Arm Keil MDK vs MCUXpresso SDK
Arm Keil MDK
keil.arm.comMCUXpresso SDK
mcuxpresso.nxp.comSide by side
| Figure | Arm Keil MDK | MCUXpresso SDK |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $99/mo | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 8 | 0 |
| Spec score · Embedded Systems Toolchains | 9.5 (#1) | 7.7 (#16) |
| Integrations | MDK v6 feature listings include CMSIS-FreeRTOS, Keil RTX5, MDK-Middleware, IoT clients, CMSIS-DAP, ULink, and third-party debug adapter support. | Supported toolchains include MCUXpresso IDE, MCUXpresso for VS Code, IAR Embedded Workbench, Keil MDK-Arm, and the CLI GNU toolchain. |
| Middleware | MDK-Middleware supplies IPv4/IPv6 networking, USB host/device and file-system components, with Mbed TLS support for TLS communication. | Middleware includes connectivity stacks, AI inference and neural-network libraries, audio processing, security frameworks, graphics, motor control, and file-system components. |
| Purpose | Keil MDK simplifies embedded software development for Cortex-M and Ethos-U processors through CLI, IDE, or continuous integration workflows. | MCUXpresso SDK is a software framework for developing applications for NXP general-purpose, crossover, and wireless-enabled Arm Cortex-M MCUs. |
| RTOS support | Documented workflows cover bare-metal, Keil RTX, FreeRTOS and Zephyr projects. | The fact sheet lists FreeRTOS and Zephyr among the integrated RTOS options. |
| Support | Keil MDK support offers support cases, a community forum, documentation, and learning videos. | The fact sheet directs users to the MCUXpresso software and tools community and lists professional support and services. |
Plans
Arm Keil MDK
- EssentialPriced on request
- ProfessionalPriced on request
- ProfessionalPriced on request
- CommunityFree
- Keil MDK v6 Essential82.39 CHF a month
- Keil MDK v6 Essential$99 a month
- Keil MDK v6 Professional165.60 CHF a month
- Keil MDK v6 Professional$199 a month
In their own words
Arm Keil MDK
Arm Keil MDK is a toolchain for embedded software targeting Cortex-M and Ethos-U processors. MDK v6 supports command-line, IDE, and continuous-integration workflows across major operating systems. It includes Keil Studio extensions for Visual Studio Code, Keil μVision, Arm Compiler for Embedded, and Arm Fixed Virtual Platform models. Software packs add device and board support, middleware, components, code templates, and example projects independently of the toolchain. Keil Studio supports CMSIS workflows with an integrated debugger and extensions for creating, building, and testing embedded applications. Listed integrations include CMSIS-FreeRTOS, Keil RTX5, MDK-Middleware, IoT clients, CMSIS-DAP, ULink, and third-party debug adapters. Community is for non-commercial use. The listed MDK v6 Essential plan costs $99 a month per license; Professional costs $199 a month per license and adds Arm Virtual Hardware, functional-safety compiler tools, and legacy tools including Arm Compiler 5. Keil μVision is available only for Windows hosts.
MCUXpresso SDK
MCUXpresso SDK is an open-source development kit for NXP processors and evaluation boards. It combines peripheral drivers, device headers, RTOS support, connectivity stacks, middleware, reference software, and example applications for NXP Arm Cortex-M devices and 32-bit digital signal controllers. The SDK Builder lets developers select an MCU or board and optional components to create a tailored package; GitHub repositories and Open-CMSIS-Packs provide other delivery routes. Supported tools include MCUXpresso IDE and its VS Code extension, IAR Embedded Workbench, Keil MDK, and the CLI GNU toolchain. Its components cover USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, OpenThread, AI inference, audio, security, graphics, motor control, and file systems. FreeRTOS and Zephyr are listed RTOS options. The SDK supports Windows, macOS, and Linux hosts, with CMake, Kconfig, west, Ninja, and IDE project generation among its build options. The core project uses BSD-3-Clause, though other projects may differ; partner software may require a separate license. LTS GitHub releases receive two years of back-ported security and severe bug fixes; quarterly releases have no maintenance. Customized ZIP packages typically range from 500 MB to 2 GB.