Oracle Java vs Amazon Corretto – Cost, Support & Fit

Oracle Java vs Amazon Corretto

Oracle and Amazon both offer Java development tools for enterprises. One is paid per employee; the other is free. The difference isn’t technical — it’s financial and operational. In other words, the code runs the same, but the licensing and support contracts differ dramatically.

This comparison breaks down the cost, support, and operational trade-offs between Oracle’s Java SE subscription and AWS’s Amazon Corretto. The goal is to see where Corretto can be the smarter choice, especially if you’re heavy on AWS.

For a full overview of all alternatives, read our guide Oracle JDK vs OpenJDK – Alternatives to Oracle Java.

Pro Tip: “The code runs the same. The contracts don’t.”

What Amazon Corretto Is

Amazon Corretto is AWS’s free, production-ready distribution of OpenJDK (Java).

In simple terms, it’s Amazon’s own build of Java that anyone can use at no cost. Corretto comes with long-term support from AWS, meaning Amazon will provide security patches and updates for each major Java version for years (often 8+ years for LTS versions).

In fact, AWS uses Corretto internally on thousands of production services, so it’s battle-tested.

Corretto works in any environment – on AWS, on-premises data centers, or other clouds. Technically, it’s Java SE as well, just built from the open-source OpenJDK project.

It’s certified with the Java TCK (Technology Compatibility Kit), so it passes the same tests as Oracle’s Java. That means you can run the same Java applications on Corretto with virtually identical behavior and performance as on Oracle’s JDK.

There is no performance penalty in real-world benchmarks; enterprise apps run just as fast on Corretto.

Amazon even adds performance enhancements (such as faster cryptographic algorithms) to Corretto based on its own needs, which can improve certain operations. For most workloads, Corretto is a drop-in replacement for Oracle’s JDK – your code doesn’t change, you just swap the Java runtime.

Cost Comparison – Free vs Subscription

One of the biggest differences between Oracle Java and Amazon Corretto is cost. Oracle’s Java SE Universal Subscription now uses an employee-based licensing model: you pay a subscription fee for each employee in your organization (whether they use Java or not).

Amazon Corretto, on the other hand, is completely free to use, regardless of the number of users or servers. Below is a quick cost and feature comparison:

In short, Oracle Java incurs a significant ongoing cost, whereas Corretto eliminates licensing costs.

For example, a company with 5,000 employees would pay roughly $600k per year for Oracle’s Java SE subscription under the current pricing, but $0 with Corretto.

And it’s not just licensing: Oracle’s model carries audit risk and requires compliance with its contract terms. Corretto carries no such baggage.

Pro Tip: “Every free runtime saves money — but only if you replace Oracle, not duplicate it.” In other words, you realize the savings only by swapping out Oracle Java, not running Corretto alongside it while still paying Oracle.

Support and Maintenance Differences

Another key consideration is how each option is supported and maintained.

With Oracle’s paid subscription, you are entitled to Oracle’s official support services for Java. This includes access to Oracle support engineers, the ability to file support tickets, and guaranteed quarterly updates (and emergency patches if needed).

Oracle’s support gives you a clear escalation path if something goes wrong in production – assuming you have an active subscription contract.

Amazon Corretto, being free, doesn’t come with dedicated vendor support in the same way—but that doesn’t mean you’re on your own. AWS provides the updates and patches for Corretto at no cost, on a regular schedule.

You get the security fixes and improvements every quarter for each LTS version, just like Oracle does, but without a contract. If you need help or have an issue, how you get support depends on your setup:

• If you run on AWS, Corretto is covered under AWS Premium Support plans. So if your Java workloads are on AWS and you already pay for AWS Support (Business or Enterprise support tier), you can open support cases for Java issues just as you would for any AWS service. In practice, this means you do have a support channel for Corretto as part of your existing AWS relationship.
• If you run on AWS (on-premises or another cloud): Amazon currently does not offer a separate Corretto support package outside AWS. You would rely on community support or third-party providers. Because Corretto is OpenJDK, many enterprises handle support in-house or purchase it from third-party vendors (such as Red Hat, Azul, and IBM, which offer OpenJDK support contracts). These third-party support options can be much cheaper and more flexible (often charged per server or per JVM) compared to Oracle’s per-employee model.

So, maintaining Corretto might mean a bit more responsibility on your side to monitor updates and ensure they’re applied (since Oracle won’t be reminding you or pushing patches through a support portal).

If your environment is mostly AWS, this is straightforward – AWS will deliver patches, and you update your instances. In a multi-cloud or on-prem environment, you should plan who will handle Java patching and how you’ll get alerted to new fixes (e.g, monitoring AWS announcements or RSS feeds for Corretto releases).

In summary, Oracle’s support is more hands-on (with SLAs and hotlines, for a price). In contrast, Corretto’s support is “community and AWS-backed” (updates are guaranteed free, and direct support is optional).

Many AWS-focused organizations find this trade-off acceptable, especially if they’re already comfortable managing their infrastructure with AWS tools.

Read our comparison with Azul, Oracle Java vs Azul Platform – Cost & Risk Comparison.

