Compare software

Spring ToolsApache NetBeans
Free

Free and open source; paid enterprise support for Spring is sold separately.

 Free

Free and open source under the Apache License 2.0.

Windows, macOS, Linux Windows, macOS, Linux
  • Deep knowledge of Spring Framework and Spring Boot built in
  • Works in Eclipse, VS Code, Cursor, Theia and Claude Code
  • Strong Java support with semantic highlighting and refactoring
  • Project wizards and templates for Java and PHP
  • Only useful for Spring-based Java projects
  • The full IDE is Eclipse-based, which some find heavy
  • Heavier than lightweight editors
  • Tutorials are partly under review
Downloadable app Downloadable app
Open source Open source
License not stated License: Apache-2.0
Not stated if an account is needed No account needed
Not stated if it works offline Not stated if it works offline

Checked October 1, 2026

Checked September 23, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.