Side by side
Eclipse IDE vs nRF Connect for VS Code
Both stand on embedded development ides. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan LinuxMacWindows
Eclipse IDE offers a free, extensible development platform with packages for several programming areas and dedicated Java tooling. Check the package and plugins that match your work, and note that the listed Java 26 support is associated with the 2026-09 release.
Visit Eclipse IDE Free plan ExtensionLinuxMac+1
nRF Connect for VS Code brings build, configuration, and debugging tools for supported Nordic devices into an editor environment. Plan to install all four extensions and account for the additional desktop tools Nordic identifies.
Visit nRF Connect for VS CodeThe facts
| Eclipse IDE | nRF Connect for VS Code | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Windows | Extension, Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | eclipse.org | nordicsemi.com |
| On embedded development ides | #6 of 29 | #10 of 29 |
Eclipse IDE: what it does well
- Free plan with the Eclipse Public License 2.0.
- Supports Java 26 in the 2026-09 release.
- Packages span Java, C/C++, PHP, and more.
- Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Marketplace plugins can add functionality.
What to know first
- No free trial is listed.
- Java 26 support is tied to the 2026-09 release.
nRF Connect for VS Code: what it does well
- Free extension for nRF Connect SDK development.
- Supports four listed Nordic device series.
- Includes an RTOS-aware debugger and integrated flashing.
- Provides visual device configuration tools and a board wizard.
- Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
What to know first
- All four Nordic extensions must be installed and used together.
- Nordic identifies two additional desktop tools.
- The Extension Pack is deprecated.
Alternatives to Eclipse IDE Alternatives to nRF Connect for VS Code The whole list