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Eclipse IDE vs PhpStorm

Eclipse IDE logo

Eclipse IDE

Software

Open-source, extensible IDE historically centered on Java development

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
PhpStorm logo

PhpStorm

Software

JetBrains IDE for PHP web development

From
$24/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Eclipse IDE has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Eclipse IDE startup time and UI responsiveness lag behind newer editors like VS Code.; PhpStorm requires an ongoing paid subscription with no free tier for commercial use.
  • They diverge on capability: Eclipse IDE covers Java Development Tools (JDT), PhpStorm covers PHP-aware coding assistance.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Eclipse IDE and PhpStorm actually diverge.

Attributes where Eclipse IDE and PhpStorm differ
AttributeEclipse IDEPhpStorm
Starting priceFree$24/month
Pricing modelopen-sourcesubscription
Free tierYesNo
Founded20012000

Identical on both: platforms (windows, mac, linux), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Eclipse IDE

  • Java Development Tools (JDT)
  • Plugin Architecture
  • Git Integration
  • Refactoring Tools
  • Workspace and Project Management

Only in PhpStorm

  • PHP-aware coding assistance
  • Integrated debugger
  • Front-end tooling
  • Database tools
  • Version control integration
  • Docker and remote deployment

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Eclipse IDE

  • Enterprise Java application developmentnot PhpStorm
  • Academic and educational programming coursesnot PhpStorm
  • Extending the IDE for niche languages via pluginsnot PhpStorm
  • Multi-module builds with Maven or Gradlenot PhpStorm

PhpStorm

  • Building PHP web applications with Laravel or Symfonynot Eclipse IDE
  • Debugging PHP code with Xdebugnot Eclipse IDE
  • Working across PHP, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript in one projectnot Eclipse IDE
  • Managing databases alongside application codenot Eclipse IDE

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Eclipse IDE

  • Startup time and UI responsiveness lag behind newer editors like VS Code.
  • Plugin quality and compatibility can be inconsistent across versions.
  • Modern language support (e.g. for web frameworks) is weaker than dedicated tools.
  • Configuration and workspace setup has a steeper learning curve for newcomers.

PhpStorm

  • Requires an ongoing paid subscription with no free tier for commercial use.
  • Heavier and slower to start than lightweight code editors.
  • Some advanced framework-specific tooling requires additional configuration or plugins.
  • Renewal pricing rises for lapsed subscriptions after the grace period.

Pricing, plan by plan

Eclipse IDE

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full IDE and plugin ecosystem, no paid tiers

PhpStorm

$24/month
  • Individual$24/month
    • Personal use license
    • Access to PhpStorm
    • Free for students and open-source maintainers
  • Organization$34/month
    • Business use license
    • Access to PhpStorm
    • Volume and renewal discounts

Which should you pick?

Choose Eclipse IDE if

  • You need java development tools (jdt).
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on windows, mac, linux.
  • You also want plugin architecture.
Eclipse IDE review

Choose PhpStorm if

  • You need php-aware coding assistance.
  • You work on windows, mac, linux.
  • You also want integrated debugger.
PhpStorm review

Questions people ask

Is Eclipse IDE or PhpStorm better?
Neither clearly leads. Eclipse IDE starts at Free and PhpStorm at $24/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Eclipse IDE or PhpStorm?
Eclipse IDE has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Eclipse IDE and $24/month for PhpStorm.
Does Eclipse IDE or PhpStorm run on more platforms?
Both run on windows, mac, linux, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
Can I use Eclipse IDE for free?
Yes. Eclipse IDE has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. PhpStorm starts at $24/month.
What is Eclipse IDE best used for?
Eclipse IDE is most often used for enterprise java application development, academic and educational programming courses, extending the ide for niche languages via plugins, multi-module builds with maven or gradle. Of those, enterprise java application development and academic and educational programming courses are not what PhpStorm is typically brought in for.
What can Eclipse IDE do that PhpStorm cannot?
Eclipse IDE covers Java Development Tools (JDT), Plugin Architecture, Git Integration, Refactoring Tools. PhpStorm covers PHP-aware coding assistance, Integrated debugger, Front-end tooling, Database tools.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Eclipse IDE: Is Eclipse IDE free to use, including commercially?

Yes, Eclipse is released under the Eclipse Public License 2.0, a free and open-source license that permits commercial use with no purchase required.

Source
PhpStorm: How much does PhpStorm cost?

PhpStorm is sold via JetBrains Toolbox subscription starting around $24/month for individuals and $34/month for organizations, with free licenses for students and open-source maintainers.

Source
Eclipse IDE: How do I extend Eclipse with plugins?

Extensions are installed from the Eclipse Marketplace, which hosts over 1,300 solutions spanning tools, languages, IoT support, and RCP applications, using drag-and-drop installation via the Marketplace Client.

Source
PhpStorm: Is there a free trial?

JetBrains offers a free trial of PhpStorm so developers can test it before subscribing.

Source
Eclipse IDE: What license do Eclipse Marketplace plugins use?

Marketplace listings can be filtered by license type, including EPL, GPL, Apache 2.0, and MIT, since individual plugin authors choose their own licensing terms.

Source
PhpStorm: What platforms does PhpStorm support?

PhpStorm is a desktop IDE available on Windows, macOS, and Linux via JetBrains Toolbox.

Source
Eclipse IDE: Where can I get help with Eclipse?

Support channels include community forums, project office hours, and a contact page maintained by the Eclipse Foundation, in addition to the official Eclipse Platform help documentation.

Source
Eclipse IDE: Is Eclipse limited to Java development?

No, while Eclipse's Java Development Tools are its best-known feature, the plugin architecture and marketplace extend it to C/C++, PHP, JavaScript, and many other languages.

Source
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