A practical comparison for hardware engineers, hobbyists, and startups
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn't Read)
Quick picks:
- Just starting? → KiCad
- Need high-speed or flex design? → Altium
- Using JLCPCB for everything? → EasyEDA
Introduction
Ask ten engineers which PCB tool is best, and you'll get ten different answers.
Some swear by open-source KiCad. Others won't touch anything except Altium. Beginners often start with EasyEDA because it runs in a browser.
The truth? There's no single "best" tool. The right choice depends on your budget, project complexity, and career goals.
This article compares three of the most popular PCB design tools. By the end, you'll know which one fits your needs.
Quick Comparison Table
1. KiCad – The Open-Source Champion
Website: kicad.org
KiCad has transformed from a hobbyist-only tool into a legitimate professional-grade EDA package. Version 8 introduced over 1,500 new symbols, 760 new footprints, and better Altium/Eagle import/export.
Strengths:
- ✅ Completely free – No licensing fees, no subscription, no hidden costs
- ✅ Cross-platform – Runs natively on Windows, Linux, and macOS
- ✅ Active community – Thousands of users contribute libraries and plugins
- ✅ Command-line automation – Python scripting and CLI for batch processing
Weaknesses:
- ❌ Steeper learning curve – Interface is less polished than commercial tools
- ❌ No real-time supply chain data – Manual component management
- ❌ Separate schematic and layout apps – Less seamless than Altium's unified environment
Who should use KiCad?
- Students learning PCB design
- Hobbyists and makers on a budget
- Bootstrapped hardware startups
- Anyone who values open-source software
Who should avoid KiCad?
- Professional design firms doing complex high-speed boards
- Teams that need real-time component availability checks
- Anyone who hates manual library management
Developer's note: KiCad's command-line interface makes it uniquely suitable for automation. You can integrate it into CI/CD pipelines for design rule checking – something Altium users can't easily do without expensive add-ons.
2. Altium Designer – The Professional's Choice
Website: altium.com
Altium is the industry standard. It's what most job postings ask for, and it's the tool that scales from simple boards to complex aerospace/medical designs.
Strengths:
- ✅ Real-time supply chain integration – Check component availability and pricing directly in the schematic (powered by Octopart)
- ✅ Advanced routing – Differential pairs, length tuning, impedance control tied to stackup manager
- ✅ Unified environment – Schematic, layout, library, 3D view in one app
- ✅ Altium 365 – Built-in version control and collaboration
Weaknesses:
- ❌ Expensive– Significant annual subscription
- ❌ Steep learning curve – Overwhelming for beginners
- ❌ Windows-only – No native Mac/Linux version
- ❌ Subscription only – Perpetual licenses discontinued for new customers
Who should use Altium?
- Professional hardware engineers in aerospace, medical, automotive
- Funded hardware startups that need to scale
- Anyone whose job requires Altium experience
Who should avoid Altium?
- Hobbyists and students (unless you get a free education license)
- Bootstrapping startups – allocate that budget elsewhere
- Teams still learning fundamentals – you won't use most features yet
3. EasyEDA – The Beginner's Gateway
Website: easyeda.com
EasyEDA is a browser-based tool owned by JLCPCB/LCSC. It's designed for simplicity and tight integration with their manufacturing ecosystem.
Strengths:
- ✅ Zero installation – Runs in any browser, anywhere
- ✅ Extremely beginner-friendly – Intuitive interface, low learning curve
- ✅ Tight JLCPCB integration – One-click order from design to fabrication
- ✅ Huge component library – Direct access to LCSC's inventory
Weaknesses:
- ❌ Limited advanced features – No true high-speed routing or impedance control
- ❌ Performance issues – Can lag on larger designs
- ❌ Vendor lock-in – Built around JLCPCB/LCSC ecosystem
- ❌ Not for professional products – Missing features for complex designs
Who should use EasyEDA?
- Absolute beginners learning PCB design
- Hobbyists making simple Arduino shields or LED boards
- Anyone who plans to manufacture exclusively with JLCPCB
- Students testing ideas without installing software
Who should avoid EasyEDA?
- Anyone designing complex high-speed boards
- Professionals sourcing components from multiple distributors
- Teams requiring design reviews or collaboration
Note on EAGLE: Autodesk EAGLE is being deprecated. If you're still using it, migrate now. The recommended free alternative is KiCad.
Decision Framework
Ask yourself these questions:
1. What's your budget?
2. What's your project complexity?
3. What's your career goal?
4. How do you manufacture?
My Personal Recommendation
If you're just starting: Begin with KiCad. It's free, capable, and teaches professional workflows. The skills transfer to Altium later. Avoid EAGLE – it's being deprecated.
If you're a professional or funded startup: Invest in Altium. The productivity gains for high-speed complex designs justify the cost. Time-to-market matters, and Altium's supply chain integration prevents expensive re-spins.
If you're a JLCPCB super-user: **EasyEDA **is fine for simple boards. But KiCad is the better long-term investment for advancing your skills.
Final Summary
This article is brought to you by AnyPCBA, a China-based PCB manufacturer specializing in small-to-medium volume production. Whether you design in KiCad, Altium, or EasyEDA, we can fabricate and assemble your boards.
Top comments (0)