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IAR Embedded Workbench vs Keil MDK

IAR Embedded Workbench logo

IAR Embedded Workbench

Developer Tools

Complete toolchain for embedded software development

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Keil MDK logo

Keil MDK

Developer Tools

Microcontroller Development Kit for Arm-based devices

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Keil MDK has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: IAR Embedded Workbench no pricing information published on product page; prospective customers directed to free trial or sales contact only; Keil MDK pricing for Essential and Professional subscriptions not disclosed on primary site
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 29 August 2026.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where IAR Embedded Workbench and Keil MDK differ
AttributeIAR Embedded WorkbenchKeil MDK
Starting priceOn requestFree
Pricing modelquotefreemium
Free tierNoYes

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.

IAR Embedded Workbench

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

Keil MDK

  • Embedded software developmentnot IAR Embedded Workbench
  • ARM microcontroller programmingnot IAR Embedded Workbench
  • Professional development environmentsnot IAR Embedded Workbench

Where each one falls short

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

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

Keil MDK

  • Pricing for Essential and Professional subscriptions not disclosed on primary site
  • Customers must contact Arm Developer Tools store for subscription rates

Pricing, plan by plan

IAR Embedded Workbench

On request

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

Keil MDK

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Keil MDK review.

Which should you pick?

Choose IAR Embedded Workbench if

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

IAR Embedded Workbench review

Choose Keil MDK if

  • You want to start without paying.
Keil MDK review

Questions people ask

Is IAR Embedded Workbench or Keil MDK better?
Neither clearly leads. IAR Embedded Workbench starts at On request and Keil MDK at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, IAR Embedded Workbench or Keil MDK?
Keil MDK has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for IAR Embedded Workbench and Free for Keil MDK.
Does IAR Embedded Workbench or Keil MDK run on more platforms?
Both run on Web, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
Can I use Keil MDK for free?
Yes. Keil MDK has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. IAR Embedded Workbench starts at On request.
What is IAR Embedded Workbench best used for?
IAR Embedded Workbench is most often used for embedded software development and debugging, compiler and linker tools for embedded systems, multi-architecture embedded development support. Of those, embedded software development and debugging and compiler and linker tools for embedded systems are not what Keil MDK is typically brought in for.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

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
Keil MDK: Does Keil MDK have a free version?

Yes, Keil MDK Community Edition is free for non-commercial projects. Essential and Professional editions are available as monthly or annual subscriptions.

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
Keil MDK: How much do Keil MDK paid editions cost?

Specific pricing for Essential and Professional editions is not published on the main site. Rates are available from the Arm Developer Tools store or by contacting Arm sales.

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
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