Technical Compatibility & Migration

From a technical standpoint, migrating from Oracle’s JDK to Amazon Corretto is usually very simple. Corretto is a drop-in replacement for Oracle JDK in the vast majority of cases. Both are Java SE implementations, so they support the same standard APIs, syntax, and JVM behaviors.

The differences in the code are minimal (Oracle’s JDK and OpenJDK Corretto share the same base code). That means you typically don’t need to change your application code at all when switching to Corretto – you just change the Java runtime your servers use.

However, any change in runtime should be approached with planning and testing.

Here’s a basic migration process many enterprises follow:

1. Inventory your Java installations – Identify where Oracle JDK is installed across your environment (servers, containers, CI/CD pipelines, developer machines).
2. Install Corretto as a replacement – Set up Amazon Corretto (same version, e.g., Java 11 or 17) on those systems. You can run it on AWS, on-prem, or anywhere you need Java.
3. Test critical workloads – Run your applications with Corretto in a test environment. Validate that everything works the same. Pay attention to any proprietary Oracle features (though there are few nowadays) or any subtle differences. In real-world testing, most organizations report that performance and functionality remain indistinguishable from Oracle JDK. Java bytecode is portable, so your apps should behave identically. It’s wise to run your usual integration tests and some performance checks to ensure nothing is impacted.
4. Update patch management processes – Ensure you have a plan to obtain Corretto updates. This could be as simple as downloading new Java versions from AWS quarterly, or using AWS Systems Manager or another automation tool to patch your Java runtime. Basically, replace Oracle’s patch mechanism with your own or AWS’s tooling. Document how you’ll track and apply security fixes to Corretto so you stay secure in the future.

Most migrations like this don’t require any code changes—it’s more about updating configurations (pointing to the new JDK) and doing due diligence in testing. The effort is generally low, especially compared to migrations between different software platforms. You’re essentially swapping one Java for another Java.

Pro Tip: “You migrate Java by configuration, not by code.” Switching to Corretto is usually a matter of reinstalling Java and updating settings, rather than rewriting applications. It’s a relatively painless migration in most cases.

For more answers, read our Frequently Asked Questions – Oracle Java vs OpenJDK.

Ideal Use Cases for Corretto

Amazon Corretto can be a great fit for many organizations, particularly those aligned with AWS or looking to cut costs. It’s ideal for scenarios such as:

• AWS-Centric Workloads: If your applications already run on AWS (EC2, ECS, Lambda, etc.), using the AWS-supported Java runtime is a natural choice. You’re in Amazon’s ecosystem, so taking advantage of their free Java distribution simplifies things.
• Cost-Conscious Enterprises: Organizations trying to reduce or eliminate Oracle Java licensing costs will benefit. Every dollar not spent on Java runtime licensing can be redirected elsewhere. Corretto shines for companies facing large Oracle renewal bills – it’s literally a $0 alternative.
• Existing AWS Support Customers: If you already have Business or Enterprise support with AWS, Corretto issues are covered. This means you can get 24/7 help for Java problems as part of what you’re already paying AWS, making a separate Oracle support contract redundant for those systems.
• Long-Term Java Users: If you need long-term Java stability (say, you plan to stick with Java 11 or 17 for many years), Corretto will provide updates for the long haul without forcing upgrades or fees. AWS has committed to years of patches for each LTS version. You won’t face a sudden paywall when Oracle’s free public updates end.
• Audit-Weary Teams: Anyone who’s been through an Oracle audit (or dreads one) might prefer Corretto simply to remove that risk. With open-source Java, there are no license audits. This peace of mind can be a big win for compliance-focused teams.

In short, Corretto makes sense when Java is important to you, but you don’t need Oracle’s proprietary add-ons or formal support contract in every case. It’s a way to use enterprise-grade Java on your own terms.

When Oracle Java Still Fits

Despite Corretto’s advantages, there are scenarios where sticking with Oracle’s Java SE subscription might be warranted. Oracle Java can still be the right choice if:

• You use Oracle-specific technologies: Some enterprise applications or middleware might require Oracle’s JDK or be officially certified only on Oracle Java. For example, certain Oracle enterprise products (such as Oracle E-Business Suite, Oracle WebLogic Server, or other Oracle Fusion middleware) may require Oracle’s Java for full support. If an application vendor explicitly requires Oracle JDK for support, you need to factor that in.
• Strict Support SLAs and Compliance: In regulated industries or mission-critical systems, you might need the formal support SLAs that Oracle provides. Oracle’s support agreement can be important if you need a guaranteed response time, indemnification, or a vendor’s written accountability. Some organizations have compliance mandates requiring the use of the vendor-supplied runtime for full liability coverage.
• Risk Appetite: If your company prefers a single throat to choke for any Java issues – meaning you want to hold Oracle responsible under a contract if something breaks – then paying for Oracle’s subscription might still fit your risk management strategy. It’s a more traditional enterprise approach: you pay for the safety net.

Even in these cases, many enterprises are adopting a hybrid approach: using Oracle Java only where necessary and OpenJDK (such as Corretto) everywhere else.

