Which Versions of Java Are Free?
Understanding which Java versions are free is crucial for organizations to avoid unexpected licensing costs. Oracle’s Java licensing policy determines that the last public update of a Java version is free, but any subsequent updates require a license.
This article provides a detailed breakdown of Java versions and their licensing status.
Free Java Versions: Last Public Updates
The following table summarizes the last publicly available versions of Java that can be used without a license:
| Java Version | End of Public Updates (EoPU) | Last Free Public Update |
|---|---|---|
| Java 6 | April 2013 | 6.0_45 |
| Java 7 | April 2015 | 7.0_80 |
| Java 8 | January 2019 | 8.0_201/202 |
| Java 11 | March 2019 | The last Free Public Update |
| Java 17 | September 204 | 17.0.12 |
| Java 21 | September 2026 (until then) | TBD |
If you use Java 6, 7, or 8, no license is required as long as you stay on the last free update listed above. However, any patches or updates beyond these versions require a paid Java SE Subscription.
Java Versions That Require a License
If you use Java beyond the last public update, Oracle requires a paid license for security patches, bug fixes, and continued support. Here are the scenarios where a license is mandatory:
- Java 6 (6.0_211 and later)
- Java 7 (7.0_351 and later)
- Java 8 (8.0_421 and later)
- Java 11 and beyond – No free versions available; all updates require a license.
- All non-LTS versions (Java 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20) require a subscription for continued use.
If your organization uses any of these versions with later updates, it must have an Oracle Java SE Subscription to remain compliant.
What Are Your Options?
1. Stay on the Last Free Public Update
- No license is required for versions listed in the Free Java Versions table.
- Downside: No security patches, leaving systems vulnerable to exploits.
- Example: If using Java 8, do not upgrade past 8.0_201/202; a license will be required.
2. Switch to OpenJDK or Other Open-Source Java Versions
- Completely free and community-supported.
- Regular updates may not be fully compatible with Oracle Java in legacy environments.
- Open-source alternatives include Amazon Corretto, Eclipse Adoption, Azul Zulu, and Red Hat OpenJDK.
3. Purchase a Java SE Subscription
- Required for continued updates and security patches.
- Covers Java 7, 8, 11+, and newer versions under a single subscription.
- Includes 24/7 Oracle Technical Support for Java environments.
Final Thoughts: How to Avoid Licensing Issues
If your organization is running Java, follow these best practices to avoid unexpected licensing fees:
✅ Check which Java version you’re using – Ensure it is a publicly available version.
✅ Avoid updating past the last free version – Any patch beyond the last public update requires a license.
✅ Consider switching to OpenJDK – If your business can handle minor compatibility differences, migrating to OpenJDK eliminates licensing costs.
✅ Review Oracle’s Java licensing roadmap – Oracle frequently changes its policies, so staying informed helps prevent compliance risks.
By understanding which Java versions are free and require a license, businesses can make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary expenses.
