Best Java Development Kit (JDK) Distributions

Amazon Corretto

Amazon Corretto is a no-cost, multi-platform, production-ready distribution of the Open Java Development Kit (OpenJDK). It offers long-term support with regular performance enhancements and security fixes. Amazon utilizes Corretto internally across thousands of production services, ensuring its reliability and compatibility with the Java SE standard. Developers can use Corretto to build and run Java applications on various operating systems, including Linux, Windows, and macOS. Key Features and Functionality: - Long-Term Support (LTS): Provides ongoing updates, including performance improvements and critical security patches, allowing developers to upgrade versions as needed. - Production-Ready: Certified to meet the Java SE standard, making it suitable as a direct replacement for many Java SE distributions. - Multi-Platform Support: Compatible with multiple operating systems, including Linux (x64 and aarch64), Windows (x64), macOS (x64 and M1), Alpine Linux (x64), and Amazon Linux 2 (x64 and aarch64). Docker images are also available in Amazon Elastic Container Registry (Amazon ECR) Public Gallery and Docker Hub. - No-Cost Availability: Available for download and use at no cost, with no additional paid features or restrictions. Primary Value and User Solutions: Amazon Corretto addresses the need for a reliable, secure, and cost-effective Java development environment. By offering a free, production-ready distribution of OpenJDK with long-term support, it enables developers to build and maintain Java applications without incurring licensing fees. Its multi-platform compatibility ensures a consistent development experience across different environments, while regular updates provide ongoing performance enhancements and security fixes, reducing maintenance overhead and enhancing application stability.

Average Rating: 4.5/5.0

Total Reviews: 124

Oracle Java Downloads

Oracle Java Downloads provides developers and enterprises with access to the latest Java Development Kit (JDK) releases, including both Long-Term Support (LTS) and non-LTS versions. These downloads are essential for building, testing, and deploying Java applications across various platforms. Key Features and Functionality: - Comprehensive Access: Users can download the most recent JDK versions, such as JDK 25 and JDK 21, along with earlier versions, ensuring compatibility and support for diverse development needs. - Multiple Platforms: The JDK is available for various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, catering to a wide range of development environments. - License Flexibility: JDK binaries are free to use in production and free to redistribute under the Oracle No-Fee Terms and Conditions (NFTC). Updates for LTS releases are provided under NFTC for a specified period, after which they may require a fee under the Oracle Technology Network (OTN) License. - Script-Friendly Downloads: Through the Java Management Service (JMS) on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), developers can utilize scriptable Java downloads with token-based authentication, facilitating seamless integration into automated build and deployment systems. Primary Value and Solutions: Oracle Java Downloads simplifies the process of obtaining and managing Java SE Development Kits, ensuring developers have timely access to the tools necessary for application development. The service addresses the need for up-to-date, secure, and compatible Java environments, supporting both individual developers and large enterprises in maintaining robust and efficient Java applications.

Average Rating: 4.4/5.0

Total Reviews: 44

Liberica JDK

Liberica JDK is a Java runtime for modern Java deployments. It is run on any platform, and in any environment allowing a secure, reliable, and cost-effective approach to application development. Liberica JDK unifies the Java environment, providing one runtime for cloud, server and desktop use cases. ​​Liberica JDK is compatible with any cloud solution and is the runtime for VMware Tanzu and Spring Framework. BellSoft team guarantees at least eight years of Liberica JDK lifetime with bug fixes, security updates, and other improvements as needed. All Liberica JDK binaries are verified by the Technology Compatibility Kit (TCK) for Java SE spec compliance.

Average Rating: 5.0/5.0

Total Reviews: 14

Azul Platform Core (Zulu)

Azul Platform Core is designed for the enterprise, with the certified builds, tight security, and cost efficiencies you need to run today’s business–critical, Java-based services. More Trust Built by Java leaders, Azul Platform Core provides 100% open source, fully tested and certified, Java SE standards-compliant, well-curated builds of OpenJDK. More Security Azul Platform Core delivers stabilized builds backed by an industry-leading support SLA, providing quarterly security-only updates for assured rapid deployment into production. More Value Azul Platform Core is a one-to-one replacement for Oracle Java SE at dramatically lower costs—delivering the most architectures, package types, and configuration options available.

