Is MAXQDA a free software?

No, it is not free software. The software can be purchased with a year-long license that includes all updates. Or it can be purchased as a non-expiring license but will only include updates for the version of Maxqda that you purchase. e.g., if you purchase MaxQDA 2022 as a non-expiring license, you will receive all updates for MaxQDA 2022, but when MaxQDA 2024 is released, you will have to purchase a new license.

No, Maxqda is proprietary software for which a paid license is needed to use the full version. However, a free "Reader" version is available to read databases that were created in the paid version. QDA software tends to be quite pricy, but MaxQDA is priced in the mid-range. HyperResearch and QDA Miner are priced lower, while other QDA applications such as AtlasTI and Nvivo are more expensive.