RAD Studio
RAD Studio: A Windows-based IDE for Delphi and C++ teams building desktop, mobile, database, REST, and Linux applications. Ranked #19 of 65 in Integrated Development Environments by our editors (6.0/10); pricing: 30-day trial; best for delphi and C++ multi-device development.
At a glance
- Editor score6.0 / 10
- Pricing30-day trial
- Best forDelphi and C++ multi-device development
- Free planNo
- Founded1993 · Austin, Texas, United States
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Combines Delphi and modern C++ in one IDE with integrated toolchains
- Supports visual multi-device design, debugging, and unit testing
- Includes FireDAC, Linux development, REST services, and mobile SDK integrations
Where it doesn't
- Requires Windows as the development environment
- Paid product with no perpetual free plan
- Edition pricing varies by Professional, Enterprise, and Architect tier
Our verdict on RAD Studio
RAD Studio is Embarcadero’s integrated development environment for building native applications with Delphi and modern C++. It is aimed at individual developers, small teams, development teams, and enterprise teams working on desktop, mobile, client/server, multi-tier, database, cloud, web-enabled, or REST applications. The Windows-based environment supports target development for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux, bringing visual design, compilers, debugging, deployment tools, database connectivity, and testing into one product.
The published plans show three paid editions. Professional is positioned for individual developers and small teams building desktop and mobile apps. Enterprise is intended for development teams building client/server or multi-tier applications and REST services. Architect is aimed at enterprise teams building database, cloud, or web-enabled applications. A 30-day trial is available, while the product remains a paid offering rather than a perpetual free plan. The edition structure gives buyers a way to align the license with application scope and team needs, though teams should select based on the capabilities required by their projects.
RAD Studio’s main strength is breadth within a Windows development workflow. The FireMonkey multi-device designer supports visual application development, while the integrated debugger provides breakpoints, watches, stepping, and remote debugging. DUnit and DUnitX support unit testing through graphical and command-line execution. FireDAC provides database connectivity, RAD Server supports REST service development, and the product includes Linux compilers and Linux application development support. Integrations include InterBase, GetIt Package Manager, Microsoft Windows SDK, Android SDK, Android NDK, and Xcode. Choose RAD Studio when Delphi or C++ and multi-device application delivery are central requirements. Teams seeking a non-Windows IDE environment or a free development tool should consider alternatives.
RAD Studio pricing
All 3 RAD Studio plans and prices →
RAD Studio fact sheet
| Free plan | No |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| Supported operating systems | Not verified |
| Integrated debugger | Yes |
| Integrated testing tools | Yes |
| Build tools | Yes |
| Project management | Not verified |
| Dev container support | Not verified |
| Free trial | 30 days |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows |
| Support | Phone, Docs, Community |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 10 integrations: FireDAC, InterBase, RAD Server, DUnit, DUnitX, GetIt Package Manager … |
| Pricing | 30-day trial (source) |
| Website | embarcadero.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
RAD Studio integrations
RAD Studio lists 10 integrations on its own site.
- FireDAC
- InterBase
- RAD Server
- DUnit
- DUnitX
- GetIt Package Manager
- Microsoft Windows SDK
- Android SDK
- Android NDK
- Xcode
Alternatives to RAD Studio
- IntelliJ IDEAA full-featured, cross-platform IDE for Java and Kotlin teams.9.0
- Visual StudioA full-featured Windows IDE for .NET and C++ teams with broad tooling.8.7
- PyCharmA full-featured Python IDE with strong testing, debugging, data, and remote workflows.8.4
See all RAD Studio alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026
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