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Developer Tools · head to head

Keil MDK vs RAD Studio

Keil MDK logo

Keil MDK

Developer Tools

Microcontroller Development Kit for Arm-based devices

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 Keil MDK has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Keil MDK pricing for Essential and Professional subscriptions not disclosed on primary site; 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 Keil MDK and RAD Studio actually diverge.

Attributes where Keil MDK and RAD Studio differ
AttributeKeil MDKRAD Studio
Starting priceFree$2000/perpetual
Pricing modelfreemiumone-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.

Keil MDK

  • Embedded software developmentnot RAD Studio
  • ARM microcontroller programmingnot RAD Studio
  • Professional development environmentsnot RAD Studio

RAD Studio

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

Where each one falls short

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

Keil MDK

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

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

Keil MDK

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Keil MDK 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 Keil MDK if

  • You want to start without paying.
Keil MDK review

Choose RAD Studio if

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

RAD Studio review

Questions people ask

Is Keil MDK or RAD Studio better?
Neither clearly leads. Keil MDK 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, Keil MDK or RAD Studio?
Keil MDK has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Keil MDK and $2000/perpetual for RAD Studio.
Does Keil MDK or RAD Studio 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. RAD Studio starts at $2000/perpetual.
What is Keil MDK best used for?
Keil MDK is most often used for embedded software development, arm microcontroller programming, professional development environments. Of those, embedded software development and arm microcontroller programming are not what RAD Studio is typically brought in for.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

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
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
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
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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