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Developer Tools · head to head

Eclipse vs IDnow

Eclipse logo

Eclipse

Developer Tools

The Eclipse Foundation - home to a global community

From
Free
Free plan
Yes
Visit EclipseFull review
IDnow logo

IDnow

Cybersecurity

Identity verification and qualified electronic signature for regulated European markets

From
On request
Free plan
No
Visit IDnowFull review

The short version

  • Eclipse is free; IDnow prices on request.
  • Only Eclipse lists java development environment; only IDnow lists eID and NFC.
  • Where Eclipse falls short: high memory consumption and CPU usage, especially with multiple plugins installed.
  • Where IDnow falls short: pricing is quoted with an annual volume commitment, so the accreditation advantage comes with a floor you pay whether or not you use it.
  • Prices and features on this page were last checked on 13 November 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Eclipse and IDnow actually diverge.

Attributes where Eclipse and IDnow differ
AttributeEclipseIDnow
Starting priceFreeOn request
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWindows, macOS, LinuxWeb, iOS, Android, API
CategoryDeveloper ToolsCybersecurity

Not yet recorded: pricing model for Eclipse, founded for IDnow.

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

  • Java development environment
  • Extensible plugin architecture
  • Integrated debugger
  • Code refactoring
  • Version control integration
  • Build automation
  • Multi-language support
  • Rich client platform

Only in IDnow

  • VideoIdent
  • AutoIdent
  • eSign
  • eID and NFC
  • Bank identification
  • EU data processing

What people use each for

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

Eclipse

  • Java application developmentnot IDnow
  • Enterprise software developmentnot IDnow
  • Web application developmentnot IDnow
  • Plugin developmentnot IDnow
  • Educational programmingnot IDnow

IDnow

  • A German bank opening regulated accounts where BaFin requires a recognised identification methodnot Eclipse
  • An insurer needing a qualified electronic signature that will survive challenge in a European courtnot Eclipse
  • A telecom operator meeting national SIM registration identity rules across several EU statesnot Eclipse
  • A lender wanting automated checks for low-risk applicants and video identification only for high-value casesnot Eclipse

Where each one falls short

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

Eclipse

  • High memory consumption and CPU usage, especially with multiple plugins installed
  • Slow startup times and performance degradation with large projects or many open editors
  • Requires configuration of eclipse.ini file to optimize heap sizes for adequate performance
  • User interface considered outdated compared to modern IDE alternatives
  • User base fell from 39% of Java developers in 2024 to 28% in 2025, indicating market decline

IDnow

  • Agent-led video identification costs several times an automated check and depends on agent availability, so peak-time queues push abandonment up at exactly the moment conversion matters
  • Pricing is quoted with an annual volume commitment, so the accreditation advantage comes with a floor you pay whether or not you use it
  • The product is optimised for European regulatory regimes, so buyers verifying users in North America, Asia or Africa will find coverage and cost less competitive than global specialists
  • Qualified electronic signature is a separate licence from identity verification, which surprises buyers who assumed the accredited identity check made the signature capability included
  • Integration for the regulated flows is heavier than a simple SDK drop-in because the compliant journey, including consent and recording requirements, constrains the user experience you can build

Pricing, plan by plan

Eclipse

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Eclipse review.

IDnow

On request
  • IDnow PlatformOn request
    • Per-identification pricing that differs sharply between automated and agent-led methods
    • Annual volume commitment typically required
    • Qualified electronic signature licensed separately

Which should you pick?

Choose Eclipse if

  • You need java development environment.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux.
  • You also want extensible plugin architecture.
Eclipse review

Choose IDnow if

  • You need videoident.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android, API.
  • You also want autoident.
IDnow review

Questions people ask

Is Eclipse or IDnow better?
Neither clearly leads. Eclipse starts at Free and IDnow at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Eclipse or IDnow?
Eclipse has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Eclipse and On request for IDnow.
Does Eclipse or IDnow run on more platforms?
Eclipse runs on Windows, macOS, Linux. IDnow runs on Web, iOS, Android, API.
Can I use Eclipse for free?
Yes. Eclipse has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. IDnow starts at On request.
What is Eclipse best used for?
Eclipse is most often used for java application development, enterprise software development, web application development, plugin development. Of those, java application development and enterprise software development are not what IDnow is typically brought in for.
What can Eclipse do that IDnow cannot?
Eclipse covers Java development environment, Extensible plugin architecture, Integrated debugger, Code refactoring. IDnow covers VideoIdent, AutoIdent, eSign, eID and NFC.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Eclipse: How much does Eclipse IDE cost?

Eclipse IDE is completely free and open-source, released under the Eclipse Public License 2.0.

Source
IDnow: Why choose it over a cheaper automated vendor?

Because in some European regimes the cheaper vendor is not legally permitted for the transaction. This is an eligibility question, not a quality one.

IDnow: Is the electronic signature included?

No. Qualified electronic signature under eIDAS is licensed separately from identity verification.

IDnow: Where is the data processed?

In European data centres, which is a requirement rather than a preference for many of its regulated customers.

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