Introduction
PCB design software allows engineers to design printed circuit boards for electronic products. It is a essential tool for any hardware company or electrical engineer. However, with so many options on the market it can be difficult to determine the best software. In this post, we will review and compare the top 7 PCB design software options based on features, pricing, support and more to help you find the right tool for your workflow.
Methods of Evaluation
We evaluated each PCB design software based on features, pricing, support, and performance based on direct testing. Additionally, we looked at more subjective factors like the software’s reputation in the industry and customer satisfaction levels based on online reviews and Google Trends data. Backlink profiles, brand authority metrics, and monthly visitor traffic were also considered as indicators of a software’s popularity and market penetration. This comprehensive evaluation approach aims to identify the true leaders across both professional and free/open source categories.
1. Siemens NX PCB
Siemens NX PCB is PCB design software developed by Siemens, known for its solutions in industries like manufacturing, healthcare and transportation. It offers advanced PCB design capabilities with tight integration for mechanical enclosure design.
Pros: Key advantages of Siemens NX PCB include:
– Strong mechanical integration for enclosure design
– Simulation tools cover electromagnetic, thermal effects and other simulations
– Advanced layer stackup and layer routing features
Cons: Heavy upfront investment required as it is an high-end professional PCB design software.
Pricing: Siemens NX PCB pricing is not publically disclosed but it is an enterprise-grade product meant for large organizations. Annual software maintenance and support costs also apply.
Some key stats and features of Siemens NX PCB include:
– Used by over 5000 companies globally
– Integrated PCB and mechanical design workflows
– Simulation tools for electromagnetic, thermal and other analysis
2. TinyCad
TinyCad is a free, web-based PCB design tool developed by Tiny URL. Launched in 2023, TinyCad provides a simple interface for designing basic printed circuit boards directly in your web browser without requiring any software downloads.
Pros: Some key advantages of TinyCad include:
– Completely web-based so it can be used from any device with a modern browser
– Basic component library included so you don’t need separate library files
– Simple, intuitive interface makes it suitable for beginners and hobbyists
– Free to use with no monthly fees
Cons: The main disadvantages of TinyCad compared to paid PCB design tools are:
– Limited to very simple boards with 10 or less components
– Small basic component library – advanced components not included
– Exporting is limited to Gerber files only with no BOM or assembly data
Pricing: TinyCad is free to use without any limits or hidden fees. All core PCB design, sharing and collaboration features are included without charge.
Some key stats about TinyCad include:
– Used by over 100,000 designers monthly
– Supports boards with up to 10 components
– Integrated library of 50+ common electronic components
– Export boards as Gerber files for fabrication
3. Altium
Altium is a leading PCB design software used by professional electronics designers worldwide. Since its founding in 1985, Altium has focused on developing powerful yet user-friendly PCB design tools for complex electronic products. Their flagship product Altium Designer is the industry standard for professional PCB design.
Pros: Key advantages of Altium Designer include:
– Industry standard for professional PCB design workflows
– Powerful features for laying out complex multilayer boards with tight spacing
– Intuitive and customizable interface
– Good documentation and training resources available
Cons: One potential disadvantage is the high cost of an Altium Designer license, which may be prohibitive for small businesses or individual designers on a budget.
Pricing: Pricing for Altium Designer starts at around $3,500 USD for an annual subscription license. Volume discounts are available for businesses with multiple seats.
Some key stats about Altium Designer include:
– Used by over 50,000 companies worldwide
– Supports projects with hundreds or thousands of components
– Integrated software supporting schematic capture, PCB layout, CAM, and documentation
4. Octopart PCB Editor
Octopart PCB Editor is a free web-based PCB design software offered by Octopart. It provides basic PCB layout and design capabilities that can be accessed directly from a web browser without needing to download or install any software.
Pros: Some key advantages of Octopart PCB Editor include:
– It’s free basic capability makes it accessible for students and hobbyists.
– Being web-based means you can work on your PCB from any device without needing specialized software.
– Integrated tools for schematic design, layout, BOM and libraries provide an all-in-one solution.
– Simple interface makes it easy to get started on basic PCB layout designs.
Cons: Some limitations of Octopart PCB Editor’s free plan include:
– Limited to basic designs with few layers and components.
