Software · head to head
Keil MDK vs IAR Embedded Workbench
Keil MDK
Software
Microcontroller Development Kit for Arm-based devices
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -
IAR Embedded Workbench
Software
Complete toolchain for embedded software development
- From
- On request
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Only Keil MDK has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
- Each has a real cost: Keil MDK free Community Edition is limited to non-commercial projects only; commercial use requires the paid Essential or Professional subscription; IAR Embedded Workbench no pricing is published on the product page; buyers are directed to connect with the worldwide sales team to get a quote
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Keil MDK and IAR Embedded Workbench actually diverge.
| Attribute | Keil MDK | IAR Embedded Workbench |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free | On request |
| Pricing model | freemium | quote |
| Free tier | Yes | No |
Identical on both: platforms (Web), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Keil MDK
- Free Community Edition is limited to non-commercial projects only; commercial use requires the paid Essential or Professional subscription
IAR Embedded Workbench
- No pricing is published on the product page; buyers are directed to connect with the worldwide sales team to get a quote
Pricing, plan by plan
Keil MDK
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Keil MDK review.
IAR Embedded Workbench
On requestNo published plan breakdown. See the IAR Embedded Workbench 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.
Questions people ask
- Is Keil MDK or IAR Embedded Workbench better?
- Neither clearly leads. Keil MDK 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, Keil MDK or IAR Embedded Workbench?
- Keil MDK has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Keil MDK and On request for IAR Embedded Workbench.
- Does Keil MDK or IAR Embedded Workbench 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.