businesses
-   Mid size businesses
-   Enterprises

Customer Service

3.8 (150)

3.8

Based on 150 reviews

## User reviews

Overall rating

4.3

Based on 231 reviews

Filter by rating

5(96)

4(106)

3(26)

2(1)

1(2)

Mentioned topic

Sorted by most recent

BY

Barry Y.

Research Associate

Research

### "Netbeans is excellent for novice and experienced developers alike."

5.0

Overall Rating

5.0

5.0

Ease of Use

5.0

5.0

Features

5.0

5.0

Customer Service

4.0

4.0

Likelihood to Recommend

10/10

October 14, 2025

Pros

It's powerful and easy to use but it's also free which makes it excellent for use in the setting I work in.

Cons

It can sometimes be a little overwhelming to find exactly the feature you're looking for sometimes I suppose.

Review source

Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

Vasilis K.

Web Developer

Information Technology and Services

### "I very decent IDE for large Java projects"

4.0

Overall Rating

4.0

4.0

Ease of Use

5.0

5.0

Features

4.0

4.0

Customer Service

3.0

3.0

Likelihood to Recommend

8/10

December 25, 2024

My overall experience with Netbeans is positive. When it comes to large Java projects I often choose it as my IDE. Although, I'm sure there are better alternatives out there.

Pros

What I like most is the built-in debugger with variable inspection.

Cons

Sometimes indexing takes a lot of time and it eats up too much RAM memory.

Switched from

[Visual Studio Code](https://www.capterra.com/p/186634/Visual-Studio-Code/)

A lot better code debugging for larger Java projects.

Review source

Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

IS

Iftekhar S.

Senior Administrator

Computer & Network Security

### "Apache NerBeans Review"

4.0

Overall Rating

4.0

4.0

Ease of Use

5.0

5.0

Features

4.0

4.0

Customer Service

3.0

3.0

Likelihood to Recommend

4/10

October 27, 2024

Very good Satisfactory app with all the indudtry used features

Pros

Bug free and meets expectation.its has all the good features

Cons

Good product with awesome features.Nicely built in UI

Review source

Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

Andres Dario B.

Software engineer

Government Administration

### "Deploy PHP in Netbeans"

3.0

Overall Rating

3.0

3.0

Ease of Use

3.0

3.0

Features

3.0

3.0

Customer Service

2.0

2.0

Likelihood to Recommend

6/10

May 6, 2024

My experience with NetBeans is good for develop PHP, but the plugins that install in an older version not run in a new version or broke the IDE.

Pros

search of code in a project is simple, useful and simple. Breakpoint is a good tool for the deployment and find bugs

Cons

It is heavy and de user GUI isn't actual and simple. Have many options, that is difficult to find in a large menu.

Review source

Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

AI

Alessandro I.

Autist

Computer Networking

### "Best computer on the market "

5.0

Overall Rating

5.0

5.0

Ease of Use

5.0

5.0

Features

5.0

5.0

Customer Service

3.0

3.0

Likelihood to Recommend

8/10

March 12, 2024

Pros

Its simplicity of interface and its fantastic setting

Cons

Does not describe 100% the error given during compilation

Review source

Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

KG

Kabuta G.

Software Developer

Information Technology and Services

### "Hadning Application Development Like a Pro"

5.0

Overall Rating

5.0

5.0

Ease of Use

4.0

4.0

Features

4.0

4.0

Customer Service

5.0

5.0

Likelihood to Recommend

9/10

February 21, 2024

Pros

When it comes to developing applications, Apache NetBeans is king and comes with easy debugging features.

Cons

Not ideal for new users - training is necessary

Review source

Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

SS

Shyam Singh S.

Associate Frontend Developer

Information Technology and Services

### "Leading IDE for Web & Mobile Application Development"

4.0

Overall Rating

4.0

4.0

Ease of Use

4.0

4.0

Features

3.0

3.0

Customer Service

3.0

3.0

Likelihood to Recommend

7/10

February 15, 2024

Pros

Netbeans provides a pretty awesome source control management and has a very friendly user interface. The code auto completion is a little mediocre but still works pretty decently. The GUI builder using drag and drop is also easy to use. Other features like debugging and multiple language support and integration is also very helpful.

Cons

The customer support is not upto par and the memory space requirement is also very heavy so working on heavy products is a difficult task.

Switched from

[Oracle JDeveloper](https://www.capterra.com/p/9134/JDeveloper/)

Review source

Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

AS

Armand Stephane G.

Développeur full stack

Farming

### "La description de netbeans selon mon utilisation."

5.0

Overall Rating

5.0

5.0

Ease of Use

5.0

5.0

Features

5.0

5.0

Customer Service

5.0

5.0

Likelihood to Recommend

10/10

February 2, 2024

J'utilisais d'autres logiciels pour la programmation en JAVA,mais depuis avec netbeans,je suis autonome et auto productif.

Pros

Une grande bibliothèque au sein de netbeans suivie de plusieurs paramètres à exploiter pour la programmation JAVA.

Cons

NetBeans est un logiciel lourd qui occupe assez d'espace mémoire.

Switched from

[ECLIPSE](https://www.capterra.com/p/27349/ECLIPSE/)

À cause de la flexibilité qu'offre netbeans.

Review source

Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

SA

Sami A.

Software Developer

Computer Software

### "IDE for Java Developers"

4.0

Overall Rating

4.0

4.0

Ease of Use

4.0

4.0

Features

4.0

4.0

Customer Service

0.0

0.0

Likelihood to Recommend

7/10

January 1, 2024

My university told me to develop a desktop application to make it easier for students to view their files. Indeed I started developing a program using the Java language but I was facing several problems when I was changing the connection from one database to another and it took time from me to solve it. For example I wanted to change the connection from the Oracle database to the SQL Sever database so I had several problems.

Pros

build graphical user interface applications on Java. It has a JDK and can be linked to SQL DB. It contains controls that can be dragged and placed on the designer page and a developer can build an application based on them.

Cons

It must improve the shapes of the controls and the way they drag drop in a better way.

Review source

Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

FC

Francesco C.

Ottico

Medical Devices

### "E' opensource e questo e' molto importante"

5.0

Overall Rating

5.0

5.0

Ease of Use

4.0

4.0

Features

5.0

5.0

Customer Service

0.0

0.0

Likelihood to Recommend

9/10

December 23, 2023

Software necessario per migliorare l'app dell'azienda

Pros

Mi piace la sua facilita' d'uso in diversi modi

Cons

Poco e niente. E' un'open source quindi e' giusto che non sia perfetto

Review source

Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

[View all Reviews](https://www.capterra.com/p/178681/Apache-NetBeans/reviews/)

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