# NetBeans vs PhpStorm Comparison

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## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the difference between NetBeans vs PhpStorm?

PhpStorm stands out from NetBeans with a higher G2 rating, stronger support scores, and a more extensive plugin marketplace, while NetBeans is favored for its ease of use and free, open-source model.

| [NetBeans](https://www.g2.com/products/netbeans/reviews) | [PhpStorm](https://www.g2.com/products/phpstorm/reviews) |
| --- | --- |
| 4.2/5 (675 reviews) | 4.6/5 (494 reviews) |
| Small-Business | Small-Business |
| 8.5 | 8.4 |
| 7.8 | 8.7 |
| Ease of Use | Extensive Plugin Marketplace |



### How do the pricing models of NetBeans and PhpStorm compare?

PhpStorm is rated higher for value, with reviewers expressing greater satisfaction with its pricing compared to NetBeans.

- **NetBeans:** Reviewers consistently highlight its free and open-source nature as a major value advantage, especially for those seeking a cost-effective solution.
- **PhpStorm:** Recent reviews note that while PhpStorm is considered expensive, its extensive features and plugin ecosystem justify the investment for many users.
- **Switching Reason:** Reviewers mention switching to PhpStorm for its advanced features and productivity gains, despite the higher cost.



### What are the best alternatives to NetBeans and PhpStorm?

The top 3 alternatives to NetBeans and PhpStorm are Eclipse, Visual Studio, and Xcode.

| Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [NetBeans](https://www.g2.com/products/netbeans/reviews) | 4.2/5 (675 reviews) | Small-Business | Free and open-source | Ease of Use |
| [PhpStorm](https://www.g2.com/products/phpstorm/reviews) | 4.6/5 (494 reviews) | Small-Business | Expensive but feature-rich | Extensive Plugin Marketplace |
| [Eclipse](https://www.g2.com/products/eclipse/reviews) | 4.3/5 (3221 reviews) | Enterprise | — | Extensive language support |
| [Visual Studio](https://www.g2.com/products/visual-studio/reviews) | 4.5/5 (4004 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Comprehensive development tools |
| [Xcode](https://www.g2.com/products/xcode/reviews) | 4.2/5 (1039 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Apple ecosystem integration |



### Which C/C++ Integrated Development Environments (IDE) features should I prioritize when comparing NetBeans and PhpStorm?

Buyers should prioritize Customization, Integrations, Plugin Ecosystem, Ease of Use, and Debugging Tools when comparing NetBeans and PhpStorm.

- **Customization:** Both NetBeans and PhpStorm are frequently cited for their customization capabilities, with PhpStorm receiving extensive praise for its plugin marketplace and interface theming.
- **Integrations:** NetBeans is noted for Git integration (63 all-time mentions), while PhpStorm is highlighted for Laravel integration (64 all-time mentions) and broad framework support.
- **Plugin Ecosystem:** PhpStorm is recognized for its extensive and well-maintained plugin marketplace, with 99% of plugins free to use, while NetBeans is praised for easy plugin integration.
- **Ease of Use:** Both products score 8.5 on Ease of Use, with reviewers consistently mentioning user-friendly interfaces.
- **Debugging Tools:** Both products are cited for strong debugging capabilities, with PhpStorm receiving additional praise for integrated AI tools and advanced code analysis.



### What are the pros and cons of NetBeans vs PhpStorm?

NetBeans is praised for its ease of use and cross-platform compatibility, while PhpStorm's headline strength is its extensive plugin marketplace and advanced development features.

- **NetBeans strengths:** Ease of use, cross-platform compatibility, easy integrations, strong Java support, user-friendly interface, and free open-source model.
- **NetBeans trade-offs:** High memory consumption, slower performance on large projects, less modern UI, and limited customization compared to PhpStorm.
- **PhpStorm strengths:** Extensive plugin marketplace, advanced auto-suggestions, strong debugging tools, fast development, Git integration, language versatility, and collaboration features.
- **PhpStorm trade-offs:** Higher cost (2 all-time mentions), high resource usage, slow loading and performance on large projects, and higher system requirements.



### Is NetBeans or PhpStorm better for small businesses?

NetBeans is the better fit for small businesses, as both products have Small-Business as their largest segment, but NetBeans is consistently highlighted for its free and open-source model.

- **NetBeans:** Small-Business is the largest segment, with reviewers emphasizing its cost-effectiveness and ease of use for small teams.
- **PhpStorm:** Small-Business is also the largest segment, but reviewers frequently mention the higher cost as a consideration for small businesses, despite its advanced features.



### Which C/C++ Integrated Development Environments (IDE) platform has better integrations?

PhpStorm is favored for integrations, with reviewers highlighting its broad framework and tool support.

- **NetBeans:** Git integration is cited in 63 all-time reviews, with recent reviewers noting easy integration for version control.
- **PhpStorm:** Laravel integration is cited in 64 all-time reviews, and recent reviewers highlight seamless integration with Git, databases, and frameworks like Symfony and Vue.



