Eclipse

Name: Eclipse
Brand: Eclipse
Rating: 4.3 (201 reviews)

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Open-source IDE for Java and other languages

IDE & Code Editors Developer Tools

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4.3(201 across the web)

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Reviews onCapterra

201 reviews tracked

The Bottom Line

Entry price

Free, no paid tier

Biggest pro

Free IDE

Biggest con

UI dated

TL;DR - Eclipse

Eclipse is an open-source IDE primarily used for Java development
It supports multiple languages through plugins with debugging, Git, and project management
Completely free and open-source

Pricing: Free forever

Best for: Individuals & startups

4.3/5 across review platforms

What is Eclipse?

Editorial review

Eclipse is the IDE that shaped how Java development works. Decades of plugin development, enterprise features, and community investment make it the foundation for many development environments. The extensibility is legendary. Enterprise tooling often builds on Eclipse. The project is community-governed. Java developers, especially in enterprises, use Eclipse for mature IDE features and extensive plugin ecosystem.

Available on: Web

LCLouis CorneloupUpdated Jul 20, 2026 · how we evaluateSourceeclipse.org ↗

Pros & Cons

Pros

Free IDE
Java standard
Many plugins
Enterprise proven
Cross-platform

Cons

UI dated
Heavy and slow
Configuration complex
Declining popularity
IntelliJ better

Ratings Across the Web

4.3(201 reviews)

Eclipse holds an aggregate rating of 4.3 out of 5 from 201 reviews across Capterra, last checked March 18, 2026.

Capterra201 reviews

4.3/5

What people say

“It is not very stable, it crashes so many times.”via Capterra

Ratings aggregated from independent review platforms. Learn more

Key Features

IDEJavaPluginsCross-platformEnterpriseOpen source

Pricing Plans

Pricing checked Aug 24, 2026

Free

Open source

Java/C++/PHP
Extensible
Debugging
Git

Calculate your cost View full pricing

Is Eclipse worth the price?

100/100

Eclipse's pricing is exceptionally generous, being entirely free.

There are no paid tiers, making it an incredibly accessible and cost-effective solution for developers. It's best for individual developers, students, and organizations looking for a powerful, no-cost IDE.

Hidden Costs & Gotchas

No direct hidden costs from Eclipse itself.

Potential for paid plugins/extensions from third parties.

Time investment for initial setup and configuration.

Learning curve for new users.

How Eclipse Compares to Competitors

Compared to commercial IDEs like IntelliJ IDEA Ultimate ($150/year for first year) or Visual Studio Enterprise ($2,569/year), Eclipse stands out by offering its full functionality completely free. While some competitors offer free community editions, Eclipse provides a robust, extensible platform without any paid tiers, making it a superior value proposition for those prioritizing cost.

Reviews

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4.3/5

Across 201 verified user reviews on Capterra

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Best Eclipse Alternatives

Top alternatives based on features, pricing, and user needs.

Visual Studio CodeFree

Fast, lightweight, and customizable code editor for all languages

4.7

IntelliJ IDEAFreemium

The capable & ergonomic Java IDE

4.6

DataGripPaid

Your intelligent IDE for databases and SQL

4.6

NovaPaid

A powerful and flexible native macOS code editor with integrated tools for development workflows.

4.6

See all IDE & code editors tools →

Still deciding?

Most buyers shortlist 2 or 3 tools before committing. Pull a side-by-side comparison or browse the full alternatives shortlist below.

Eclipse vs Visual Studio CodeHead-to-head: features, pricing, who wins Eclipse vs IntelliJ IDEAHead-to-head: features, pricing, who wins Eclipse vs DataGripHead-to-head: features, pricing, who wins

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Eclipse FAQ

How does Eclipse support Java development?

Eclipse is considered the IDE that shaped how Java development works, offering mature IDE features and an extensive plugin ecosystem. It is a cross-platform solution that has become a standard for many Java developers, particularly within enterprises.

Which teams benefit most from using Eclipse?

Java developers, especially those in enterprise environments, benefit most from Eclipse due to its mature IDE features and extensive plugin ecosystem. Its enterprise-proven nature and long history of plugin development make it suitable for complex projects.

How is Eclipse priced?

Eclipse is free to use, meaning there is no paid plan required to access its features. This makes it an accessible option for individual developers and organizations alike.

What kind of trade-offs should users consider when choosing Eclipse?

Users should be aware that Eclipse's UI can appear dated, and it is often described as heavy and slow. Additionally, its configuration can be complex, which might require a learning curve for new users.

How does Eclipse compare to Visual Studio Code?

Eclipse is a free, enterprise-proven IDE with a long history of Java development and a vast plugin ecosystem, whereas Visual Studio Code is known for its lightweight nature and broader language support. Eclipse's strengths lie in its deep Java integration and extensibility, while Visual Studio Code offers a more modern interface and faster performance.

Can Eclipse be extended with additional functionalities?

Yes, Eclipse is renowned for its extensibility, with decades of plugin development contributing to its robust ecosystem. Many enterprise tooling solutions are built upon Eclipse, showcasing its strong support for customization and expansion.

Source: eclipse.org

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