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Eclipse is free, and some CDT users still praise its editing, search and project setup. But if the workspace model feels unnatural—or the interface and responsiveness wear you down—the alternatives below cover focused editors and dedicated IDEs. We ranked them for developers leaving Eclipse, including options with free plans. Listed starting prices are included where available; the published information does not specify billing periods or detailed plan limits.
01Why people leave Eclipse IDE
The interface feels dated
In one Reddit thread, commenters compared Eclipse unfavorably with VS Code, Visual Studio and Qt Creator, calling its UI old-fashioned.
Responsiveness gets in the way
Reddit users describe Eclipse as slow, including for embedded development. Others disagree, so treat performance complaints as user reports, not a guarantee.
Workspaces are not for everyone
One commenter said Eclipse’s workspace concept did not match how they organize work. Others objected to tooling and build workflows that felt restrictive.
02The alternatives, ranked by fit
- Best free editor
Visual Studio CodeVisual Studio CodeIf you want to leave Eclipse’s workspace workflow for a free editor, VS Code is the clearest starting point. The listing describes it as a capable $0 editor for developers on multiple operating systems, with extensions for added flexibility. One Reddit commenter said its Vim plugin was close enough for their needs, though they noted regex support was imperfect.
Trade-off: Extensions can mean extra setup; it is an editor, not a turnkey IDE.
8.1/10from
Freefree plan - Best for Java
IntelliJ IDEAIntelliJ IDEAFor Java or Kotlin work, IntelliJ IDEA is a more direct fit than a general-purpose editor: the listing highlights built-in debugging and a free tier. It starts at $16.58, with a free plan listed. That makes it worth comparing if Eclipse’s interface is the problem, while checking the paid-plan limits before committing.
Trade-off: Paid plans have important limits; the published details do not specify them.
7.9/10from
$16.58/mofree plan - Best for Windows C++
Visual StudioVisual StudioVisual Studio suits Windows-based .NET and C++ developers who put debugging tools ahead of cross-platform reach. Its listing also names developers already using Visual Studio at work as a good fit. It starts at $45 and has a free plan listed, so check the plan terms against your team’s needs before switching.
Trade-off: The listing flags limited cross-platform reach.
7.8/10from
$45/mofree plan - Best for Python
PyCharmPyCharmPyCharm makes more sense than Eclipse if Python is your main language and you want integrated tools. The listing includes a free edition and transferable Pro seats for teams; its starting price is $10.90. It is a language-focused choice rather than a general replacement for every Eclipse workflow.
Trade-off: Paid-seat costs and mixed performance reports are worth weighing.
7.8/10from
$10.90/mofree plan - Best for Vim users
ZedZedZed is an option if you want a free editor and value native Vim support. Its listing also highlights centralized AI controls for teams, with a starting price of $10 and a free plan. That makes it worth a look if Eclipse feels heavy, provided the editor’s extension ecosystem covers what you need.
Trade-off: The extension ecosystem is leaner; check support for your workflow.
7.5/10from
$10/mofree plan - Best focused editor
Sublime TextSublime TextSublime Text fits developers who want focused, keyboard-driven editing rather than another full IDE. The listing gives it a $5.42 starting price and describes an individual one-time license. It is not a free IDE replacement, so compare it with Eclipse only if you are comfortable giving up that all-in-one positioning.
Trade-off: It is not a free IDE replacement.
7.8/10from
$5.42/mo
03Side by side
| Tool | Score | From | Free plan | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Eclipse IDE Eclipse IDE (current) | 5.4 | Free | Yes | Developers seeking a free IDE |
| Visual Studio Code Visual Studio Code | 8.1 | Free | Yes | Developers who want a free editor |
| IntelliJ IDEA IntelliJ IDEA | 7.9 | $16.58/mo | Yes | Java and Kotlin developers |
| Visual Studio Visual Studio | 7.8 | $45/mo | Yes | Windows-based .NET and C++ developers |
| PyCharm PyCharm | 7.8 | $10.90/mo | Yes | Python developers wanting integrated tools |
| Zed Zed | 7.5 | $10/mo | Yes | Developers wanting a free editor |
| Sublime Text Sublime Text | 7.8 | $5.42/mo | No | Developers who prefer a focused editor |
Questions people ask
How do I create a new project in Eclipse IDE?
The published information does not include Eclipse’s step-by-step project instructions. It does note that some CDT users value Eclipse’s project and build-system setup. For exact steps, check the documentation for your Eclipse package and installed tooling, since the available material does not establish a single workflow for every project type.
Does anyone still use Eclipse IDE?
Yes. The Reddit discussion we read includes a commenter who likes Eclipse CDT’s editing, search and project setup for embedded development. Other commenters report frustration with the interface, speed and workspace model. Those threads show mixed opinions, not a measure of how many developers use Eclipse.
Is there a free IDE for Java?
The pricing page say IntelliJ IDEA has a free plan and identify Java and Kotlin developers as a good fit. Eclipse is also listed as free to use. The material does not spell out the terms or limits of those free options, so check each vendor’s current pricing page before choosing.