### How do NetBeans and PhpStorm compare on customer support?

PhpStorm leads on Quality of Support with a 0.9-point advantage over NetBeans (8.7 vs 7.8).

- **NetBeans:** Reviewers describe support as generally responsive but note occasional delays and less extensive community resources compared to competitors.
- **PhpStorm:** Reviewers consistently praise the support experience, citing helpful documentation, regular updates, and a strong plugin community.



### Which is easier to implement, NetBeans or PhpStorm?

NetBeans and PhpStorm are at parity on Ease of Setup, both scoring 8.5 or higher, with reviewers describing straightforward installation for each.

- **NetBeans:** Reviewers highlight easy installation and setup, especially for Java projects, with minimal configuration required.
- **PhpStorm:** Reviewers note that setup is quick and intuitive, with license verification and plugin installation described as simple processes.



### Which product has better Customization?

Both NetBeans and PhpStorm are highly rated for Customization, with PhpStorm receiving more frequent praise for its plugin marketplace and interface theming.

- **NetBeans:** Customization is cited in recent reviews, with users noting plugin support and interface theming; Ease of Use score is 8.5.
- **PhpStorm:** Customization is a standout feature, with reviewers highlighting the extensive plugin marketplace, interface theming, and advanced configuration options; Ease of Use score is 8.5.



| | NetBeans | PhpStorm | 
|---|---|---|
| **Star Rating** | 4.2 out of 5 | 4.6 out of 5 | 
| **Total Reviews** | 673 | 494 | 
| **Largest Market Segment** | Small-Business (44.5% of reviews) | Small-Business (63.3% of reviews) | 
| **Entry Level Price** | No pricing available | $10.90 Per Month | 

---
## Top Pros & Cons

### NetBeans

Pros:
- Cross-Platform Compatibility (1 reviews)
- Ease of Use (1 reviews)


### PhpStorm

Pros:
- Auto-Suggestions (1 reviews)
- Collaboration (1 reviews)

Cons:
- Expensive (2 reviews)
- High Resource Usage (1 reviews)

---
## Ratings Comparison
| Rating | NetBeans | PhpStorm | 
|---|---|---|
  | **Meets Requirements** | 8.5 (609 reviews) | 9.2 (448 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Use** | 8.5 (611 reviews) | 8.5 (448 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Setup** | 8.5 (108 reviews) | 8.4 (95 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Admin** | 8.4 (104 reviews) | 8.4 (86 reviews) | 
  | **Quality of Support** | 7.8 (523 reviews) | 8.7 (319 reviews) | 
  | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 8.1 (85 reviews) | 8.8 (75 reviews) | 
  | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 7.4 (598 reviews) | 9.2 (443 reviews) | 

---
## Pricing

### NetBeans

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

No information available

### PhpStorm

#### Entry-Level Pricing

Plan: For Individuals

Price: $10.90 Per Month

Key Features:
- PhpStorm’s advanced tools and integrations
- FREE Laravel Idea plugin
- Unlimited AI code completion with cloud credits

[Browse all 4 editions](https://www.g2.com/products/phpstorm/pricing)

#### Free Trial

Yes

---
## Features Comparison By Category

### PHP Integrated Development Environments (IDE)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **NetBeans** | 8.2/10 | 70 |
| **PhpStorm** | 8.7/10 | 148 |

#### Functionality

| Feature | NetBeans | PhpStorm | 
|---|---|---|
| **Ease of Use** | 8.7 (55 reviews) | 8.8 (140 reviews) | 
| **File Management** | 8.4 (51 reviews) | 9.0 (135 reviews) | 
| **Multi-Language Support** | 8.3 (52 reviews) | 8.3 (110 reviews) | 
| **Customization** | 7.6 (53 reviews) | 8.7 (132 reviews) | 
| **Straight-Out-the-Box Functionality** | 8.1 (55 reviews) | 8.9 (138 reviews) | 
| **Help Guides** | 8.2 (55 reviews) | 8.4 (127 reviews) | 
| **Patching & Updates** | 8.1 (53 reviews) | 8.7 (131 reviews) | 

### C/C++ Integrated Development Environments (IDE)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **NetBeans** | 8.5/10 | 60 |
| **PhpStorm** | N/A | N/A |

#### Functionality

| Feature | NetBeans | PhpStorm | 
|---|---|---|
| **Ease of Use** | 8.9 (42 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **File Management** | 8.6 (42 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Multi-Language Support** | 8.5 (41 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Customization** | 8.2 (41 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Straight-Out-the-Box Functionality** | 8.5 (41 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Help Guides** | 8.3 (41 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Patching & Updates** | 8.3 (41 reviews) | Not enough data | 

---
## Categories
**Shared Categories (1):** [PHP Integrated Development Environments (IDE)](https://www.g2.com/categories/php-integrated-development-environments-ide)

