# Apache NetBeans Software Pricing, Alternatives & More 2026 | Capterra

> 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: https://www.capterra.com/p/178681/Apache-NetBeans/

---

# 

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

Last updated on December 15, 2025

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 java development tools

Accessible open-source development platform

Sluggish performance on large projects

High memory and resource usage

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://digitalmarkets.gartner.com/get-listed/claim-bx?url=http://www.apache.org&name=Apache NetBeans)

## 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/)

[4.5 (936)](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 (936)

Value For Money

4.5 (167)

Value For Money

4.6 (838)

Customer Service

3.8 (150)

Customer Service

4.7 (905)

## Apache NetBeans alternatives

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

[4.6 (3,007)](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 (6,190)](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 (1,259)](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 (15,426)](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 Java and PHP development, hard-to-find coding errors, and fragmented workflows by combining code completion, debugging, GUI builders, server integration, and version control in one IDE. Java developers, web developers, students, and small engineering teams benefit most when building desktop apps, web services, and database-connected applications efficiently.

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, and managing Java and web application projects. IT managers, system analysts, and administrators use it to support development workflows, while students, teachers, founders, and technical executives benefit for learning, prototyping, and overseeing delivery.

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 make up 60% of reviewers, especially in Computer Software at 36% and Information Technology and Services at 29%. It also serves enterprises at 26% and midsize businesses at 14%, most often as an integrated development environment for application development.

Answer based on 231 reviews

Features and Usability

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

Apache NetBeans includes core version control plus commonly used IDE features for code editing, debugging, and deployment management. Reviewers most often highlight code completion, project management with Maven and Ant, integrations with Git and SVN, and a drag-and-drop graphical user interface builder for Java desktop and web application development.

Answer based on 81 reviews

Integrations

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

Apache NetBeans integrates with GitHub, MySQL, Android Studio, Apache Tomcat, Oracle Database, Bitbucket, Apache Maven, and Microsoft SQL Server. Reviewer mentions center on version control, databases, mobile development, and Java web deployment, with additional references to MariaDB, CVS, XAMPP, and Xcode 12.

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 junior developers, students, and teams already familiar with Java, helped by clear documentation and many community tutorials. Reviewers say beginners can become productive quickly, while newcomers without IDE experience and users handling larger, more advanced projects often need more guided training and time.

Answer based on 43 reviews

Features and Usability

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

Apache NetBeans feels approachable for many beginners, especially for Java and desktop app development. Students, new developers, and small teams often like the clear layout, drag-and-drop GUI builder, and easy project navigation, though some users find the menus crowded, the interface dated, and larger projects slower to handle.

Answer based on 81 reviews

Features and Usability

### How good is Apache NetBeans code completion?

Apache NetBeans speeds up coding with helpful code completion, syntax suggestions, and inline error detection. Java and PHP developers often value class, method, and variable suggestions, plus shortcuts and templates, though some users find autocomplete slower on heavier projects or less refined for modern JavaScript and web frameworks.

Answer based on 72 reviews

Features and Usability

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

Apache NetBeans handles everyday project management well with built-in support for Git, Maven, Ant, and multi-project navigation. Java, PHP, and student development teams often like the organized project explorer and easy file handling, but some users report issues with Gradle workflows, cross-machine library setup, and heavier resource use.

Answer based on 60 reviews

## Who uses Apache NetBeans?

Based on Capterra reviews from the past 5 years

Company size

Based on 106 reviews

100%

75%

50%

25%

Smallbusiness

Midsizebusinesses

Enterprise

Top job functions

Based on 106 reviews

IT & Software Development

70%

IT & Software Development

70%

Education & Learning

5%

Research & Development

5%

Administrative

5%

Others

15%

Top industries

Based on 106 reviews

Computer Software

45%

Information Technology and Services

41%

Education Management

6%

Research

4%

Other

4%

## Pros and Cons

Comprehensive java development tools

97% positive reviews out of 34

Most reviewers indicate the development environment streamlines Java application creation with intuitive tools and efficient workflows.

Wassim I.

Associate Professor, 501 - 1,000 employees.

"I've used Netbeans to develop end-to-end applications using the Java platform."

Sluggish performance on large projects

86% negative reviews out of 43

Most reviewers report performance and speed issues, especially slow startup and lag with complex or heavy 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 describe free and open source as making NetBeans widely accessible and budget-friendly for learners.

High memory and resource usage

100% negative reviews out of 23

Most reviewers comment memory consumption is excessive, causing slowdowns and inefficiency on less powerful systems.

Versatile multi-language support

100% positive reviews out of 26

Most reviewers find programming languages support extensive, enabling 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 1,500 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 features reviewers value most: **Code Development**, **Code Editing**, and **Debugging**. Together, these capabilities help developers write and refine code faster, find and fix issues more efficiently, and maintain a more reliable development workflow, allowing teams to build and update applications with greater accuracy and speed.

Code Development

4.4 (65)

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

With this capability, you can efficiently develop in multiple languages like Java, PHP, and JavaScript, benefiting from code completion, syntax highlighting, and instant error detection. Reviewers appreciate the helpful suggestions, multi-language support, and ease of spotting and fixing errors.

Code Editing

4.5 (62)

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

Apache NetBeans offers smart code editing, including syntax highlighting, auto-completion, and error highlighting. Users think it simplifies editing, makes errors easy to spot, and supports quick navigation across files, especially for Java, PHP, and large-scale projects with git integration.

Debugging

4.3 (83)

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

It gives you robust debugging tools, such as breakpoints, variable watchers, and error highlighting. Reviewers appreciate how easy it is to track bugs, follow code execution, and identify errors, especially for Java and PHP, though some want faster performance for scripting languages.

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

Deployment Management

4.3 (59)

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

You benefit from streamlined deployment for Java projects, with easy configuration for local, remote, and cloud servers. Reviewers indicate deployment is fast, reliable, and simple, especially for Java, but some feel setup for other languages can be complicated.

Integrated Development Environment

4.3 (54)

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

This characteristic provides a unified workspace supporting many languages, version control, and integration with tools like GitHub and Bitbucket. Some reviewers find the interface straightforward and value the comprehensive tools, though a few mention slow performance and outdated extensions.

Apache NetBeans 13 features

With this capability, you can efficiently develop in multiple languages like Java, PHP, and JavaScript, benefiting from code completion, syntax highlighting, and instant error detection. Reviewers appreciate the helpful suggestions, multi-language support, and ease of spotting and fixing errors.

Apache NetBeans offers smart code editing, including syntax highlighting, auto-completion, and error highlighting. Users think it simplifies editing, makes errors easy to spot, and supports quick navigation across files, especially for Java, PHP, and large-scale projects with git integration.

It gives you robust debugging tools, such as breakpoints, variable watchers, and error highlighting. Reviewers appreciate how easy it is to track bugs, follow code execution, and identify errors, especially for Java and PHP, though some want faster performance for scripting languages.

You benefit from streamlined deployment for Java projects, with easy configuration for local, remote, and cloud servers. Reviewers indicate deployment is fast, reliable, and simple, especially for Java, but some feel setup for other languages can be complicated.

For the intention to be used by developers

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

This characteristic provides a unified workspace supporting many languages, version control, and integration with tools like GitHub and Bitbucket. Some reviewers find the interface straightforward and value the comprehensive tools, though a few mention slow performance and outdated extensions.

Development of applications for mobile devices

Development of software programs

Track revisions and updates made to files and navigate between different versions

Development of applications that are delivered over the internet through a browser

Create/edit commerce applications for mobile devices and/or web

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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