The supported JDK used to run the IDE is distinct from the JDK range a project can target.
A developer should check both the IDE runtime requirements and project-specific Java requirements before selecting a setup.
Evidence source ↗
Apache NetBeans
Apache NetBeans is a free, open-source IDE and application platform for Java and other supported languages. It includes project, editing, debugging, and version-control tools.
Editorial overview
Aggregated Overview
Scores reflect documented IDE features, free Apache-licensed availability, and the public G2 rating and review summary. They are editorial assessments, not hands-on test results.
This profile combines documented product information and independent evidence where available. It is not a hands-on test unless TechZella explicitly identifies one.
Apache NetBeans Decision Snapshot
A quick way to understand who this product may suit, where its limits matter, and which facts are most relevant before you compare alternatives.
Best suited to
Developers seeking a free, locally installed IDE for Java projects, with integrated editing, debugging, project tooling, and Git workflows.
Look elsewhere if
Teams requiring a supported Windows-on-ARM environment should assess alternatives or test compatibility first; the project identifies Windows/ARM as not fully supported, and should evaluate alternatives such as IntelliJ IDEA or Visual Studio Code instead.
Platforms
Linux, macOS, Windows
TechZella assessment
8.2/10
Overview
Apache NetBeans is a free, open-source integrated development environment and application platform maintained as an Apache project. Its IDE supports Java and several other languages, while its separate NetBeans Platform provides a modular foundation for Swing applications.
The IDE is installed locally and combines project management, code editing, debugging, and version-control workflows. Apache NetBeans 31, released August 10, 2026, is the latest release verified for this profile.
Apache NetBeans — What Sets It Apart?
These are the product-specific differences that may matter when deciding whether the software fits your workflow. They are based on documented evidence rather than a universal ranking.
- The Apache NetBeans Platform is also a modular framework for building Swing applications, beyond its role as an IDE.
- The project distributes the core IDE and platform under the Apache License 2.0 for commercial and non-commercial use.
6 key claims verifiedOur editorial team checked this profile against vendor documentation, product documentation. Supported by 5 documented sources.
Apache NetBeans Features
Java development
- Java editor with code completion
- Java project creation and management
- Java debugging and testing workflows
- Code inspection and refactoring
Project and source control
- Git workflows integrated in the IDE
- Maven project support
- Gradle project support
Languages and application platform
- Support for Java and other documented languages, including PHP and JavaScript
- NetBeans Platform for modular Swing applications
Apache NetBeans Specifications
| License | Apache License 2.0 |
|---|---|
| Price | Free |
| Trial | No separate trial listed; core IDE is free |
| Deployment | Locally installed desktop IDE |
| Operating systems | Windows, macOS, Linux; Windows/ARM is not fully supported |
| Runtime JDK | JDK 21, 25, or 26; initial support for JDK 27 in version 31 |
| Build tools | Maven and Gradle |
| Version control | Git |
| API | NetBeans Platform APIs for modular application development; no hosted service API identified |
Deployment & System Footprint
Verified installation, hosting, administration, or environment details that can affect implementation.
| Installation or hosting | A locally installed desktop IDE is available as a platform-independent binary. Community installers are listed for Windows, macOS, and Linux; those installers are not ASF releases. Source ↗ |
|---|---|
| Runtime | Apache NetBeans 31 supports running on JDK 21, 25, or 26, with initial support for JDK 27. Source ↗ |
Apache NetBeans Gotchas & Operational Limits
These are documented constraints or practical friction points that may matter before you adopt the product.
Windows/ARM is not fully supported.
Organizations standardizing on Windows ARM devices should validate required workflows before broad deployment.
Evidence source ↗The download page distinguishes Apache releases from third-party community installers.
Some installers bundle a JDK but are not Apache Software Foundation releases and may include components under additional license terms.
Evidence source ↗Apache NetBeans Pricing & Plans
Apache NetBeans IDE
$0
Free
Free for commercial and non-commercial use under the Apache License 2.0. No paid plans or separate free trial are listed.
