Side by side

Arduino IDE vs CrossWorks for ARM

Both stand on embedded development ides. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.

Arduino IDE

Free plan Open source AndroidAPIExtension+5

Arduino IDE combines editing and debugging tools with CLI support for building sketches and managing boards and libraries. Review the stated as-is terms before downloading.

Visit Arduino IDE

CrossWorks for ARM brings editing, building, download, and debugging tools together for ARM and Cortex microcontroller development. Its evaluation offers either continued use with a 16KB limit or 30 days with full-version access.

Visit CrossWorks for ARM

The facts

	Arduino IDE	CrossWorks for ARM
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Open source	Yes	Not published
Runs on	Android, API, Extension, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Web, Windows	Linux, Mac, Windows
Lowest paid plan	Free or on request	Named Developer License: $2,500, paid once
Plans published	1	2
Maker	Not published	Not published
Website	arduino.cc	rowley.co.uk
On embedded development ides	#1 of 29	#3 of 29

Arduino IDE: what it does well

Free and open source at version 2.0.
Editor includes autocompletion and code navigation.
Includes a live debugger.
Arduino CLI manages boards and libraries.
Downloads available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

What to know first

Downloads are provided as is.
The software page disclaims express and implied warranties.

CrossWorks for ARM: what it does well

GNU GCC and Clang/LLVM toolchains included
Debugging supports IDE and external-toolchain builds
Supports a broad range of listed ARM cores
Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux
Evaluation can continue with a 16KB code limit

What to know first

Named Developer License costs 2500.00 USD once
Shared Developer License costs 3750.00 USD once
Full-version evaluation lasts 30 days
The indefinite evaluation has a 16KB code-size limit

Alternatives to Arduino IDE Alternatives to CrossWorks for ARM The whole list