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Developer Tools · head to head

Git vs RAD Studio

Git logo

Git

Developer Tools

A free and open source distributed version control system

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
RAD Studio logo

RAD Studio

Developer Tools

Cross-platform native app development with Delphi and C++Builder

From
$2000/perpetual
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Git has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Git licensed under GNU GPL version 2.0 as stated on git-scm.com/about; as open source software it has no paid tier or vendor price to compare; RAD Studio professional edition costs $2,000 for the perpetual license plus $599 for year one maintenance, totaling $2,599 before tax
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 29 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Git and RAD Studio actually diverge.

Attributes where Git and RAD Studio differ
AttributeGitRAD Studio
Starting priceFree$2000/perpetual
Pricing modelopen-sourceone-time
Free tierYesNo

Identical on both: platforms (Web), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Developer Tools).

What people use each for

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

Git

  • Maintaining complete code history for large projectsnot RAD Studio
  • Coordinating open source development globallynot RAD Studio
  • Enabling offline work with full repository historynot RAD Studio
  • Integrating with CI/CD and hosting servicesnot RAD Studio

RAD Studio

  • Building Windows desktop applications with VCL componentsnot Git
  • Creating iOS and Android apps from shared Delphi codebasenot Git
  • Connecting to Oracle databases through FireDAC connectivitynot Git
  • Building REST web services that run on Linux serversnot Git

Where each one falls short

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

Git

  • Licensed under GNU GPL version 2.0 as stated on git-scm.com/about; as open source software it has no paid tier or vendor price to compare
  • Git is a command line tool by design; graphical workflows and hosted collaboration depend entirely on third party GUIs and hosting services layered on top, per git-scm.com/about

RAD Studio

  • Professional edition costs $2,000 for the perpetual license plus $599 for year one maintenance, totaling $2,599 before tax
  • Enterprise edition steps up to $3,400 license plus $1,199 maintenance, and Architect edition to $4,416 license plus $2,183 maintenance
  • The perpetual license only entitles the buyer to updates for one year; continued access to new updates and upgrades requires an annually renewable Update Subscription

Pricing, plan by plan

Git

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Git review.

RAD Studio

$2000/perpetual
  • Professional Edition$2000/perpetual
    • Perpetual License
    • First year maintenance $599
    • Total $2,599 + Tax
  • Enterprise Edition$3400/perpetual
    • Perpetual License
    • First year maintenance $1,199
    • Total $4,599 + Tax
  • Architect Edition$4416/perpetual
    • Perpetual License
    • First year maintenance $2,183
    • Total $6,599 + Tax

Which should you pick?

Choose Git if

  • You want to start without paying.
Git review

Choose RAD Studio if

Nothing in the data separates RAD Studio from Git on the points above - pick on price and on how each one feels to use.

RAD Studio review

Questions people ask

Is Git or RAD Studio better?
Neither clearly leads. Git starts at Free and RAD Studio at $2000/perpetual, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Git or RAD Studio?
Git has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Git and $2000/perpetual for RAD Studio.
Does Git or RAD Studio run on more platforms?
Both run on Web, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
Can I use Git for free?
Yes. Git has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. RAD Studio starts at $2000/perpetual.
What is Git best used for?
Git is most often used for maintaining complete code history for large projects, coordinating open source development globally, enabling offline work with full repository history, integrating with ci/cd and hosting services. Of those, maintaining complete code history for large projects and coordinating open source development globally are not what RAD Studio is typically brought in for.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Git: How much does Git cost?

Git is completely free and open-source software released under the GNU General Public License version 2.0 (GPLv2). There are no licensing costs for the core Git project.

Source
RAD Studio: How much does RAD Studio cost?

RAD Studio uses perpetual licensing: Professional Edition $2,000 perpetual license + $599 first year maintenance ($2,599 total + tax). Enterprise Edition $3,400 license + $1,199 maintenance ($4,599 total + tax). Architect Edition $4,416 license + $2,183 maintenance ($6,599 total + tax).

Source
Git: Can Git be used for commercial purposes?

Yes, Git can be freely used for commercial and non-commercial projects. The GPLv2 license guarantees freedom to use, modify, and distribute the software.

Source
RAD Studio: What is the difference between RAD Studio editions?

Professional Edition ($2,599 total + tax) targets individual developers. Enterprise Edition ($4,599 total + tax) adds multi-tier app capabilities. Architect Edition ($6,599 total + tax) includes advanced database and cloud features. All three include perpetual licenses.

Source
RAD Studio: Does RAD Studio offer Kai AI integration and discounts?

Yes, adding Kai AI to any edition provides discounts: 25% off Professional ($2,136 + tax), 30% off Enterprise ($3,394 + tax), and 40% off Architect ($4,109 + tax). This promotion is active through August 31, 2026.

Source
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