Check current pricing →Pricing may change. Verify current plans on the vendor's website.
Our evidence-based assessment
TechZella Score
A proprietary editorial score based on product capabilities, usability, value, performance, support and user sentiment evidence.
8.2/10Moderate confidence
Scores reflect documented IDE features, free Apache-licensed availability, and the public G2 rating and review summary. They are editorial assessments, not hands-on test results.
Methodology v1.0. The assessment weighs feature coverage (25%), ease of use (15%), value for money (20%), performance (15%), support (10%) and user sentiment (15%), using researched product evidence and verified review evidence where available. It is a TechZella editorial assessment, not a direct user-review average.
Apache NetBeans Pros & Cons
Pros
- Free for commercial and non-commercial use under the Apache License 2.0.
- Combines Java editing, project workflows, debugging, and Git support in a desktop IDE.
- Includes a separate modular platform for building Swing applications.
Cons
- Windows/ARM is not fully supported, according to the project.
- The IDE runtime requires a supported JDK, which should be checked separately from project target JDKs.
- Some community installers bundle a JDK but are not Apache Software Foundation releases.
Community feedback
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Apache NetBeans Competitors & Alternatives
Compare similar products directly, then see which alternatives may make more sense when your requirements differ.
Direct competitors
These products address broadly similar requirements. The descriptions focus on documented reasons a buyer might compare them with Apache NetBeans.
FAQ
Is Apache NetBeans free? Yes. The IDE and NetBeans Platform are free for commercial and non-commercial use under the Apache License 2.0.
What operating systems are supported? The official version 31 page lists community installers for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It also notes that Windows/ARM is not fully supported.
What Java runtime does NetBeans 31 require? The version 31 page says it supports running on JDK 21, 25, or 26, with initial JDK 27 support. This runtime choice does not determine the JDK range a project may use.
Does Apache NetBeans offer a free trial? A trial is not needed for the core IDE because it is free. The project does not list a separate trial or paid tier.
Does NetBeans have an API? The NetBeans Platform exposes APIs for building modular applications. No hosted service API was identified in the official product material reviewed.
Editorial transparency
Our Review Methodology
Key claims are linked to the sources used to verify them. This evidence record is separate from third-party user ratings.
TechZella evaluates software using documented product capabilities, pricing information, usability and value considerations, independent user evidence where available, and competitive context. The assessment is an editorial review, not a hands-on test unless one is explicitly identified. Our editorial assessment is based on 5 documented sources.
What TechZella adds
- The Apache NetBeans Platform is also a modular framework for building Swing applications, beyond its role as an IDE.
- The project distributes the core IDE and platform under the Apache License 2.0 for commercial and non-commercial use.
Important limitations
- The project states that Windows/ARM is not fully supported.
- The official download page lists JDK 21, 25, and 26 as supported runtimes for version 31, with initial JDK 27 support.
Evidence-backed claimsApache NetBeans is free for commercial and non-commercial use. Apache NetBeans 31 was released on August 10, 2026. NetBeans 31 supports JDK 21, 25, and 26 as runtimes, with initial JDK 27 support. The IDE provides integrated Git workflows. The NetBeans Platform is a framework for Swing applications. G2 displayed a 4.2 out of 5 rating from 674 reviews.
The project's About page says the IDE and NetBeans Platform are available under the Apache License.
View source ↗Verified 2026-10-01The project announcement identifies the release version and date.
View source ↗Verified 2026-10-01The version 31 download page lists supported runtime JDKs and notes that initial JDK 27 support is available.
View source ↗Verified 2026-10-01The official Git tutorial documents repository initialization and version-control actions in the IDE.
View source ↗Verified 2026-10-01The project's About page describes the platform as a modular framework that supplies application infrastructure such as window management and action handling.
View source ↗Verified 2026-10-01The public G2 seller page showed the rating and review count when checked.
View source ↗Verified 2026-10-01