Average Rating: 4.9/5.0

Total Reviews: 58

Microsoft Build of OpenJDK

The Microsoft Build of OpenJDK is a free, open-source distribution of the Open Java Development Kit provided by Microsoft. It offers Long-Term Support binaries for Java versions 11, 17, and 21, compatible with x64 and AArch64/ARM64 architectures across Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms. Designed as a drop-in replacement for other OpenJDK distributions, it ensures seamless integration for developers and enterprises. Key Features and Functionality: - Cross-Platform Compatibility: Supports multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, on both x64 and AArch64/ARM64 architectures. - Long-Term Support : Provides LTS releases for Java 11, 17, and 21, with regular quarterly updates to ensure stability and security. - Open Source and Free: Available at no cost, allowing unrestricted deployment and use across various environments. - Azure Integration: Optimized for Microsoft Azure services, facilitating efficient deployment and management of Java applications in the cloud. - Quality Assurance: Binaries are tested against the Eclipse Adoptium Quality Assurance suite and have passed the Java Technology Compatibility Kit , ensuring compliance with Java specifications. Primary Value and Problem Solved: The Microsoft Build of OpenJDK addresses the need for a reliable, secure, and well-supported Java development environment, particularly for enterprises and developers utilizing Microsoft products and services. By offering a free, open-source, and LTS-supported JDK, it ensures compatibility and performance across diverse platforms. Its seamless integration with Azure simplifies the deployment and management of Java applications in the cloud, providing a cohesive and efficient development experience.

Average Rating: 4.2/5.0

Total Reviews: 16

SAPMachine

SapMachine is a free, cross-platform, and production-ready distribution of the OpenJDK, maintained by SAP. It serves as the default Java Runtime for SAP's applications and services, ensuring compatibility and reliability. Designed to be Java SE certified, SapMachine supports all major operating systems and offers long-term support releases that include bug fixes and performance enhancements. SAP aims to keep SapMachine closely aligned with OpenJDK, introducing additional features only when absolutely necessary. Key Features and Functionality: - Cross-Platform Support: Compatible with major operating systems, facilitating diverse deployment environments. - Long-Term Support Releases: Provides LTS versions with regular updates, including bug fixes and performance improvements. - OpenJDK Compatibility: Maintains close alignment with OpenJDK, ensuring seamless integration and minimal deviations. - SAP Enhancements: Incorporates SAP's contributions to the Java ecosystem, such as PowerPC/AIX support, elastic Metaspace, and enhanced NullPointerExceptions. Primary Value and User Solutions: SapMachine offers a robust and reliable Java runtime environment tailored for enterprise applications. By providing a Java SE-certified platform with long-term support, it addresses the need for stability and consistent performance in production settings. Its cross-platform compatibility ensures flexibility in deployment, while SAP's active maintenance and contributions to the OpenJDK ecosystem enhance the runtime's capabilities, benefiting developers and organizations seeking a dependable Java solution.

Average Rating: 4.2/5.0

Total Reviews: 20

Azul Platform Prime (Zing)

A truly superior Java platform that can cut your infrastructure costs in half. Azul Platform Prime turbocharges the performance and scalability of your Java ecosystem with a hyper-optimized runtime that maximizes performance while driving down infrastructure costs. More Performance Get more transactions from the same hardware and accelerate Java performance, even as loads increase. More Savings Slash capital expenses for servers by as much as 50%, cut operating expenses for cloud services (with no over-provisioning), and drive continuous value. More Happy Users Maintain consistent response times, reduce system stalls, and provide better services—all with less infrastructure.

