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EDA Software Comparison
Compare features and pricing of popular PCB design software tools.
Quick Comparison
| Software | Price | Platform | PCB Layers | Auto-Router | Simulation | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
🔧KiCad | $0 | Windows, macOS, Linux | Unlimited | Built-in (basic) | Yes (ngspice) | Intermediate |
⭐Altium Designer | $2,535/year+ | Windows only | Unlimited | Advanced (ActiveRoute) | Yes (integrated) | Advanced |
🦅Eagle (Autodesk) | $0 - $545/year | Windows, macOS, Linux | Limited (free: 2) | Basic | Limited | Beginner |
🌐EasyEDA | $0 - subscription | Web-based, Desktop | Up to 32 | Cloud-based | Yes (browser) | Beginner |
🔶OrCAD | $3,000+ | Windows only | Unlimited | Advanced | PSpice (industry standard) | Advanced |
🔷Fusion 360 Electronics | $545/year | Windows, macOS | 16 | Basic | Limited | Intermediate |
Detailed Information
🔧
KiCad
kicad.org
$0
Free & Open Source
Platform:
Windows, macOS, Linux
Collaboration:
Limited
Strengths
- Completely free with no limitations
- Active open-source community
- Professional-grade features
Limitations
- Steeper learning curve
- UI less polished than commercial tools
- Auto-router is basic
Best For: Hobbyists, students, open-source projects, professionals who want no licensing restrictions
⭐
Altium Designer
altium.com
$2,535/year+
Subscription
Platform:
Windows only
Collaboration:
Excellent (Altium 365)
Strengths
- Industry-leading features
- Excellent auto-routing
- Great documentation
Limitations
- Very expensive
- Windows only
- Steep learning curve
Best For: Professional engineers, aerospace, medical, automotive industries
🦅
Eagle (Autodesk)
autodesk.com/eagle
$0 - $545/year
Subscription (Free tier)
Platform:
Windows, macOS, Linux
Collaboration:
Fusion 360 integration
Strengths
- Free tier available
- Large community
- Many tutorials available
Limitations
- Free version very limited
- Being phased out by Autodesk
- Future uncertain
Best For: Hobbyists on budget, small projects, Arduino/maker community
🌐
EasyEDA
easyeda.com
$0 - subscription
Free (Pro available)
Platform:
Web-based, Desktop
Collaboration:
Real-time
Strengths
- Free and no installation
- JLCPCB integration
- Easy to learn
Limitations
- Internet required
- Limited offline capability
- Less control over files
Best For: Beginners, quick prototypes, JLCPCB customers, education
🔶
OrCAD
orcad.com
$3,000+
Perpetual + Subscription
Platform:
Windows only
Collaboration:
Limited
Strengths
- Industry standard for simulation
- PSpice integration
- Powerful DRC
Limitations
- Expensive
- Dated interface
- Complex licensing
Best For: Large enterprises, simulation-heavy projects, defense/aerospace
🔷
Fusion 360 Electronics
autodesk.com/fusion360
$545/year
Subscription
Platform:
Windows, macOS
Collaboration:
Good (cloud)
Strengths
- 3D mechanical integration
- Modern cloud-based
- Good for enclosure design
Limitations
- Still maturing
- Limited high-speed features
- Subscription required
Best For: Product designers, MCAD/ECAD collaboration, startups
Our Recommendations
👋
For Beginners
Start with EasyEDA or KiCad
Both are free and have great learning resources
💼
For Professionals
Altium Designer or KiCad
Altium for enterprises, KiCad for flexibility
🎓
For Students
KiCad or Fusion 360
Free options with industry-relevant skills