For instance, you might keep Oracle Java for a specific legacy system that requires it, but migrate the bulk of the other applications to Corretto to save costs.

This way, you minimize your Oracle footprint and fees while still meeting requirements for certain systems.

Pro Tip: “You don’t need Oracle Java everywhere — just where compliance demands it.” In other words, reserve those pricey Oracle licenses for the few situations that truly warrant them, and don’t pay Oracle for Java in areas where you don’t have to.

Risk and Control Comparison

Choosing between Oracle Java and Amazon Corretto isn’t just about immediate cost – it’s also about longer-term risks and control over your Java platform.

Here’s a side-by-side look at some risk and control factors:

As the table shows, using Oracle Java keeps you dependent on Oracle’s terms (with the upside of their formal support).

Using Corretto gives you more control (no audits, no forced costs), but you take on more responsibility in managing the runtime (unless covered by an AWS support plan you already have). Many see the freedom of open-source Java as worth it, especially to avoid unpredictable audits and price increases.

5-Year Cost Snapshot

To put the cost difference into a longer-term perspective, consider a simple five-year scenario for an enterprise Java platform.

This illustrative snapshot compares the total subscription cost if you stay with Oracle Java SE versus switching to Amazon Corretto:

(Assumes a moderate-sized company with cost growing ~5% per year under Oracle’s model. Corretto remains free.)

Over five years, the Oracle Java route in this scenario could cost over $6.6 million, whereas Amazon Corretto would cost essentially nothing aside from any support you choose to buy.

That is a stark contrast. Even if our exact numbers change based on your company size and Oracle’s pricing, the pattern holds – millions versus zero in licensing fees.

Pro Tip: “Sometimes the best negotiation strategy is walking toward freedom.” Simply having the viable option of Corretto (or other free OpenJDK builds) gives you leverage. Many organizations use the possibility of migrating to free Java as a bargaining chip with Oracle, and some just go ahead and make the switch to eliminate the cost.

Migration & Readiness Checklist

If you’re considering a move from Oracle Java to Amazon Corretto, here’s a quick checklist to guide your planning and ensure you cover all the bases:

• ✅ Inventory Java usage and dependencies. Identify all the places and applications where Oracle Java is currently in use. Note the Java versions and any specific dependencies (libraries, Java EE apps, etc.).
• ✅ Map workloads to AWS footprint. Determine which of those Java workloads run on AWS infrastructure, which run on-premises, and which run in other clouds. This helps in planning support and tooling (e.g., using AWS services to deploy Corretto where possible).
• ✅ Test Corretto in non-production. Pick a few test or dev environments and install Amazon Corretto (matching the same Java version). Run your applications and automated tests there. This trial will reveal any issues (though it’s most likely to run fine).
• ✅ Document patch and update plans. Decide how you will handle Java updates once Corretto is installed. For AWS environments, you might use AWS’s update mechanisms. For on-prem, maybe set a quarterly schedule to update Corretto from the AWS releases. Ensure roles and responsibilities are clear for who will monitor and apply Java patches.
• ✅ Plan Oracle exit around renewal date. Timing matters – align your migration to complete before your next Oracle Java subscription renewal or true-up. This avoids paying for another year unnecessarily. Make sure the new environment is ready by that deadline.
• ✅ Update vendor contracts and audit response procedures. Once you drop Oracle Java (fully or in part), update any documentation about your license compliance. Be prepared to show auditors (if Oracle comes knocking) that you are using OpenJDK (which doesn’t require a license) in those areas. Essentially, have a response ready to demonstrate you comply without Oracle licenses.

Following this checklist will help ensure a smooth transition from a commercial Oracle setup to an open-source Java setup. The key is being methodical: know where Java is used, have replacement plans, and cover your support and compliance angles.

Final Take

Oracle Java SE Subscription versus Amazon Corretto is a classic paid-versus-free comparison, with the twist that both options deliver the same underlying technology (Java). For a CIO or IT decision-maker, the question comes down to where you need the guarantees and vendor support of Oracle, and where you can rely on open-source Java backed by AWS and the community.

Amazon Corretto isn’t just free; it’s a strategic tool to escape Oracle’s costly licensing model. Especially if your organization is already invested in AWS, Corretto can seamlessly fit into your stack.

You get the same Java, the same performance, and timely updates – without the per-employee price tag and without Oracle’s audit teams in the wings. The operational trade-off (managing your own updates and support) is often minimal if you’re cloud-oriented and have good DevOps practices.

In many cases, enterprises find that switching to Corretto (or similar OpenJDK distributions) is the easiest cost-saving win in their IT strategy. It’s not often you can eliminate a multi-million dollar expense by swapping out software that performs identically, but Java is one of those rare opportunities.

Of course, keep Oracle Java for the few niches where it’s truly needed. But for the rest, why pay for what you can get at equal quality for free?

Pro Tip: “If your Java runs on AWS, Corretto should too.” In other words, if you’re already trusting AWS for your infrastructure, you can trust their Java distribution as well – and save a lot of money along the way.

Read about our Java Advisory Services

Do you want to know more about our Java Advisory Services?

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Name *

Email *

Company

Message *

Submit