Softwr

Technology · head to head

Eclipse vs IAR Embedded Workbench

Eclipse logo

Eclipse

Technology

The Eclipse Foundation - home to a global community

From
Free
Free plan
Yes
Full reviewWebsite
IAR Embedded Workbench logo

IAR Embedded Workbench

Developer Tools

Complete toolchain for embedded software development

From
On request
Free plan
No
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Eclipse has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Eclipse high memory consumption and CPU usage, especially with multiple plugins installed; IAR Embedded Workbench no pricing information published on product page; prospective customers directed to free trial or sales contact only
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Eclipse and IAR Embedded Workbench actually diverge.

Attributes where Eclipse and IAR Embedded Workbench differ
AttributeEclipseIAR Embedded Workbench
Starting priceFreeOn request
Pricing modelUnknownquote
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWindows, macOS, LinuxWeb
CategoryTechnologyDeveloper Tools
Founded2001Unknown

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Eclipse

  • Java development environment
  • Extensible plugin architecture
  • Integrated debugger
  • Code refactoring
  • Version control integration
  • Build automation
  • Multi-language support
  • Rich client platform

Only in IAR Embedded Workbench

Nothing recorded that Eclipse does not also cover.

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Eclipse

  • Java application developmentnot IAR Embedded Workbench
  • Enterprise software developmentnot IAR Embedded Workbench
  • Web application developmentnot IAR Embedded Workbench
  • Plugin developmentnot IAR Embedded Workbench
  • Educational programmingnot IAR Embedded Workbench

IAR Embedded Workbench

  • Embedded software development and debuggingnot Eclipse
  • Compiler and linker tools for embedded systemsnot Eclipse
  • Multi-architecture embedded development supportnot Eclipse

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Eclipse

  • High memory consumption and CPU usage, especially with multiple plugins installed
  • Slow startup times and performance degradation with large projects or many open editors
  • Requires configuration of eclipse.ini file to optimize heap sizes for adequate performance
  • User interface considered outdated compared to modern IDE alternatives
  • User base fell from 39% of Java developers in 2024 to 28% in 2025, indicating market decline

IAR Embedded Workbench

  • No pricing information published on product page; prospective customers directed to free trial or sales contact only
  • Pricing model not specified; customers must request quote or try free trial to understand licensing costs
  • Embedded development tools typically require expensive licenses, but specific IAR costs unavailable online

Pricing, plan by plan

Eclipse

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Eclipse review.

IAR Embedded Workbench

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the IAR Embedded Workbench review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Eclipse if

  • You need java development environment.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux.
  • You also want extensible plugin architecture.
Eclipse review

Choose IAR Embedded Workbench if

Nothing in the data separates IAR Embedded Workbench from Eclipse on the points above - pick on price and on how each one feels to use.

IAR Embedded Workbench review

Questions people ask

Is Eclipse or IAR Embedded Workbench better?
Neither clearly leads. Eclipse starts at Free and IAR Embedded Workbench at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Eclipse or IAR Embedded Workbench?
Eclipse has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Eclipse and On request for IAR Embedded Workbench.
Does Eclipse or IAR Embedded Workbench run on more platforms?
Eclipse runs on Windows, macOS, Linux. IAR Embedded Workbench runs on Web.
Can I use Eclipse for free?
Yes. Eclipse has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. IAR Embedded Workbench starts at On request.
What is Eclipse best used for?
Eclipse is most often used for java application development, enterprise software development, web application development, plugin development. Of those, java application development and enterprise software development are not what IAR Embedded Workbench is typically brought in for.
What can Eclipse do that IAR Embedded Workbench cannot?
Eclipse covers Java development environment, Extensible plugin architecture, Integrated debugger, Code refactoring.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Eclipse: How much does Eclipse IDE cost?

Eclipse IDE is completely free and open-source, released under the Eclipse Public License 2.0.

Source
IAR Embedded Workbench: How much does IAR Embedded Workbench cost?

IAR Embedded Workbench pricing is not published on the product page. Prospective customers are directed to free trials or must contact the sales team to request pricing.

Source
IAR Embedded Workbench: Does IAR Embedded Workbench offer a free trial?

Free trials are available for IAR Embedded Workbench evaluation at https://www.iar.com/embedded-development-tools/free-trials, though specific trial length and limitations are not detailed on the product page.

Source
IAR Embedded Workbench: What is the pricing model for IAR Embedded Workbench?

The pricing model is not disclosed on the product page. Customers must contact the sales team to obtain quotes and understand licensing terms.

Source
Share

Related pages

More on Eclipse

More on IAR Embedded Workbench

Keep looking

Other head to heads