STM32CubeIDE
STM32CubeIDE is a C/C++ environment for editing, compiling, and debugging code for STM32 microcontrollers and microprocessors.
What STM32CubeIDE is
STM32CubeIDE is a C/C++ environment for editing, compiling, and debugging code for STM32 microcontrollers and microprocessors. ST provides an Eclipse-based IDE and a Visual Studio Code variant, and identifies the VS Code version as its primary platform focus. The Eclipse version supports all STM32 MCUs and MPUs; the VS Code version supports all STM32 MCUs. Both support 64-bit Windows, Linux, and macOS. The editor supports GCC and Clang toolchains, while debugging tools include breakpoints, core registers, memory and live-data views, SFR registers, RTOS debugging, and fault analysis. Debug probes include ST-LINK and SEGGER J-Link. The IDE is commonly used with STM32CubeMX and is compatible with TouchGFX Designer, STM32Cube AI Studio, and motor control workbench. The VS Code variant uses CMake and Ninja and can accommodate existing CMake code bases. Telemetry is optional and can be disabled in Visual Studio Code settings. STM32CubeIDE is free to download and use, though the application is proprietary ST software.
Good
- Free to download and use.
- Supports GCC and Clang toolchains.
- Includes RTOS debugging and fault analysis.
- Works with ST-LINK and SEGGER J-Link probes.
- Telemetry is optional and can be disabled.
Watch out
- Requires a 64-bit operating system.
- The application is proprietary ST software.
- VS Code variant supports MCUs, not MPUs.
Who it suits
It suits developers working with STM32 devices who need editing, build, and debugging tools across Windows, Linux, or macOS. The VS Code variant may suit teams using CMake-based projects.
Verdict
STM32CubeIDE combines STM32 development and debugging tools with support for multiple desktop operating systems and probes. Choose the Eclipse version for STM32 MPUs, since the VS Code variant is listed for MCUs.
Plans and prices
From STM32CubeIDE's own pricing page, checked 4 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| STM32CubeIDE | Free | Free to download and use · proprietary ST application |
The facts
Each one read from STM32CubeIDE's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Debugging
- Listed debug features include breakpoints, CPU core registers, memory view, live data, SFR registers, RTOS debugging, and fault analysis.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Debug probes
- The IDE supports ST-LINK and SEGGER J-Link debug probes.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Editor and toolchains
- The product page lists a C/C++ editor and support for GCC and Clang toolchains.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- ST says the IDE is commonly used with STM32CubeMX and is compatible with TouchGFX Designer, STM32Cube AI Studio, and motor control workbench.checked 4 Oct 2026
- License
- ST says STM32CubeIDE is free to download and use, while the application itself is proprietary software from ST.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Notable limit
- The product page specifies 64 bit operating systems only.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Operating systems
- The IDE supports 64 bit Windows, Linux, and macOS.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- STM32CubeIDE is a C/C++ development environment for editing, compiling, and debugging STM32 code.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Support resources
- ST links users to online documentation, debugging tutorials, and its community and support resources.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Telemetry
- The VS Code documentation says telemetry collects minimal, non-personal information, is optional, and can be disabled through Visual Studio Code settings.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Two variants
- ST offers an Eclipse based IDE and STM32CubeIDE for Visual Studio Code, and says it is focusing resources on the VS Code variant as its primary IDE platform.checked 4 Oct 2026
- VS Code build workflow
- The VS Code variant uses CMake and Ninja and ST says it can bring existing CMake code bases into the environment with close to zero porting effort.checked 4 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- Device support
- The Eclipse variant supports all STM32 MCUs and MPUs; the VS Code variant supports all STM32 MCUs.checked 4 Oct 2026
Alternatives to STM32CubeIDE
- 1

Arduino IDE
Free planOpen sourceAndroidiOSWebAPI8.0Free plan - 2

Arm Keil MDK
Free planWebAPIExtensionLinux7.9From 82.39 CHF a month - 3

PlatformIO IDE
Free planExtensionLinuxmacOSSelf-hosted7.0Free plan - 4

IAR Embedded Workbench
Free planExtensionLinuxWindows6.9Free plan - 5
CS+
Free planLinuxmacOSWindows6.4Free plan - 6

Eclipse IDE
Free planLinuxmacOSWindows6.4Free plan
