If you typed 'Apache NetBeans download' you already know this isn't the old Sun/Oracle build - it's the version now governed by the Apache Software Foundation, and that distinction matters for licensing peace of mind. Students and self-taught developers often land here after a course tells them to grab NetBeans for a Java assignment but doesn't specify which edition. This page gets you to the current Apache release fast, with a short note on which bundle to pick before you install anything.
Which NetBeans Bundle Should You Actually Grab?
Apache NetBeans ships as several bundles - Java SE, Java EE/Jakarta, PHP, C/C++ and an "All" package that includes every module. Picking the smallest bundle that covers your language keeps install size and startup time down.
Because the project moved under the Apache Software Foundation, it's governed by the Apache License 2.0, so the entire IDE is free for personal, educational and commercial use with no seat limits.
Who ends up using NetBeans
Java students and small teams building Maven or Java EE projects often reach for NetBeans as their free IDE.
- Computer science students learning Java in a university course that requires a specific IDE
- Small teams building Java EE/Jakarta web apps who want built-in application server support
- PHP or C/C++ developers who want one IDE across multiple languages without switching tools
Before you install
A couple of things worth knowing about NetBeans before you request the link: it covers Windows, macOS and Linux, so pick the right build for the machine you're setting up. And on pricing, NetBeans is open source, so the installer is free with no trial timer, feature lock, or upsell screen to click past. It's developed and maintained by Apache Software Foundation.
System requirements
- WindowsWindows 10 or 11 (64-bit); older 7/8.1 builds usually still run but no longer get official support
- macOSa recent macOS release — check the download page for the current minimum version, since Apple Silicon vs Intel builds sometimes differ
- Linuxmost current 64-bit distributions; look for a native .deb/.rpm/AppImage or a package in your distro's own repository
Heavier workloads (large files, high-res media, big projects) will naturally want more RAM and a faster CPU/GPU than the bare minimum.
Quick steps
- Choose your platform build (Windows, macOS or Linux)
- Select the bundle matching your language - Java SE is the common starting point
- Run the installer and point it at your JDK path if prompted
NetBeans: the honest trade-offs
- Built-in support for Java EE, Maven and Gradle projects with no extra plugins needed
- Strong GUI builder (Swing/JavaFX) still useful for desktop application development
- Governed by the Apache Software Foundation, ensuring long-term open governance
- Feels slower to start than lighter editors like VS Code on older hardware
- Smaller plugin ecosystem than IntelliJ IDEA or Eclipse for niche frameworks
We link to the Apache Software Foundation's own release channel, so the installer you download here matches the checksum published on their site - no repackaged or ad-injected copies.
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Keeping NetBeans up to date
Since NetBeans is open source, most Linux distributions keep it current through their own package manager. On Windows/macOS, re-running the installer from the official site (or an updater built into the app, if it has one) gets you the latest release. Sticking to the developer's own distribution channel — which is what this page links to — means you're never stuck on an old build with unpatched bugs just because a mirror site stopped updating its copy.
Features, install steps, alternatives and more detail live on the main NetBeans page.
Frequently asked questions
Does NetBeans still support the old NetBeans Platform for desktop apps?
Yes, the Platform module for building modular Swing desktop applications is still maintained and ships as part of the Apache NetBeans releases.
Do I need to install a JDK separately before running NetBeans?
Yes, NetBeans itself is an IDE shell and expects a compatible JDK already on your system to compile and run Java projects.
