Apache NetBeans vs PhpStorm 

Essential Studio

Microsoft Visual Studio

GitHub

Syncfusion Essential Studio® is a UI development suite that offers 1,700+ software components and frameworks for developing web, mobile, and desktop applications. Essential Studio® supports ASP.NET, Javascript, Angular, React, Flutter, WinForms, WPF, and more.

Microsoft Visual Studio Online is a web based collaboration and project management application designed for software shipping and building. The  Online platform enables you to create software projects as well as track and manage programming processes to help identify bugs, new features and more.

GitHub is a place to share code with friends, co-workers, classmates, and complete strangers, helping individuals and teams to write faster, better code

Apache NetBeans is an open-source IDE that provides code editors, wizards, and templates. It can help developers create apps in Java, PHP, and other languages. Apache NetBeans can be installed on Windows, Mac OSX, Linux, and BSD operating systems.

Code Development

Code Editing

Debugging

Deployment Management

For Developers

Graphical User Interface

Integrated Development Environment

Mobile Development

Software Development

Version Control

Web App Development

Web/Mobile App Development

Website Development

By industry, Apache NetBeans reviewers are most commonly professionals in computer software (36%). The most frequent use case cited is as an integrated development environment (IDE) (78% of reviewers).

Users and use cases

Apache NetBeans is an integrated development environment (IDE) solution offering key features such as code development, code editing, debugging, and deployment management, among others.

Open Source

Apache NetBeans

Web-based

Eclipse IDE

Sublime Text

IntelliJ IDEA

Notepad++

PhpStorm 

PyCharm

Microsoft Azure

Salesforce Platform

Heroku

Basic

High memory resource usage

Quality Engineer

NetBeans crashes sometimes when we use it for longer time and it can consume lots of memory which cause the system to be slower.

100% of reviewers feel negative about NetBeans’ memory consumption. Users think the IDE is heavy on system resources, often requiring significant RAM and processing power. Reviewers indicate that running NetBeans on less powerful hardware leads to slowdowns, crashes, and long loading times. Some users say working on large projects or using multiple plugins exacerbates these issues, making the software less suitable for older computers or resource-constrained environments.

Sluggish performance on large projects

Junior Software Engineer

The loading time is slow and the program is heavy to run in overall .

86% of reviewers feel negative about NetBeans’ performance and speed. Users report that the IDE is slow to start, lags during navigation, and struggles with large or complex projects. Reviewers indicate that high CPU usage and long compilation times disrupt their workflow, especially on machines with average specifications. Some users say frequent lagging and slow response times make quick edits and debugging frustrating, reducing overall productivity when handling demanding development tasks.

Broad language support

Technical Office Engineer

The intuitive user interface, the variety of supported languages & library imports & the unparalleled ease of integrating iOS & Android emulators (on my MacBook) to test out my applications prior to publishing my builds makes NetBeans a truly fascinating piece of software that's genuinely made my workload easier.

100% of reviewers feel positive about NetBeans’ support for multiple programming languages. Reviewers appreciate that the IDE accommodates Java, C++, PHP, HTML, CSS, and more, allowing them to work on diverse projects within a single environment. Users say this versatility streamlines their workflow and enables easy integration of various frameworks and libraries. Some users report that plugin management further expands language support, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced developers who need flexibility in their development tasks.

Cost-free open source access

CEO / Lead Architect

I was able to work comfortably with Java coding , Free and open source, feature complete, the only IDE topping it are the Jetbrainz tools.

100% of reviewers feel positive about NetBeans being free and open source. Users think the lack of licensing fees makes it highly accessible, especially for students and those with limited budgets. Reviewers appreciate that they can use a feature-rich IDE without financial barriers, and they find the open-source nature beneficial for flexibility and community-driven improvements. Some users say this accessibility encourages adoption among new programmers, while others indicate that multi-platform support further enhances its appeal for a wide range of users.

Comprehensive java development tools

PHD student

A practical environment for developing in Java.

Co-founder

Specifically developing in Java on this IDE is amazing.

97% of reviewers feel positive about NetBeans’ development environment. Users think the IDE provides a practical and intuitive workspace, particularly for Java application development. Reviewers indicate that features like drag-and-drop GUI design, advanced debugging, and project management tools facilitate efficient coding and learning. Some users say the environment is especially helpful for building desktop and GUI applications, while others find it beneficial for both individual and team projects due to its user-friendly interface and robust toolset.

Software engineer

My experience with NetBeans is good for develop PHP, but the plugins that install in an older version not run in a new version or broke the IDE.

Senior Software Developer

As in every IDE, it has auto-completion, error detection and correction features. But the important features for me are the quick and easy interface design, the drag-and-drop feature, and the rapid design of visual interfaces.