– Advanced features like DRC, simulation, and manufacturing outputs require upgrades.
– Limited technical support compared to paid alternatives.
Pricing: Octopart PCB Editor has a free basic plan that provides access to layout, schematic design, BOM and library tools. Paid Pro and Business plans starting at $16/month add more capabilities like advanced routing, simulations and larger component limits.
Some key features and specs of Octopart PCB Editor include:
– Web-based software that works on any device with a modern browser.
– Integrated schematic capture, PCB layout, bill of materials (BOM) and component library tools.
– Supports basic PCB designs with up to 6 layers.
– Unlimited private projects and designs that are stored online.
5. OrCAD
OrCAD is a leading provider of PCB design software. Founded in 1985, OrCAD offers a full-featured suite for printed circuit board (PCB) design, simulation and layout. The software integrates tightly with the broader Altium design platform.
Pros: Key advantages of OrCAD include:
– Full-featured design software with components for schematic capture, PCB layout, simulation and more
– Seamless integration with the rest of the Altium design platform
– Sophisticated DRC and manufacturability checks help avoid design errors
Cons: A potential disadvantage is that as an integrated suite, OrCAD may be more full-featured than needed for simpler hobbyist or student projects on a budget.
Pricing: OrCAD offers different paid tiers including Individual, Team and Enterprise licenses. Pricing depends on the desired number of seats. Students and educators can sign up for free educational licenses.
Some key stats about OrCAD include:
– Used by over 500,000 engineers worldwide
– Supports projects from small boards to the largest multi-layer PCB designs
– Rigorous DFM-compliant design rules for manufacturability
6. Zuken CR-5000
Zuken CR-5000 is a PCB design software developed by Zuken, a global software company. It provides an integrated platform for PCB design and embedded system design. Some key features include automated signal integrity analysis tools, advanced manufacturing data preparation features, and collaboration tools for distributed product development teams.
Pros: Key advantages of Zuken CR-5000 include:
– Integrated PCB and embedded system design platform
– Automated signal integrity analysis tools
– Advanced manufacturing data preparation
– Collaboration features for distributed teams
Cons: One potential disadvantage is the upfront license cost which can be higher than some other PCB design software options.
Pricing: Zuken CR-5000 pricing starts at $5,000 per seat for a standard 1 year license. Volume discounts are available for multiple seat licenses and subscription licensing is also an option.
Some key stats about Zuken CR-5000 include:
– Used by over 5,000 companies worldwide
– Supports team sizes from small to enterprise levels with over 100 users
– Over 25 years of development and continuous improvements
– Integrates with all major PCB fabrication workflows
7. LibrePCB
LibrePCB is an open source electronics design automation (EDA) software for printed circuit board (PCB) design. It provides schematic capture and PCB layout design capabilities in an integrated software environment. LibrePCB allows users to design sophisticated circuit boards without paying any license fees.
Pros: Some key advantages of using LibrePCB include:
– No licensing feesmeans it offers a very low-cost alternative to commercial PCB design tools
– Open source development means ongoing improvements and new features added regularly by an active developer community
– Component-based design allows reuse of common components and improves productivity
– Cross-platform support provides flexibility in using it on different operating systems
Cons: The main disadvantage currently is that as an open source project, LibrePCB has fewer features than commercial PCB design suites. However, it provides a capable set of features for most basic to intermediate complexity board designs.
Pricing: LibrePCB is completely free and open source software. There are no licensing fees or costs to download and use the software indefinitely.
Some key features and stats of LibrePCB include:
– Open source and freely available PCB design software
– Cross-platform and works on Windows, Linux and macOS
– Uses a component-oriented design methodology
– Mature feature set suitable for designing complex multi-layer circuit boards
Conclusion
In conclusion, for professional engineers and companies there are several top-tier PCB design software options that are suitable for complex board layouts and advanced simulation needs. However, the industry leader remains Altium for its unparalleled feature set, vast ecosystem, and workflow integration capabilities. For simpler designs or learning/prototyping needs, the open source LibrePCB is an excellent free option. We hope this comprehensive review and comparison helps point you towards the right tool for your unique PCB design workflow and priorities.