Zephyr SDK
Zephyr SDK provides GNU and LLVM toolchains for Zephyr-supported architectures, along with host tools for emulation, flashing, and debugging.
What Zephyr SDK is
Zephyr SDK provides GNU and LLVM toolchains for Zephyr-supported architectures, along with host tools for emulation, flashing, and debugging. It comes in GNU, LLVM, and minimal bundle variants, all with host tools, and is available for Linux, macOS, and Windows. Target architectures include ARC, ARM, Microblaze, MIPS, RISC-V, RX, SPARC, x86, and Xtensa. Tools include GDB, custom QEMU, OpenOCD, BOSSA, Xilinx QEMU, and Picolibc; supported build systems include CMake, west, and Ninja. The SDK can be installed from the Zephyr repository with `west sdk install`. Its referenced version is described as recommended for the corresponding Zephyr version, and a compatibility matrix is linked. Zephyr is intended for resource-constrained devices such as connected sensors, LED wearables, modems, and small wireless gateways. The project makes its software available under the Apache 2.0 license, free for commercial and non-commercial solutions. Vendor-specific cryptographic APIs, including TPM and TEE support, are planned.
Good
- Free under the Apache 2.0 license.
- GNU, LLVM, and minimal bundle variants are available.
- Includes QEMU and OpenOCD for emulation, flashing, and debugging.
- Supports Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Watch out
- Vendor-specific cryptographic APIs, including TPM and TEE support, are planned.
- macOS host support is listed for AArch64.
- Windows host support is listed for x86-64.
Who it suits
It suits developers building Zephyr applications for resource-constrained devices and needing toolchains for supported architectures and host operating systems.
Verdict
Zephyr SDK provides a free set of toolchains and host tools for developing Zephyr applications across many listed architectures. Check the host platform details and compatibility matrix, and note that TPM and TEE support are planned rather than listed as available.
Plans and prices
From Zephyr SDK's own pricing page, checked 30 Sep 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Zephyr SDK | Free | Free to use; Apache 2.0 licensed; GNU, LLVM, or minimal bundle variants |
The facts
Each one read from Zephyr SDK's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Bundle options
- The SDK is distributed in GNU, LLVM, and minimal bundle variants, each including host tools.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Compatibility
- The SDK page describes its referenced version as the recommended version for the corresponding Zephyr version and links to a compatibility matrix.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Emulation and debugging
- The included custom QEMU and OpenOCD tools are used to emulate, flash, and debug Zephyr applications.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Installation
- The SDK can be installed from the Zephyr repository with the command `west sdk install`.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Intended users
- The project describes Zephyr as an RTOS for resource-constrained devices, including connected sensors, LED wearables, modems, and small wireless gateways.checked 30 Sep 2026
- License
- The Zephyr Project says its software is available under the Apache 2.0 open source license and free for commercial and non-commercial solutions.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Operating systems
- SDK bundles are available for Linux, macOS, and Windows.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Purpose
- Zephyr SDK provides GNU and LLVM toolchains for Zephyr-supported architectures, plus host tools including custom QEMU and OpenOCD.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Security
- Zephyr documents PSA Crypto with Mbed TLS and describes a monolithic kernel-and-application binary design.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Security limitation
- The security overview says vendor-specific cryptographic hardware and software APIs, including TPM and TEE support, are planned.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Support
- Community support is provided through mailing lists and Discord.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Target architectures
- The SDK lists ARC, ARM, Microblaze, MIPS, RISC-V, RX, SPARC, x86, and Xtensa target architectures.checked 30 Sep 2026
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