Desarrollador de software

It can be configurated to support Language like PHP, JAVA, HTML etc. And the GUI can be customizable, with colorn fonts, views and customs commands.

Associate Professor

It supported seamless integration with J2EE application servers and several database management systems using JDBC such as Oracle and MySQL.Other development platforms such as C++/PHP/Javascript/... are supported as well, but still Netbeans goes very well with Java development over other development platforms.

Software development engineer 

In my experience with Apache NetBeans, I have developed school projects such as calculators and programs using data structures like stacks and queues.

At the same time, NetBeans has made my compiling, merging, packaging, and distribution of code very easy and has provided many integrated tools for this.

Software Developer

It contains controls that can be dragged and placed on the designer page and a developer can build an application based on them.

Web Developer

My overall experience with Netbeans is positive. When it comes to large Java projects I often choose it as my IDE. Although, I'm sure there are better alternatives out there.

It has helped me improve on my java applications where each and every time a have an idea, I am able to upgrade to a newer version.

The Swing GUI editor makes it extremely easy to build programs with fairly complex UI with drag and drop components, that are then easily wired up to functionality.

Have many options, that is difficult to find in a large menu.

Indeed I started developing a program using the Java language but I was facing several problems when I was changing the connection from one database to another and it took time from me to solve it.

search of code in a project is simple, useful and simple.

Fullstack dev

I have used this IDE to teach others to use java, most of the time works well and it´s easy to get started as developer by using Netbeans, but there are bugs that don´t make this IDE ideal for anybody or reliable to work with

Associate Frontend Developer

Other features like debugging and multiple language support and integration is also very helpful.

Lead Engineer 

It provides you full features and functionality to work on Java related frameworks, be it core Java, web development or desktop application development it features great support for all

It often takes a long time for new features to make it to the IDE, and it can be a bit of a learning curve to get started.

For example I wanted to change the connection from the Oracle database to the SQL Sever database so I had several problems.

My university told me to develop a desktop application to make it easier for students to view their files.

so, there are errors that don´t happen in other IDE with the same code, GUI needs to be reimagined

Despite its versatility, NetBeans offers an intuitive interface, making it accessible for students and learners.

Assistant Professor

The code auto-completion is also very decent though some advancements can still be incorporated to make it much better.

Training Coordinator

It is complete ide with all the modern coding tool like code refactoring, debugging, version control etc.

Excellent features that supported all my application development needs in Java.

Chief Architect 

It can also be integrated with other plugins such as Apache Maven.

The code auto completion is a little mediocre but still works pretty decently.

Good experience but now exists other options more lighter and with graphics interface according to this times

This is a typical Java pattern as Netbeans is developed in Java itself.

front end developer

It is budget friendly and also supports multiple programming language.

I used it to develop multiple java projects.

Teacher

Moreover, our students can download the platform for fee which make it more accessible compare to other platform which is great perks as newbie programmer.

IT Manager

It has built-in debug, run, versioning system, themes, customization, etc.  

IT Administrator

As a Java programmer, it is definitely better usable than as a Javascript developer - or so was my impression

Offers a decent way to develop. If you are using Java, it is excellent - but I am not ;-)

I would not say "don't use it", but I would suggest to compare with other tools to find out the best fitting one.

The looks and fell of the program feels a bit old.

Despite relatively simple requirements and few open pages, memory usage seems to quickly grow to where 3 gigs of RAM can be consumed.

Backend Developer

Using it feels heavy than using other lighter IDE.

Student

Sometimes there will be a problem when you install the newest JDK and the Netbeans's version  isn't fully support the newest JDK version.

Honestly the only issue I have with this software are its high computational requirements, it requires a lot of machine power for it to run.

Embedded Software Developer

Netbeans has Controls that may be dragged and dropped onto a designer page and used to build an application.

Data Platform Engineer

It supports integration with Apache server that provides Database Server as well.

The least thing on this platform is it too sensitive and other data types cannot be used and a lot of errors occurs.

Software Product Manager

Supports development of various kinds of applications like Web Applications and Desktop Applications.

Finacle consultant

I find NetBeans to be user-friendly, with a straightforward interface and intuitive tools.

It's rock steady, and has pretty much all the functionality you need.

Sr Software Engineer

Great product that was fast at compiling and giving me answers to questions, great at picking out errors and very prompt and thorough about it.

I  consider it a good choice for both beginners and experienced developers.

Its built-in debugger was also good and was really useful for me.

Integrations

Project Management

Ease of Use

Code Completion

User Interface

Drag and Drop

Developer Experience

Customer Support

Bugs and Issues

Users report that debugging in Apache NetBeans is straightforward and effective, with easy breakpoint management, variable watchers, and clear error highlighting. Reviewers indicate that Apache NetBeans helps them quickly identify bugs in Java, PHP, and other languages, making it easy to follow code execution. They say the debugging console is informative and the interface is helpful, though some users feel debugging for scripting languages like PHP can be less efficient compared to commercial IDEs. Of the 28 Apache NetBeans users who gave detailed accounts of their use of Debugging, 96% rated this feature as important or highly important.

