IntelliJ IDEA vs Rider
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
The capable and ergonomic Java IDE.
The verdict
Both IntelliJ IDEA and Rider are credible code editors tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
IntelliJ IDEA — The capable and ergonomic Java IDE.
Rider — Cross-platform .NET IDE.
IntelliJ IDEA vs Rider: side by side
| Dimension | IntelliJ IDEA | Rider |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free – $16.90/mo | Free – $13.90/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Best for | Developers, Java Teams | Dotnet Developers, Game Developers |
| Platforms | Windows, Mac, Linux | Windows, Mac, Linux |
| Rating | 4.7/5 | 4.7/5 |
IntelliJ IDEA key facts
- Vendor
- JetBrains
- Pricing
- Freemium — Free – $16.90/mo
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Windows, Mac, Linux
- Best for
- Developers, Java Teams
- Editor rating
- 4.7 / 5
- Founded
- 2001
- Headquarters
- Prague, Czechia
Rider key facts
- Vendor
- JetBrains
- Pricing
- Freemium — Free – $13.90/mo
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Windows, Mac, Linux
- Best for
- Dotnet Developers, Game Developers
- Editor rating
- 4.7 / 5
- Founded
- 2017
- Headquarters
- Prague, Czechia
Frequently asked questions
Is IntelliJ IDEA better than Rider?
Neither is universally better — IntelliJ IDEA edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is IntelliJ IDEA or Rider cheaper?
IntelliJ IDEA is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free – $16.90/mo. IntelliJ IDEA starts at free – $16.90/mo; Rider starts at free – $13.90/mo.
Can IntelliJ IDEA replace Rider?
Yes for most teams — both are code editors tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.