**Unique to NetBeans (2):** [C/C++ Integrated Development Environments (IDE)](https://www.g2.com/categories/c-c-integrated-development-environments-ide), [Java Integrated Development Environments (IDE)](https://www.g2.com/categories/java-integrated-development-environments-ide)



---
## Reviewer Demographics

### By Company Size

| Segment | NetBeans | PhpStorm | 
|---|---|---|
| **Small-Business** | 44.5% | 63.3% | 
| **Mid-Market** | 30.7% | 26.6% | 
| **Enterprise** | 24.7% | 10.1% | 

### By Industry

#### NetBeans

- **Computer Software:** 33.5%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 22.2%
- **Internet:** 4.6%
- **Higher Education:** 4.6%
- **Program Development:** 3.7%
- **Education Management:** 3.2%
- **Telecommunications:** 2.3%
- **Computer & Network Security:** 1.5%
- **Banking:** 1.5%
- **Computer Networking:** 1.4%
- **Other:** 21.4%

#### PhpStorm

- **Computer Software:** 29.7%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 19.9%
- **Internet:** 11.4%
- **Program Development:** 5.8%
- **Marketing and Advertising:** 5.4%
- **Hospitality:** 2.3%
- **E-Learning:** 1.9%
- **Higher Education:** 1.9%
- **Retail:** 1.7%
- **Financial Services:** 1.2%
- **Other:** 18.9%

---
## Alternatives

### Alternatives to NetBeans

- [Eclipse](https://www.g2.com/products/eclipse/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (3222 reviews)
- [Visual Studio](https://www.g2.com/products/visual-studio/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (4008 reviews)
- [Xcode](https://www.g2.com/products/xcode/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (1042 reviews)
- [IntelliJ IDEA](https://www.g2.com/products/intellij-idea/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (2393 reviews)
- [AWS Cloud9](https://www.g2.com/products/aws-cloud9/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (369 reviews)
- [BlueJ](https://www.g2.com/products/bluej/reviews) — 4.0/5 stars (203 reviews)
- [Oracle JDeveloper](https://www.g2.com/products/oracle-jdeveloper/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (190 reviews)
- [Code::Blocks](https://www.g2.com/products/code-blocks/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (97 reviews)
- [Qt](https://www.g2.com/products/qt/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (54 reviews)
- [Aptana Studio](https://www.g2.com/products/aptana-studio/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (40 reviews)

### Alternatives to PhpStorm

- [Eclipse](https://www.g2.com/products/eclipse/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (3222 reviews)
- [Aptana Studio](https://www.g2.com/products/aptana-studio/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (40 reviews)
- [Zend Studio](https://www.g2.com/products/zend-studio/reviews) — 3.8/5 stars (24 reviews)
- [Codelobster](https://www.g2.com/products/codelobster/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (16 reviews)
- [AWS Cloud9](https://www.g2.com/products/aws-cloud9/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (369 reviews)
- [Selenium IDE](https://www.g2.com/products/selenium-ide/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (132 reviews)
- [Angular](https://www.g2.com/products/angular/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (168 reviews)
- [Z-Ray](https://www.g2.com/products/z-ray/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (10 reviews)
- [Codeanywhere](https://www.g2.com/products/codeanywhere/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (72 reviews)
- [CodeLite](https://www.g2.com/products/codelite/reviews) — 4.0/5 stars (19 reviews)

---
## Top Discussions

### NetBeans

- Title: [Would it be possible to integrate with python?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/15103-would-it-be-possible-to-integrate-with-python) — 3 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Python support in NetBeans allows you to choose the version of Python used to run the Project. Currently, NetBeans comes with Jython 2.5 (alpha 3)..."
- Title: [Is NetBeans a framework?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-netbeans-a-framework) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "It is an IDE"
- Title: [What are the advantages of NetBeans over other IDE?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-are-the-advantages-of-netbeans-over-other-ide) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "It has inbuilt FrontEnd WebElements & work with backend code
"
- Title: [What is NetBeans software used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-netbeans-software-used-for) — 1 comment, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "It is used as software development tool that has own virtual machine so the program can run within the netbeans itself. Mostly with java"
- Title: [What are the features of NetBeans?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-are-the-features-of-netbeans) — 1 comment, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "have own JVM,"

### PhpStorm

- Title: [What is PhpStorm used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-phpstorm-used-for) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "PhpStorm is an IDE that is primarily used to write code using the PHP programming language. It can also be used to write HTML, Javascript and CSS"
- Title: [How can I share SSH credentials between multiple installations?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-can-i-share-ssh-credentials-between-multiple-installations) — 1 comment, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "You shouldn't. SSH credentials are very sensitive and you definitely shouldn't trust your IDE to store them in any way. Use SSH keys instead."
- Title: [How do I make the most of PHPStorm?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/12675-how-do-i-make-the-most-of-phpstorm) — 1 comment, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "This question is 3 months old at time of writing, but I got pinged via email so I'm going to do my best.

PHPStorm is big. There is a lot you can do with..."

---
**Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/netbeans-vs-phpstorm)