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Developer Tools · head to head

RAD Studio vs Vectr

RAD Studio logo

RAD Studio

Developer Tools

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

From
$2000/perpetual
Free plan
No
Visit RAD StudioFull review
Vectr logo

Vectr

Design

Free vector graphics editor for everyone

From
Free
Free plan
Yes
Visit VectrFull review

The short version

  • RAD Studio is a cross-platform IDE; Vectr is a free, simple vector graphics editor.
  • Vectr has a free plan, then $1.99/mo; RAD Studio starts at $2000/mo.
  • Where RAD Studio falls short: professional edition costs $2,000 for the perpetual license plus $599 for year one maintenance, totaling $2,599 before tax.
  • Where Vectr falls short: performance issues: slowness during edits is a recurring complaint, especially problematic for complex designs.
  • Prices and features on this page were last checked on 13 November 2026.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where RAD Studio and Vectr differ
AttributeRAD StudioVectr
Starting price$2000/perpetualFree
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWebWeb, Windows, macOS, Linux
CategoryDeveloper ToolsDesign

Not yet recorded: pricing model for Vectr, founded for RAD Studio.

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 RAD Studio

Nothing recorded that Vectr does not also cover.

Only in Vectr

  • Vector drawing
  • Shape tools
  • Typography
  • Gradient tools
  • Real-time collaboration
  • Cloud storage
  • Export options
  • Simple interface

What people use each for

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

RAD Studio

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

Vectr

  • Logo designnot RAD Studio
  • Vector illustrationnot RAD Studio
  • Web graphicsnot RAD Studio
  • Learning designnot RAD Studio

Where each one falls short

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

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

Vectr

  • Performance issues: slowness during edits is a recurring complaint, especially problematic for complex designs
  • Limited advanced features: lacks some features available in paid tools like Adobe Illustrator including complex shape manipulation
  • Internet dependency: requires constant internet connection with no offline capabilities limiting use in unreliable connectivity areas
  • Limited export options: fewer export formats compared to other vector graphics software
  • Limited integration: does not offer seamless integration with other design tools and lacks third-party extension support

Pricing, plan by plan

RAD Studio

$2000/perpetual
  • Professional Edition$2,000 one-off
    • Perpetual License
    • First year maintenance $599
    • Total $2,599 + Tax
  • Enterprise Edition$3,400 one-off
    • Perpetual License
    • First year maintenance $1,199
    • Total $4,599 + Tax
  • Architect Edition$4,416 one-off
    • Perpetual License
    • First year maintenance $2,183
    • Total $6,599 + Tax

Vectr

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 1GB storage
    • Basic tools
    • Limited AI credits
  • Plus$1.99/mo
    • 1GB storage
    • 600 AI credits
    • Single-session access
  • Premium$4.99/mo
    • 5GB storage
    • 2,400 AI credits
    • Three concurrent sessions

Which should you pick?

Choose RAD Studio if

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

RAD Studio review

Choose Vectr if

  • You need vector drawing.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Windows, macOS, Linux.
  • You also want shape tools.
Vectr review

Questions people ask

Is RAD Studio or Vectr better?
Neither clearly leads. RAD Studio starts at $2000/perpetual and Vectr at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, RAD Studio or Vectr?
Vectr has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $2000/perpetual for RAD Studio and Free for Vectr.
Does RAD Studio or Vectr run on more platforms?
RAD Studio runs on Web. Vectr runs on Web, Windows, macOS, Linux.
Can I use Vectr for free?
Yes. Vectr has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. RAD Studio starts at $2000/perpetual.
What is RAD Studio best used for?
RAD Studio is most often used for building windows desktop applications with vcl components, creating ios and android apps from shared delphi codebase, connecting to oracle databases through firedac connectivity, building rest web services that run on linux servers. Of those, building windows desktop applications with vcl components and creating ios and android apps from shared delphi codebase are not what Vectr is typically brought in for.
What can RAD Studio do that Vectr cannot?
Vectr covers Vector drawing, Shape tools, Typography, Gradient tools.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

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
Vectr: Is Vectr free to use?

Vectr offers a free plan with 1GB storage, basic tools, and limited AI credits for essential vector editing. Paid Plus and Premium plans provide additional storage, AI credits, and concurrent sessions.

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
Vectr: Can you collaborate in real-time with Vectr?

Yes, Vectr features built-in real-time collaboration with live workspace sharing through custom URLs and integrated chat for team communication, enabling distributed creative teamwork.

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
Vectr: Does Vectr require an internet connection?

Yes, Vectr requires constant internet connection as it is cloud-based. It does not have offline capabilities, which can be limiting for users in areas with unreliable connectivity.

Source
Vectr: What file formats can you export from Vectr?

Vectr supports exporting in SVG, PNG, JPG, and Vectr SVG formats. Compared to other vector graphics software, export options are somewhat limited.

Source
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