The capable & ergonomic Java IDE
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3562 reviews tracked·4 press mentionsThe Bottom Line
Entry price
Free plan available, paid tiers above
Biggest pro
Best Java IDE
Biggest con
Resource intensive
TL;DR - IntelliJ IDEA
- Java IDE that enterprise teams rely on
- Advanced refactoring handles complex changes
- Framework support for Spring, Jakarta, more
Pricing: Free plan available
Best for: Growing teams
4.7/5 across review platforms
What is IntelliJ IDEA?
IntelliJ IDEA is JetBrains' flagship IDE for JVM languages. Deep code understanding powers smart completions and refactorings. Supports Java, Kotlin, Scala, and more out of the box. Ultimate edition adds web and enterprise frameworks. Built-in tools for databases, HTTP, and Docker. The IDE that makes Java development a pleasure.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Best Java IDE
- Smart completions
- Refactoring tools
Cons
- Resource intensive
- Expensive Ultimate
Ratings Across the Web
4.7(3,562 reviews)
Ratings aggregated from independent review platforms. Learn more
Key Features
Smart code completionAdvanced refactoringBuilt-in developer toolsFramework supportDatabase toolsVersion control integration
Pricing Plans
30-day Free TrialPricing checked Jul 10, 2026
Community
Free
Free
- Java/Kotlin
- Maven/Gradle
- Version control
- Basic debugging
Most Popular
Ultimate
$599/year
First year
- All frameworks
- Database tools
- Profiler
- All JetBrains tools
Reviews
$99Free with your review
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4.7/5
Across 3,562 verified user reviews on G2, Capterra, SourceForge
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IntelliJ IDEA FAQ
How does IntelliJ IDEA enhance Java development workflows?
IntelliJ IDEA provides deep code understanding, which powers smart completions and refactoring tools, making Java development more efficient and enjoyable. It supports Java, Kotlin, and Scala out of the box, catering to a wide range of JVM language projects.
Which teams benefit most from using IntelliJ IDEA?
Teams working with JVM languages, especially Java, Kotlin, or Scala, will find IntelliJ IDEA particularly beneficial due to its specialized features. Its comprehensive toolset also supports developers engaged in web and enterprise framework development, database management, and Docker integration.
How is IntelliJ IDEA priced?
IntelliJ IDEA is available on a free tier, offering core functionalities for developers. For more extensive usage and advanced features, paid plans are available, which unlock additional capabilities and tools.
What kind of limitations should users consider when adopting IntelliJ IDEA?
Users should be aware that IntelliJ IDEA can be resource-intensive, which might affect performance on less powerful machines. Additionally, while a free tier exists, the Ultimate edition, which includes web and enterprise framework support, is a paid offering.
Can IntelliJ IDEA be used for web development in addition to JVM languages?
Yes, the Ultimate edition of IntelliJ IDEA extends its capabilities to include support for web and enterprise frameworks. This allows developers to use a single IDE for both their backend JVM language development and frontend web projects.
How does IntelliJ IDEA compare to Visual Studio Code for Java development?
IntelliJ IDEA is recognized as the best Java IDE, offering deep code understanding, smart completions, and powerful refactoring tools specifically tailored for JVM languages. Visual Studio Code, while a versatile editor, requires additional extensions to achieve a comparable level of specialized Java development support.
Source: jetbrains.com