Alternatives to Oracle Java / Web Start
There are a few alternatives to Oracle Java, including an alternative for Java WebStart (which Oracle deprecated).
| Name | Price | JCK certified | Versions | OpenJFX/JavaFX¹ | Supported platforms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eclipse Adoptium | free | no | 8+ | no | Linux (.deb, .rpm, .tar), Mac, Windows |
| Amazon Corretto | free | yes | 8, 11 | Bundled with 8 only | Linux (.deb, .rpm, .tar), Mac, Windows |
| Azul Zulu | free | yes | 6+ | Bundled (choose JDK FX download) | Linux (.deb, .rpm, .tar), Mac, Windows |
| Bellsoft Liberica | free | 8+ | Bundled (choose Full JDK download) | inux (.deb, .rpm, .tar), Mac, Windows | |
| Oracle OpenJDK | free | yes | 7+ | Linux (⚠ .tar only), Mac, Windows | |
| Red Hat OpenJDK | free | yes | 8+ | Separate download for Java 8, Windows only | Linux (⚠ RHEL only), Windows |
Due to Oracle no longer releasing updates for long-term support (LTS) releases under a permissive license, others have begun offering builds.Linux distributions have always offered their builds, and Windows also offers one now, which can be installed with the Windows Package Manager.
JAVAFX
Oracle no longer maintains JavaFX/OpenJFX. At present it appears Gluon is currently developing JavaFX and provides it as a separate download: https://gluonhq.com/products/javafx/
https://adoptium.net/temurin/releases/
https://adoptium.net/temurin/archive/
Oracle JRE (Web Start) Alternative
Java JRE alternatives (Web Start) can be a combination of (AdoptOpenJDK and icetea-web)
What is Iced-Tea-Web
https://adoptopenjdk.net/icedtea-web.html
What is OpenWebStart
OpenWebStart is an open-source implementation of the Java WebStart technology, which was deprecated by Oracle in Java 11. OpenWebStart provides a similar experience, allowing you to launch Java applications from the web.
- Supports JNLP (Java Network Launch Protocol).
- Compatible with various JDK distributions.
- Regular updates and community support.
Installation: OpenWebStart can be installed independently of the JDK, and it works with any of the above alternatives
What is OpenWebStart?
OpenWebStart is an open source reimplementation of the Java Web Start technology. It provides the most commonly used features of Java Web Start and the JNLP standard, so that your customers can continue using applications based on Java Web Start and JNLP without any change. OpenWebStart is based on Iced-Tea-Web and the JNLP-specification defined in JSR-56.
Summary:
For a free, open-source alternative with continued support, OpenJDK or Eclipse Temurin is a great choice.
For enterprise needs, Zulu or Amazon Corretto are excellent options, offering more stability and long-term support.
For replacing Java WebStart, OpenWebStart is the go-to solution across all these JDKs.
Which one to Choose?
If you're looking for a modern, actively developed alternative that closely mirrors Oracle’s original Java WebStart, OpenWebStart might be the better choice. It offers a more refined user experience and advanced features like multiple JRE management.
If you prefer a more mature, widely-used tool with a proven track record, IcedTea-Web could be more reliable, especially if you're working in environments where it has already been adopted.
Which one to choose
Eclipse Temurin OpenJDK for Java and for WebStart Iced-Tea-Web or OpenWebStart that will be based on IcedTeaWeb.
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