The heavyweight champion of IDEs — deep Java mastery, full-stack superpowers, and refactoring that feels like magic.
Key Features
Legendary code insight, navigation, and refactoring across languages.
Built-in tools for web (JS/TS/HTML), database, Docker, Kubernetes.
Advanced debugging, profiling, and testing frameworks.
Version control integration with Git, GitHub, and visual merge.
AI Assistant (JetBrains AI) for code generation and explanations.
Hundreds of plugins and deep framework support (Spring, Jakarta, etc.).
Pros
Refactoring and code analysis are still unmatched in Java world.
Turns complex enterprise projects into something manageable.
AI features are thoughtfully integrated and useful.
Constant updates keep it ahead of the curve.
Cons
Heavy resource usage — needs a beefy machine.
Subscription pricing adds up over years.
Overkill for small scripts or simple web dev.
Top IntelliJ IDEA Ultimate Plugin Recommendations 2026
Ultimate already ships with pro-grade tools, but these plugins (all available in the JetBrains Marketplace) elevate it further. Categorized and prioritized by real developer usage in 2026.
Essential Productivity Boosters
Key Promoter XTeaches you shortcuts by popping up when you use the mouse — shortcut mastery guaranteed.
Rainbow BracketsColors matching brackets for sanity in deeply nested code.
String ManipulationPowerful case conversion, encoding, sorting — text wrangling on steroids.
Grep ConsoleColorizes log output for faster debugging.
Code Quality & Analysis
SonarLintFree real-time static analysis for bugs, vulnerabilities, and code smells.
SpotBugsDeep Java bug detection — lightweight and effective.
LombokPerfect integration for annotation-based boilerplate removal.
Git & Version Control
GitToolBoxInline blame, auto-fetch, enhanced status — Git on another level.
GitLinkQuick links to GitHub/GitLab from your code.
AI & Modern Assistance
Junie (JetBrains AI)Native AI code generation, explanations, and refactoring — improving fast.
GitHub CopilotIndustry-leading autocompletion if you're willing to pay.
Language/Framework Specific
AWS ToolkitFull AWS deployment and management from the IDE.
DockerRich Kubernetes and Compose support.
Spring AssistantDeep Spring Boot debugging and dashboard.
Install via Settings → Plugins → Marketplace. Start with the essentials — keep under 20-30 plugins to avoid slowdowns.
Pricing
IntelliJ IDEA Ultimate
~$169/year (first year discount) or All Products Pack