11 Best IntelliJ Alternatives & Competitors
IntelliJ IDEA by JetBrains is one of the most popular integrated development environments (IDEs), widely appreciated for its intelligent code assistance, deep framework integrations, and smooth developer experience. However, not every team or developer may find it the perfect fit due to pricing, system requirements, or specific language needs. This is where exploring IntelliJ Alternatives becomes essential.
Table of Contents
Whether you are looking for lightweight text editors, open-source IDEs, or specialized programming environments, there are numerous IntelliJ Competitors that can match or even surpass IntelliJ in certain areas. From mainstream editors like Visual Studio Code to language-specific tools like PyCharm or PhpStorm, developers have plenty of apps like IntelliJ to choose from.
Top 11 IntelliJ Alternatives
In this article, we’ll explore the 11 Best IntelliJ Alternatives & Competitors, highlighting their unique features, strengths, and ideal use cases.
1. Visual Studio Code
Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is one of the most widely adopted code editors globally. Developed by Microsoft, it’s free, lightweight, and open-source, making it a top pick among developers seeking IntelliJ Alternatives.
Key Features:
- Rich marketplace with thousands of extensions.
- IntelliSense for smart code completion.
- Git and GitHub integration built-in.
- Debugging for multiple programming languages.
- Cross-platform support (Windows, macOS, Linux).
VS Code is often compared directly to IntelliJ for its performance and flexibility. If you already use Visual Studio Code Shortcuts extensively, you’ll find transitioning easier and faster.
2. VSCodium
VSCodium is essentially a community-driven version of Visual Studio Code, stripped of Microsoft’s telemetry. It provides the same functionality as VS Code but appeals more to developers who prioritize privacy and open-source licensing.
Key Features:
- 100% open-source with MIT license.
- Privacy-focused (no tracking or telemetry).
- Compatible with most VS Code extensions.
- Lightweight performance.
For developers who like the VS Code ecosystem but want a fully FOSS approach, VSCodium stands out as one of the best IntelliJ Competitors.
3. Eclipse IDE
Eclipse IDE is one of the oldest and most established Java development environments, making it a natural competitor to IntelliJ IDEA. It’s open-source and supports a wide range of languages and frameworks through plugins.
Key Features:
- Strong support for Java, C/C++, and PHP.
- Powerful plugin ecosystem.
- Git integration for version control.
- Cross-platform usability.
- Rich debugging and profiling tools.
Eclipse is ideal for enterprise-level projects and developers who need a highly customizable environment. If you are already familiar with Eclipse IDE Shortcuts, your productivity can rival that of IntelliJ IDEA.
4. Apache NetBeans
Apache NetBeans is another excellent IntelliJ Alternative, particularly for Java developers. It’s free, open-source, and backed by the Apache Software Foundation, ensuring ongoing community support.
Key Features:
- Native support for Java, JavaScript, PHP, and HTML5.
- Drag-and-drop GUI builder.
- Maven and Gradle build tools integration.
- Built-in Git and Mercurial support.
- Cross-platform compatibility.
For developers who prefer simplicity, NetBeans offers a straightforward interface. Check out NetBeans Shortcuts to accelerate your workflow.
5. Microsoft Visual Studio
Microsoft Visual Studio is a full-fledged IDE, more powerful and feature-rich than Visual Studio Code. It’s tailored for large-scale enterprise applications, particularly in .NET, C#, and C++.
Key Features:
- Advanced debugger and profiler.
- Rich code navigation and refactoring tools.
- Azure DevOps and GitHub integration.
- Support for multiple languages and frameworks.
- Visual designers for UI and databases.
If you’re working on enterprise projects, Microsoft Visual Studio Shortcuts can save significant time while coding.
6. Xcode
For developers working in Apple’s ecosystem, Xcode is the go-to IDE. It supports Swift, Objective-C, and tools for building iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS applications.
