Free and open first

Best C++ IDEs in 2026

A C++ IDE can bring project-building and debugging work into a development environment. Compared on build systems, compiler toolchains and debugging scope, these options also vary by supported platforms and remote development capabilities. A built-in profiler may be useful for performance work; free-plan availability and the listed paid-from price are additional factors to weigh. Qt Creator, Arm Keil MDK and C2000Ware are among the IDEs named here. Consider the toolchains and target platforms your projects require, then compare the development features that align with your day-to-day work.

24 apps
Research read 23 Sept 2026
How the order is worked out

1

Avidemux

Free plan Open source LinuxMacWeb+1

9.3 Free plan Visit site
2

Geany

Free plan Open source LinuxMacWindows

Geany offers a compact set of editing and terminal features, with plugin support and packages for its listed platforms. Developers who rely on multi-cursor editing should note that it is not included.

8.7 Free plan Visit site
3

Arm Keil MDK

Free plan APIExtensionLinux+3

Keil MDK combines an IDE, CLI, compiler, and separately addable software packs for embedded development.

7.7 Free plan Visit site
4

C++Builder

Free plan AndroidiPhoneMac+1

Choose C++Builder if you need a native C++ development environment with Windows interface components, database connectivity, and REST and cloud libraries.

7.6 30-day trial Visit site
5

CLion

Free plan ExtensionLinuxMac+2

CLion covers core C and C++ development workflows alongside remote and embedded toolchains. Its free offer is limited to non-commercial use, so commercial developers need a paid subscription.

7.6 Free plan · 30-day trial Visit site
6

Code::Blocks

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

Code::Blocks combines editing, project building, debugging and plugin support in a free IDE for three languages. Check its MSVC import and debugger limitations against your needs.

7.4 Free plan Visit site
7

CodeLite

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

CodeLite combines a broad set of language and workflow tools in a free, cross-platform IDE. Check the separate Git requirement and configure language servers where needed.

7.3 Free plan Visit site
8

CS+

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

CS+ offers MCU-focused development tools, background builds and debugging support through compatible emulators.

7.3 Free plan Visit site
9

Eclipse IDE

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

Eclipse IDE offers a free, extensible development platform with packages for several programming areas and dedicated Java tooling.

7.2 Free plan Visit site
10

e² studio

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

e² studio provides project setup, editing and debugging tools for Renesas MCU development at no charge. Developers need to obtain compilers separately and check host-specific family support.

7.2 Free plan Visit site
11

PlatformIO IDE

Free plan ExtensionLinuxMac+2

PlatformIO IDE brings embedded build, upload, monitoring and debugging tools into a VSCode-based workflow. Users considering CLion should note that its integration is experimental.

7.1 Free plan Visit site
12

Infineon ModusToolbox

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

ModusToolbox offers embedded development tools, runtime assets, and multiple workflow options for Infineon microcontrollers.

7.0 Free plan Visit site
13

KDevelop

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

KDevelop brings language-aware editing, debugging, testing, and build support into a free IDE. Some language capabilities depend on plugins, and Windows nightly builds may be unstable or incomplete.

7.0 Free plan Visit site
14

MPLAB X IDE
by MPLAB X IDE
Free plan LinuxMacWindows

MPLAB X IDE brings development, debugging and production programming tools together for supported Microchip targets at no cost.

7.0 Free plan Visit site
15

Qt Creator

Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+3

Qt Creator covers editing, builds, testing, and debugging across several application targets.

7.0 Free plan · paid from €546/user/yr Visit site
16

Dev-C++

Free plan Windows

Pick Dev-C++ for a free Windows C and C++ IDE with GCC toolchains, project types, and local debugging. It is particularly suited to learning and school settings.

6.9 Free plan Visit site
17

STM32CubeIDE

Free plan ExtensionLinuxMac+1

STM32CubeIDE combines editing, build, and debugging tools for STM32 development across two variants. Check which variant supports your target and note the 64-bit operating-system requirement.

6.9 Free plan Visit site
18

Code Composer Studio

Free plan LinuxMacWeb+1

6.6 Free plan Visit site
19

Visual Studio

Free plan APIWindows

Visual Studio brings development, debugging, testing, GitHub, and Azure workflows into a Windows IDE.

6.6 Free plan · paid from $45/user/mo Visit site
20

clangd

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

Choose clangd if you need the free plan across the listed desktop platforms.

6.3 Free plan Visit site
21

IAR Embedded Workbench

Free trial ExtensionLinuxWindows

IAR Embedded Workbench combines build, debug and analysis tools for embedded development, with broad architecture support and integrations.

6.0 Pricing on request · 14-day trial Visit site
22

SlickEdit
by SlickEdit
Free trial LinuxMacWindows

Choose SlickEdit Standard for single-file work, scripts and large-file editing, or Pro for complex projects that need analysis, builds, debugging and version control.

5.7 From $125 · 15-day trial Visit site
23

SEGGER Ozone

Paid LinuxMacWindows

Ozone combines source debugging, performance analysis, and automation for embedded development across three desktop operating systems.

5.3 Visit site
24

Green Hills MULTI IDE

Paid LinuxWindows

MULTI IDE brings embedded development, debugging and analysis tools into one suite, with support for a range of processors and operating systems.

5.0 Visit site

#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price

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