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Technology · head to head

Eclipse vs Mimecast

Eclipse logo

Eclipse

Technology

The Eclipse Foundation - home to a global community

From
Free
Rated
-
Mimecast logo

Mimecast

Cybersecurity

Email and collaboration security

From
$4/month
Rated
-

The short version

  • Only Eclipse has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Eclipse high memory consumption and CPU usage, especially with multiple plugins installed; Mimecast no pricing is published for any product or plan, and every route ends at a quote or demo request
  • They diverge on capability: Eclipse covers Java development environment, Mimecast covers Advanced threat detection.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Eclipse and Mimecast actually diverge.

Attributes where Eclipse and Mimecast differ
AttributeEclipseMimecast
Starting priceFree$4/month
Pricing modelUnknownsubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWindows, macOS, LinuxEmail, Cloud, Collaboration
CategoryTechnologyCybersecurity
Founded20012003

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated).

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 Mimecast

  • Advanced threat detection
  • Secure sharing
  • Email encryption
  • Message tracking
  • Email archiving
  • Legal hold
  • eDiscovery
  • Backup and recovery

What people use each for

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

Eclipse

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

Mimecast

  • Email security filtering against phishing and targeted attacksnot Eclipse
  • Email archiving, continuity and compliance for organisationsnot 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

Mimecast

  • No pricing is published for any product or plan, and every route ends at a quote or demo request
  • The platform is split into separately sold products for email security, awareness training, data protection and governance
  • Collaboration threat protection, DMARC analysis, incident response and email archiving are all further add ons on top of those

Pricing, plan by plan

Eclipse

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Eclipse review.

Mimecast

$4/month
  • Defender$4/month
    • Per user
    • Threat protection
    • Impersonation prevention
  • Archive$3/month
    • Email archiving
    • Legal hold
    • Search & recall
  • Unified$6/month
    • All Defender features
    • All Archive features
    • Backup

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.

Choose Mimecast if

  • You need advanced threat detection.
  • You work on Email, Cloud, Collaboration.
  • You also want secure sharing.

Questions people ask

Is Eclipse or Mimecast better?
Neither clearly leads. Eclipse starts at Free and Mimecast at $4/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Eclipse or Mimecast?
Eclipse has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Eclipse and $4/month for Mimecast.
Does Eclipse or Mimecast run on more platforms?
Eclipse runs on Windows, macOS, Linux. Mimecast runs on Email, Cloud, Collaboration.
Can I use Eclipse for free?
Yes. Eclipse has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Mimecast starts at $4/month.
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 Mimecast is typically brought in for.
What can Eclipse do that Mimecast cannot?
Eclipse covers Java development environment, Extensible plugin architecture, Integrated debugger, Code refactoring. Mimecast covers Advanced threat detection, Secure sharing, Email encryption, Message tracking.

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
Mimecast: How much does Mimecast cost?

Mimecast does not publish pricing on its website. Customers must request a custom quote by contacting the sales team at +1 617 393 7000 or using the Get a Quote button.

Source
Mimecast: Is there a free trial of Mimecast?

Mimecast's trial and pricing options are not specified on the public website. Contact sales at +1 617 393 7000 or through their support portal at mimecastsupport.zendesk.com for trial availability.

Source
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