Average Rating: 4.1/5.0

Total Reviews: 14

Eclipse Temurin

Eclipse Temurin is an open-source Java SE runtime that provides high-performance, cross-platform binaries suitable for enterprise applications. Built upon the OpenJDK, Temurin is Java SE TCK certified and AQAvit verified, ensuring compatibility and reliability across the Java ecosystem. Key Features and Functionality: - Cross-Platform Support: Temurin offers consistent builds across various operating systems, including Linux, Windows, macOS, AIX, Solaris, and Docker, facilitating seamless deployment in diverse environments. - Enterprise-Ready Performance: The runtime is rigorously tested for stability and optimized for high performance, making it suitable for mission-critical enterprise applications. - Open Source Licensing: Temurin is available under open-source licenses, including the Apache License 2.0 and the Eclipse Public License 2.0, allowing for cost-effective adoption without licensing fees. - Security and Compliance: Each release undergoes comprehensive testing, including the AQAvit quality verification suite, to ensure security and compliance with Java SE standards. Primary Value and User Solutions: Eclipse Temurin addresses the need for a secure, high-quality, and vendor-neutral Java runtime. By offering a free-to-use, enterprise-ready solution, it enables organizations to reduce costs associated with proprietary Java runtimes while maintaining performance and reliability. Its cross-platform compatibility and rigorous testing make it a dependable choice for developers seeking a robust Java runtime for their applications.

Average Rating: 4.3/5.0

Total Reviews: 2

Alibaba Dragonwell

Alibaba Dragonwell is Alibaba's in-house implementation of OpenJDK, tailored to optimize Java applications across extensive server infrastructures. Designed for large-scale e-commerce, financial, and logistics systems, Dragonwell enhances performance and scalability for distributed Java applications. It offers both Standard and Extended editions, with the latter providing additional optimizations for cloud environments. Dragonwell supports multiple JDK versions, including 8, 11, 17, and 21, and is compatible with Linux and Windows operating systems. Key Features and Functionality: - Standard Edition: Incorporates upstream OpenJDK enhancements, including bug fixes, security patches, and tool support. - Extended Edition: Builds upon the Standard Edition with additional cloud environment optimizations, extensively utilized in Alibaba's production settings. - Elastic Heap: Reduces memory consumption in microservices by enabling dynamic memory allocation, allowing for efficient memory reuse. - JWarmup: Decreases application warm-up time by dynamically pre-compiling Java code, enhancing delivery efficiency and reducing CPU load during just-in-time compilation. - Multi-Tenancy Support: Facilitates the consolidation of microservices, improving deployment density and Remote Procedure Call efficiency. - Wisp Coroutines: Enhances microservice throughput by providing lightweight concurrency mechanisms. Primary Value and User Solutions: Alibaba Dragonwell addresses the challenges of deploying and managing large-scale Java applications by offering a robust, optimized JDK tailored for high-performance and scalable environments. Its cloud-centric enhancements, such as Elastic Heap and JWarmup, enable businesses to reduce resource consumption and improve application responsiveness. By supporting multiple JDK versions and operating systems, Dragonwell ensures compatibility and flexibility for diverse deployment scenarios. Its commitment to integrating with the OpenJDK community ensures that users benefit from both Alibaba's innovations and the broader Java ecosystem's advancements.

GraalVM

GraalVM is a high-performance runtime, that provides significant improvements in application performance and efficiency. It accelerates application performance while consuming fewer resources; providing the best solution for building microservices, on-premises and in the cloud. It offers a universal virtual machine for running applications written in JavaScript, Python, Ruby, R, JVM-based languages like Java, Scala, Groovy, Kotlin, Clojure, and LLVM-based languages such as C and C++. It removes the isolation between programming languages and enables interoperability in a shared runtime. It can run either standalone or in the context of OpenJDK, Node.js or Oracle Database

IBM Semeru Runtimes

IBM Semeru Runtimes are no-cost, high-performance Java runtime environments designed to develop and run Java applications efficiently across diverse platforms, including on-premises, public cloud, and container orchestrators like Kubernetes and OpenShift. By integrating OpenJDK class libraries with the Eclipse OpenJ9 Java Virtual Machine (JVM, Semeru Runtimes offer rapid startup times, reduced memory usage, and robust performance, making them ideal for cloud-native and containerized applications. Key Features and Functionality: - OpenJDK Integration: Utilizes OpenJDK class libraries, ensuring compatibility with Java SE standards. - Eclipse OpenJ9 JVM: Employs the OpenJ9 JVM, optimized for fast startup and low memory consumption, enhancing performance in cloud and container environments. - Cross-Platform Support: Available on multiple hardware and software platforms, including Linux, Windows, macOS, AIX, and z/OS, supporting architectures like x64, ppc64le, ppc64, s390x, and aarch64. - Long-Term Support (LTS: Provides LTS versions such as Java 8, 11, and 17, ensuring stability and ongoing updates. - FIPS 140-3 Certified Cryptography: Includes NIST-certified FIPS 140-3 cryptographic modules, meeting stringent security standards for sensitive applications. - Flexible Licensing Options: Offers two editions: - Open Edition: Free to use under an open-source license (GPLv2+Classpath Exception. - Certified Edition: Java SE TCK-certified with an IBM license, suitable for enterprises requiring certified environments. Primary Value and Problem Solved: IBM Semeru Runtimes address the need for efficient, secure, and cost-effective Java runtime environments in modern, hybrid cloud infrastructures. By delivering rapid startup times and reduced memory usage through the OpenJ9 JVM, they enhance application performance and resource utilization. The inclusion of FIPS 140-3 certified cryptography ensures compliance with rigorous security standards, making Semeru Runtimes a reliable choice for enterprises aiming to deploy Java applications across diverse and secure environments.

