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OpenJDK vs Oracle JDK: catalog facts
OpenJDKOracle JDK

Best for: Developers who need a standard JDK to build and run Java applications

Best for: Java developers who want Oracle's official JDK builds

Free

Free under the GPL; Oracle also sells a commercially licensed JDK built from the same code.

Free + paid options

Downloads are available from Oracle, with paid Java SE subscriptions for commercial support.

Windows, macOS, Linux, Command line Windows, Command line
  • Reference implementation of the Java Platform
  • Free production-ready builds for three desktop platforms
All 3 strengths for OpenJDK
  • Reference implementation of the Java Platform
  • Free production-ready builds for three desktop platforms
  • Open development with public source and proposals
  • Official Java builds from Oracle, including long-term support releases
  • Full toolchain: compiler, runtime and command-line tools
All 3 strengths for Oracle JDK
  • Official Java builds from Oracle, including long-term support releases
  • Full toolchain: compiler, runtime and command-line tools
  • Commercial support available
  • Oracle's OpenJDK builds are only updated for a short time per release
  • Older versions such as JDK 17 need builds from other vendors for updates
  • Oracle's licensing terms are more restrictive than OpenJDK builds
  • Commercial support requires a paid subscription
Downloadable app Downloadable app
Open source Not open source
License: GPL-2.0 with Classpath Exception License not stated
No account needed Not stated if an account is needed
Offline features available Offline features available
Sources for OpenJDK

Catalog checked October 1, 2026

Sources for Oracle JDK

Catalog checked October 1, 2026

“Not stated” means we have not confirmed it. Features can vary by device and plan.