Freelancers

Small Business

Mid-size Business

Large Enterprises

Apache Software Foundation

IntelliJ IDEA is the JetBrains IDE for pro development in Java and Kotlin. Built for your comfort, it unlocks productivity, ensures quality code, supports cutting-edge tech, and protects your privacy.

PyCharm is an on-premise Python integrated development environment (IDE) designed to help professional developers write code, create a virtual environment, and maintain quality control using PEP8 checks, refactoring, and testing assistance. Its code editor supports Python, JavaScript, CoffeeScript, TypeScript, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), and other languages.


PhpStorm is a hypertext preprocessor (PHP) integrated development environment editor designed to help developers manage code programming testing, and debugging on a unified interface. It supports development processes across Laravel, Symfony, Zend Framework, Drupal, WordPress, Magento, CakePHP, Joomla!, Yii, and more.

Change Management

Code Review

Data Modeling

Reviewers appreciate the free trial, which allows them to assess PhpStorm’s value before purchase. Some users say the price is justified by robust features, but others feel the cost is high, especially for individuals or small teams.

Value for money

The PhpStorm  integration most frequently cited by reviewers is GitHub, an application development product rated 5.0 out of 5 for its integration with PhpStorm .

By industry, PhpStorm reviewers are most commonly professionals in computer software (38%). The most frequent use case for PhpStorm cited by reviewers is as an integrated development environment (IDE) (96% of reviewers).

Windows

Visual Studio Code

Azure DevOps Server

PhpStorm (Organization)

All Product Pack (Organization)

Php Storm (Individual use)

All Product Pack (Individual use)

I absolutely love features such as the terminal, built-in test runner, AI autocompletions, and being able to view my database without leaving the software.

Senior Frontend Developer

It fully integrates with Github and Github Copilot, has great code searching facilities.

I’ve been using PhpStorm for about a year for CodeIgniter and Laravel projects. While it sometimes feels heavy compared to other editors, the advanced debugging, code navigation, and refactoring tools save me a lot of time.

Overall PhpStorm is my favourite development IDE and I use it more than just PHP including Twig, VueJS and more.

Engineer III

It's easy to use, and intuitive, with a small learning curve, and it's capable of handling multiple languages that are critical to building modern web apps.

Engineering Manager

No real cons on normal usage. When refactoring folders in a large codebase it would be helpful if the app would differentiate more between usage of same.

On the odd occasion, you may run into memory usage issues.

In particular, this tends to happen after installing new Composer dependencies, and they are being indexed.

Easy of use when writing in multiple platform such as windows/macOS.

SysOPS

It has become an indispensable part of my stack; I honestly couldn't imagine working without it now.

This is due to the plugins you can install.

Very good debugging tool helping to solve complex issue with ease.

There is a plethora of good plugins from assistance with other languages to debugging.

I have stopped using phpStorm to code but I keep using it to test, I grabbed not found a better too for this.

Sometimes lint is also very slow and keeps showing me an error that's not there anymore.

engineer

It's an Intelligent Code Editor, PhpStorm offers a powerful code editor with advanced features such as code completion, syntax highlighting, code formatting, and refactoring tools.

Freelance web developer 

I especially like the code completion, syntax highlighting, and error checking features, which have helped me to write better code and catch errors early.

Sometimes it won't show results when I know for a fact what I'm looking for us in they project.

It is reliable, powerful, and keeps me productive every single day.

Fullstack Developer

The best parts are:- Pretty easy to configure debug;- Integrated database connector;- Possibility to code via remote host using SSH;- Has a lot of plugins for Magento 2;- Has a lot of integrated environments (and also detects environment type).

When I look for text it can be really slow.

I like the intuitive UI particularly the testing one.

Overall, PhpStorm is a professional IDE that is worth it for serious PHP development.

I can't imagine working as a web developer without it!

Developer

It does occasionally cause your system to slow down due to memory hogging, but it is only occasional, I see it as it's telling me to take a break.

Programmer

It has the support for multiple languages, with PHP HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Vue js support are so nice.

To be a fairly powerful IDE, it consumes a lot of computer resources, which is why it is necessary to use a computer with good RAM and processing capacity if we want PHPStorm to work smoothly in it.

Managing Director

One of the best things about this IDE is that we can run PHP files right in the IDE and get updates right away while we code.

Apache NetBeans vs PhpStorm Comparison (2026)

Apache NetBeans

PhpStorm

Overview

Video & Screenshots

Pricing

User reviews

Key features

Integrations

Alternatives