Is VCDS by RossTech free or paid, can I use other HEX V2 cables??

[MM12]

Is their software free or paid? I'm assuming I would need also need it to connect it with the car and its not wireless.

On there website there are different versions of physical cables, do I need to get those or can I just order hex v2 cables that are much cheaper on amazon?

[Hostile]

Their cables act as the license key for the software.

The only free software they offer is for cars older than 2006 and it’s feature limited.

Of course this is all on their website at http://www.ross-tech.com