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Eclipse vs WebStorm

Eclipse logo

Eclipse

Software

The Eclipse Foundation - home to a global community

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
WebStorm logo

WebStorm

Software

The JavaScript and TypeScript IDE

From
$12.9/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

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; WebStorm jetBrains WebStorm is sold as an annual subscription rather than a one-time purchase: commercial price is $199 per year (USD), and personal price starts at $299 in year one, dropping to $239 in year two and $179 from year three onward with continuous renewal.
  • They diverge on capability: Eclipse covers Java development environment, WebStorm covers Smart JavaScript editor.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Eclipse and WebStorm actually diverge.

Attributes where Eclipse and WebStorm differ
AttributeEclipseWebStorm
Starting priceFree$12.9/month
Pricing modelUnknownsubscription
Free tierYesNo
Founded20012000

Identical on both: platforms (Windows, macOS, 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

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

Only in WebStorm

  • Smart JavaScript editor
  • TypeScript support
  • Node.js development
  • Modern framework support
  • Built-in debugger
  • Unit testing
  • Version control
  • Live templates

Both cover

  • Local development
  • Local deployment
  • Windows support

What people use each for

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

Eclipse

  • Java application developmentnot WebStorm
  • Enterprise software developmentnot WebStorm
  • Web application development
  • Plugin developmentnot WebStorm
  • Educational programmingnot WebStorm

WebStorm

  • Web application development
  • React/Angular/Vue developmentnot Eclipse
  • Node.js backend developmentnot Eclipse
  • TypeScript projectsnot Eclipse
  • Frontend testingnot Eclipse

Both are used for web application development, on those jobs the choice comes down to price and fit rather than capability.

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

WebStorm

  • JetBrains WebStorm is sold as an annual subscription rather than a one-time purchase: commercial price is $199 per year (USD), and personal price starts at $299 in year one, dropping to $239 in year two and $179 from year three onward with continuous renewal.
  • If the subscription lapses, use of new versions stops; JetBrains grants a fallback license only for the last version used while the subscription was active, per its published buy page.

Pricing, plan by plan

Eclipse

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Eclipse review.

WebStorm

$12.9/month
  • Individual$12.9/month
    • Intelligent JavaScript & TypeScript editor
    • Debugging and testing
    • VCS integration
  • Organizations$25.9/month
    • All Individual features
    • Commercial use license
    • Centralized license management

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 WebStorm if

  • You need smart javascript editor.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux.
  • You also want typescript support.
WebStorm review

Questions people ask

Is Eclipse or WebStorm better?
Neither clearly leads. Eclipse starts at Free and WebStorm at $12.9/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Eclipse or WebStorm?
Eclipse has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Eclipse and $12.9/month for WebStorm.
Does Eclipse or WebStorm run on more platforms?
Eclipse runs on Windows, macOS, Linux. WebStorm runs on Windows, Macos, Linux.
Can I use Eclipse for free?
Yes. Eclipse has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. WebStorm starts at $12.9/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 WebStorm is typically brought in for.
What can Eclipse do that WebStorm cannot?
Eclipse covers Java development environment, Extensible plugin architecture, Integrated debugger, Code refactoring. WebStorm covers Smart JavaScript editor, TypeScript support, Node.js development, Modern framework support. Both handle Local development, Local deployment, Windows support.

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.

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