Kunpeng Devkit

Liberica JDK Embedded

Java runtime for your embedded systems Full functionality of Java™ and enhanced ARM performance and security. Embedded devices are often built to fulfill a single purpose and with the lower cost of production in mind. The runtime for such systems requires specific properties: — Lower memory footprint to take less space on the limited memory available — Security and stability for flawless app execution — Multi-platform compatibility for easy development — Enhanced performance on the low-performing system components We built Liberica for embedded to give you the full functionality of the Java programming language with enhanced performance and security.

Mandrel

Mandrel: A Specialized Distribution of GraalVM for Quarkus Mandrel is a tailored distribution of GraalVM, specifically optimized for Quarkus applications. It focuses on the `native-image` component, enabling developers to compile Java applications into lean, native executables that are platform-dependent and ideal for cloud-native deployments. By streamlining GraalVM to concentrate solely on native image generation, Mandrel offers a more efficient and focused toolset for Quarkus users. Key Features and Functionality: - Native Image Compilation: Mandrel provides the capability to compile Java applications into native executables, resulting in faster startup times and reduced memory consumption compared to traditional JVM applications. - Integration with Quarkus: Designed with Quarkus in mind, Mandrel ensures seamless compatibility and optimized performance for Quarkus-based applications. - Simplified Distribution: By excluding unnecessary components like polyglot support and the Truffle framework, Mandrel offers a lightweight distribution focused solely on native image generation. - Upstream OpenJDK Compatibility: Mandrel utilizes upstream OpenJDK, aligning with Red Hat's commitment to open-source standards and ensuring robust support and stability. Primary Value and User Benefits: Mandrel addresses the need for efficient native compilation in Java applications, particularly for those built with Quarkus. By providing a streamlined and specialized toolset, it enables developers to create native executables that start faster and consume less memory, which is crucial for cloud-native environments and containerized deployments. This specialization not only enhances application performance but also simplifies the development and deployment process for Quarkus users.

OpenLogic OpenJDK Builds

OpenLogic OpenJDK Builds provide free, enterprise-grade distributions of OpenJDK, offering a reliable and secure alternative to proprietary Java platforms. These builds are fully compliant with Java SE specifications and are available for Linux, Windows, and macOS. OpenLogic ensures that all JDKs and JREs undergo rigorous in-house testing to validate execution, with quarterly updates and critical security patches delivered on-demand. Key Features and Functionality: - Cross-Platform Compatibility: Distributions are available for Linux, Windows, and macOS, ensuring broad usability. - Compliance and Verification: All builds adhere to Java SE specifications and are validated through comprehensive in-house testing. - Regular Updates: Quarterly releases with critical security patches provided as needed to maintain system integrity. - Comprehensive Support: Beyond their own OpenJDK builds, OpenLogic offers commercial support for all Java distributions, including AdoptOpenJDK, IBM, and Oracle's Java. This support encompasses security patches, bug fixes, and guidance on Java and JVM usage and administration. Primary Value and User Solutions: OpenLogic OpenJDK Builds address the challenges organizations face with Java licensing changes and the need for dependable, cost-effective Java solutions. By providing free, fully compliant OpenJDK distributions with optional commercial support, OpenLogic enables businesses to reduce total cost of ownership, simplify issue resolution, and confidently deploy open source Java in critical systems. This approach allows organizations to consolidate support vendors, streamline technology stack management, and receive unbiased innovation guidance.