Best Java IDEs in 2026
Updated
In short: IntelliJ IDEA is ranked #1 of 23 as of 4 October 2026, ahead of Java-Editor and CS++ Java IDE. The best-ranked option with a free plan is Java-Editor. The lowest first paid tier on this page is IntelliJ IDEA at $8.33/mo.
Choosing a Java IDE means matching project needs with the capabilities and operating systems listed for each option. Compare database tools, Jakarta EE and JavaFX support, Spring support, and remote development, then weigh free-plan availability against the paid-from price. IntelliJ IDEA and Java-Editor appear among the first entries, alongside Apache NetBeans and Eclipse IDE; BlueJ, Processing, Spring Tools for Eclipse, and Spring Integration are also near the top. The ranking is presented as a best-of list, so you can scan its entries while checking which capabilities align with the Java work you plan to do.
23 Java IDEs ranked on what their makers publish — plans and prices, free tiers, platforms and the facts on their own pages.
#1 IntelliJ IDEA Top pick · 7.7 Free plan · $8.33/mo
#2 Java-Editor Runner-up · 7.4 Free plan · Free
#3 CS++ Java IDE Also great · 7.3 Free plan · Free- Free planFree trial LinuxmacOSWindows
- Free plan
- Yes
- Supported operating systems
- windows, macos, linux
RecognisedDocumentedPlatformsFree planFree trial$8.33/mofirst paid tier About IntelliJ IDEAVisit site - Free plan AndroidLinuxmacOSWindows
- Free plan
- Yes
- Supported operating systems
- Windows, Linux via Wine, macOS via CrossOver or virtualization
- JavaFX support
- Yes
RecognisedDocumentedPlatformsFree planFree trial - Free plan iOSmacOSWebWindows
- Free plan
- Yes
- Supported operating systems
- web, Windows, macOS, iOS
RecognisedDocumentedPlatformsFree planFree trial - Free plan LinuxmacOSWindows
- Free plan
- Yes
- Supported operating systems
- Windows, macOS, Linux
- Spring support
- Yes
- JavaFX support
- Yes
RecognisedDocumentedPlatformsFree planFree trial - Free plan LinuxmacOSWindows
- Free plan
- Yes
- Supported operating systems
- windows, macos, linux
RecognisedDocumentedPlatformsFree planFree trial - Free plan LinuxmacOSWindows
- Free plan
- Yes
- Supported operating systems
- windows, macos, linux
RecognisedDocumentedPlatformsFree planFree trial - Free plan LinuxmacOSWindows
- Free plan
- Yes
- Supported operating systems
- macOS, Windows, Linux
RecognisedDocumentedPlatformsFree planFree trial - LinuxmacOSWebWindows
- Free plan
- Yes
- Supported operating systems
- Windows, macOS, Linux
RecognisedDocumentedPlatformsFree planFree trial - Free plan extensionLinuxmacOSWindows
- Free plan
- Yes
- Supported operating systems
- Windows, macOS, Linux
- Spring support
- Yes
RecognisedDocumentedPlatformsFree planFree trial - Free plan self-hosted
- Free plan
- Yes
RecognisedDocumentedPlatformsFree planFree trial - WindowsmacOSLinux
- Free plan
- Yes
- Supported operating systems
- windows, macos, linux
RecognisedDocumentedPlatformsFree planFree trial - WindowsmacOSLinux
- Free plan
- Yes
- Supported operating systems
- windows, macos, linux
RecognisedDocumentedPlatformsFree planFree trial - LinuxmacOSWindows
- Free plan
- Yes
- Supported operating systems
- windows, macos, linux
RecognisedDocumentedPlatformsFree planFree trial - WindowsmacOSLinux
- Free plan
- Yes
- Supported operating systems
- Windows, macOS, Linux
RecognisedDocumentedPlatformsFree planFree trial - Windows
- Free plan
- Yes
- Supported operating systems
- Windows
- Spring support
- Yes
RecognisedDocumentedPlatformsFree planFree trial - WindowsmacOSLinux
- Free plan
- No
- Supported operating systems
- windows, macos, linux
RecognisedDocumentedPlatformsFree planFree trial - Web
- Free plan
- Yes
- Supported operating systems
- Web browser on any device, including Chromebooks and tablets
RecognisedDocumentedPlatformsFree planFree trial - Android
- Free plan
- Yes
RecognisedDocumentedPlatformsFree planFree trial - Android
- Free plan
- Yes
- Supported operating systems
- Android
RecognisedDocumentedPlatformsFree planFree trial - WindowsmacOSLinux
- Supported operating systems
- Windows, macOS, Linux
RecognisedDocumentedPlatformsFree planFree trial - Android
- Free plan
- Yes
RecognisedDocumentedPlatformsFree planFree trial - Free plan Android
- Free plan
- Yes
- Supported operating systems
- Android
RecognisedDocumentedPlatformsFree planFree trial - WebRecognisedDocumentedPlatformsFree planFree trial
Is your tool on this list?
Numbered spots on this list can be sponsored. They are labelled, and the editorial order and scores never change for payment.
Questions about this list
Which Java IDE is ranked first on Specifiction?
IntelliJ IDEA is ranked #1 of 23 with a score of 7.7. Java-Editor is second and CS++ Java IDE third.
How many of these have a free plan?
10 of the 23 on this page publish a free plan on their own pricing pages.
Which is the cheapest paid option?
On this page, IntelliJ IDEA has the lowest first paid tier we found: $8.33/mo.
How is this list ranked?
Ranked on what each maker publishes, the fullest spec sheet first: how deeply the product is documented, the platforms it runs on, a free tier or trial to test it, and its standing. Paid placements never change a rank.