Key Features:
- Interface Builder for drag-and-drop UI design.
- Integrated simulator for iOS/macOS testing.
- Swift Playgrounds for real-time learning.
- Rich debugging and performance tools.
- Direct integration with Apple Developer tools.
Xcode stands out as an app like IntelliJ but optimized for Apple developers. To become more efficient, you can master Xcode Shortcuts.
7. AWS Cloud9
AWS Cloud9 is a cloud-based IDE from Amazon Web Services. It allows developers to write, run, and debug code directly in the browser, making it highly collaborative and flexible.
Key Features:
- Cloud-based, no local installation needed.
- Supports multiple programming languages.
- Seamless AWS service integration.
- Real-time collaboration features.
- Debugger for serverless applications.
For remote teams, AWS Cloud9 is one of the most compelling IntelliJ Alternatives. If you’re exploring it, AWS Cloud9 Shortcuts will help streamline your experience.
8. WebStorm
WebStorm, another IDE from JetBrains, is tailored specifically for JavaScript, TypeScript, and front-end frameworks like React, Angular, and Vue.js.
Key Features:
- Intelligent code completion for JS and TypeScript.
- Built-in debugger for Node.js.
- Seamless integration with testing frameworks (Mocha, Jest, etc.).
- Version control and GitHub support.
- Integrated terminal and REST client.
WebStorm provides the same polished JetBrains environment as IntelliJ, making it one of the closest IntelliJ Competitors for front-end developers.
9. PyCharm
PyCharm, also developed by JetBrains, is the leading IDE for Python developers. It offers a rich set of features tailored for Django, Flask, and machine learning projects.
Key Features:
- Smart code navigation and refactoring.
- Excellent Django and Flask support.
- Scientific tools integration (NumPy, Matplotlib).
- Remote development via SSH.
- Built-in debugger and test runner.
For Python developers searching for IntelliJ Alternatives, PyCharm is a strong candidate. If you’re working with Python, exploring IntelliJ Shortcuts can also benefit your JetBrains-based workflow.
10. PhpStorm
PhpStorm is JetBrains’ IDE specifically designed for PHP and web development. It combines the intelligence of IntelliJ with specialized tools for backend developers.
Key Features:
- Advanced PHP support with error detection.
- Integration with major frameworks (Laravel, Symfony).
- Debugging and profiling with Xdebug.
- Built-in tools for front-end development (HTML, CSS, JS).
- Git and version control integration.
For PHP developers seeking apps like IntelliJ, PhpStorm is a perfect choice. You can also enhance your efficiency by learning PhpStorm Shortcuts.
11. Essential Studio (Syncfusion Essential Studio)
Essential Studio by Syncfusion is slightly different from other IDEs on this list. It’s not just an IDE but a comprehensive toolkit that provides UI components and controls for developers building web, desktop, and mobile applications.
Key Features:
- Over 1,800 UI controls for .NET, JavaScript, Angular, React, and more.
- Data visualization components like charts, gauges, and maps.
- Report generation and document processing libraries.
- Strong technical support and regular updates.
- Optimized for enterprise-grade projects.
While not a direct IDE, Essential Studio competes with IntelliJ by providing rich developer tools that extend well beyond simple code editing.
Conclusion
IntelliJ IDEA is undoubtedly a powerful IDE, but it’s not the only option available. Depending on your language preferences, budget, or system environment, there are several strong IntelliJ Alternatives that can meet your needs.
- Lightweight & Free Options: Visual Studio Code, VSCodium, Eclipse IDE, NetBeans.
- Enterprise-Grade IDEs: Microsoft Visual Studio, Xcode, AWS Cloud9.
- Specialized JetBrains Tools: PyCharm, WebStorm, PhpStorm.
- Component Libraries: Essential Studio.
By exploring these IntelliJ Competitors, you can find the best fit for your workflow, whether you’re coding enterprise apps, mobile software, or web applications.
READ NEXT:
