Black Magic Debug
Black Magic Debug: An open-source GDB debugger with strong ARM Cortex-M and RISC-V coverage. Ranked #18 of 27 in Debuggers by our editors (7.2/10); pricing: Free plan; best for ARM Cortex-M and RISC-V hardware.
At a glance
- Editor score7.2 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forARM Cortex-M and RISC-V hardware
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Automatic target detection reduces initial configuration work.
- JTAG, SWD, flash programming, watchpoints, and semihosting are included.
- Works with GDB, PlatformIO, VS Code, Eclipse, and STM32CubeIDE.
Where it doesn't
- Its target focus is narrower than general-purpose debugging tools.
- Advanced breakpoint coverage varies by target and configuration.
- Official hardware is sold through distributors rather than as part of the software.
Our verdict on Black Magic Debug
Black Magic Debug is open-source firmware and a standalone application that provides a GDB server for embedded microcontrollers. It connects to targets through JTAG or Serial Wire Debugging and supports automatic target detection, remote GDB sessions, program loading, breakpoints, watchpoints, memory and register inspection, flash programming, semihosting, and Serial Wire Output. The project is aimed at professional and beginner embedded developers who want a command-line-oriented workflow without OpenOCD as an intermediary. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, with target support spanning ARM Cortex-M, ARM Cortex-A, and RISC-V.
Its strongest fit is a GDB-centered embedded workflow. The USB serial interface provides remote GDB connectivity, while automatic target detection can simplify work across supported boards. Hardware watchpoints and flash breakpoints address common firmware debugging needs, and flash programming is built into the same tool. Semihosting, Serial Wire Output, memory examination, register inspection, and USB DFU firmware upgrades add useful coverage for development and probe maintenance. Integrations with GNU GDB, PlatformIO, Visual Studio Code, Eclipse, Sublime Text, and STM32CubeIDE make it suitable for both command-line and editor-based environments.
Black Magic Debug is a strong choice for developers working with supported ARM and RISC-V microcontrollers who want open-source firmware and a focused debugging path. The open-source model keeps the software available as a free plan, while official hardware is sold through distributors. Some capabilities depend on the connected probe, target architecture, and build configuration, so hardware and target compatibility matter. Teams seeking a broader debugging scope or established support for advanced breakpoint types should consider a tool with wider target coverage and more explicitly defined breakpoint support instead.
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Black Magic Debug pricing
Black Magic Debug fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Supported languages | Not verified |
| Target platforms | ARM Cortex-M, ARM Cortex-A, RISC-V |
| Remote debugging | Yes |
| Conditional breakpoints | Not verified |
| Exception breakpoints | Not verified |
| Time-travel debugging | Not verified |
| Core dump debugging | Not verified |
| Deployment | Self-hosted, Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 6 integrations: GNU GDB, PlatformIO, Visual Studio Code, Eclipse, Sublime Text, STM32CubeIDE |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | black-magic.org |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Black Magic Debug integrations
Black Magic Debug lists 6 integrations on its own site.
- GNU GDB
- PlatformIO
- Visual Studio Code
- Eclipse
- Sublime Text
- STM32CubeIDE
Alternatives to Black Magic Debug
- GDBA free, open-source debugger with unusually broad language, target, and remote-debugging coverage.9.4
- LLDBA capable, free debugger for C/C++ and Apple-platform development.9.2
- WinDbgA free, deeply capable debugger for Windows applications, drivers, and crash analysis.9.0
See all Black Magic Debug alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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