Quick Overview
- 1#1: Altium Designer - Comprehensive PCB design platform with integrated schematic capture, 3D layout, simulation, and manufacturing outputs.
- 2#2: OrCAD - Professional suite for schematic capture, PCB layout, simulation, and signal integrity analysis.
- 3#3: Autodesk Eagle - PCB design software with schematic editor, board layout, and integration into Fusion 360 for 3D modeling.
- 4#4: KiCad - Free open-source EDA suite for schematic capture, PCB design, 3D viewer, and Gerber generation.
- 5#5: Siemens Xpedition - Advanced enterprise PCB design system with high-speed layout, constraint management, and team collaboration.
- 6#6: AutoCAD Electrical - Specialized toolset for creating electrical control systems, wiring diagrams, and panel layouts.
- 7#7: EPLAN Electric P8 - CAx software for planning and designing electrical engineering projects with automated documentation.
- 8#8: SolidWorks Electrical - Integrated electrical schematic and 3D CAD design for automation and control systems.
- 9#9: DipTrace - Affordable PCB design software featuring schematic capture, auto-routing, and 3D preview.
- 10#10: EasyEDA - Web-based EDA tool for circuit simulation, PCB design, and direct manufacturing integration.
These tools were selected and ranked based on robust feature sets, performance in complex design tasks, intuitive user interfaces, and overall value, ensuring they cater to both individual designers and large teams.
Comparison Table
Selecting the right electrical design software is key to optimizing project outcomes, with a variety of tools available to suit different scales and needs. This comparison table explores options like Altium Designer, OrCAD, Autodesk Eagle, KiCad, Siemens Xpedition, and more, highlighting their core features, strengths, and best-use scenarios to guide informed decisions.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Altium Designer Comprehensive PCB design platform with integrated schematic capture, 3D layout, simulation, and manufacturing outputs. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 2 | OrCAD Professional suite for schematic capture, PCB layout, simulation, and signal integrity analysis. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Autodesk Eagle PCB design software with schematic editor, board layout, and integration into Fusion 360 for 3D modeling. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 4 | KiCad Free open-source EDA suite for schematic capture, PCB design, 3D viewer, and Gerber generation. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.9/10 | 10.0/10 |
| 5 | Siemens Xpedition Advanced enterprise PCB design system with high-speed layout, constraint management, and team collaboration. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 6 | AutoCAD Electrical Specialized toolset for creating electrical control systems, wiring diagrams, and panel layouts. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | EPLAN Electric P8 CAx software for planning and designing electrical engineering projects with automated documentation. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.1/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 8 | SolidWorks Electrical Integrated electrical schematic and 3D CAD design for automation and control systems. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | DipTrace Affordable PCB design software featuring schematic capture, auto-routing, and 3D preview. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 10 | EasyEDA Web-based EDA tool for circuit simulation, PCB design, and direct manufacturing integration. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
Comprehensive PCB design platform with integrated schematic capture, 3D layout, simulation, and manufacturing outputs.
Professional suite for schematic capture, PCB layout, simulation, and signal integrity analysis.
PCB design software with schematic editor, board layout, and integration into Fusion 360 for 3D modeling.
Free open-source EDA suite for schematic capture, PCB design, 3D viewer, and Gerber generation.
Advanced enterprise PCB design system with high-speed layout, constraint management, and team collaboration.
Specialized toolset for creating electrical control systems, wiring diagrams, and panel layouts.
CAx software for planning and designing electrical engineering projects with automated documentation.
Integrated electrical schematic and 3D CAD design for automation and control systems.
Affordable PCB design software featuring schematic capture, auto-routing, and 3D preview.
Web-based EDA tool for circuit simulation, PCB design, and direct manufacturing integration.
Altium Designer
enterpriseComprehensive PCB design platform with integrated schematic capture, 3D layout, simulation, and manufacturing outputs.
Fully integrated 3D PCB editor with direct MCAD import/export for mechanical-electrical co-design
Altium Designer is a premier electronic design automation (EDA) software suite that provides an integrated environment for schematic capture, PCB layout, 3D modeling, simulation, and manufacturing outputs. It supports complex multi-board systems, FPGA design, and real-time collaboration via Altium 365 cloud platform. Renowned for its unified workflow, it streamlines the entire electronics design process from concept to production, making it a industry standard for professional engineers.
Pros
- Unified platform integrating schematic, PCB, 3D, and simulation tools
- Advanced multi-board design and signal integrity analysis
- Seamless cloud collaboration and version control with Altium 365
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- High subscription cost
- Resource-intensive, requiring powerful hardware
Best For
Professional electrical engineers and teams handling complex, high-speed PCB designs in enterprise environments.
Pricing
Annual subscription starts at ~$9,990 per user; perpetual licenses and multi-user options available with additional fees.
OrCAD
enterpriseProfessional suite for schematic capture, PCB layout, simulation, and signal integrity analysis.
PSpice simulator, offering unmatched accuracy in mixed-signal analysis with extensive model libraries and behavioral modeling
OrCAD, developed by Cadence Design Systems, is a comprehensive electronic design automation (EDA) suite tailored for PCB design, schematic capture, and simulation. It excels in handling complex electrical designs through integrated tools like OrCAD Capture for schematics, PSpice for analog/mixed-signal simulation, and PCB Editor for layout and routing. Widely adopted in professional engineering environments, it supports the full design flow from concept to manufacturing with robust verification and collaboration features.
Pros
- Industry-leading PSpice simulation for accurate analog, digital, and mixed-signal analysis
- Seamless integration across schematic capture, PCB layout, and design reuse tools
- Extensive component libraries and advanced design rule checking for reliable manufacturing
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface and workflow
- High licensing costs, especially for enterprise features
- User interface appears dated compared to modern competitors
Best For
Professional electrical engineers and teams designing complex, high-reliability PCBs in industries like aerospace, automotive, and consumer electronics.
Pricing
Free Lite edition available; full professional licenses start at ~$2,500/year per user, with enterprise subscriptions scaling higher based on modules.
Autodesk Eagle
enterprisePCB design software with schematic editor, board layout, and integration into Fusion 360 for 3D modeling.
Native integration with Fusion 360 for unified ECAD-MCAD workflows and direct manufacturing outputs
Autodesk Eagle is a comprehensive PCB design software that facilitates schematic capture, board layout, and Gerber file generation for electrical engineers. It features an extensive component library, autorouting capabilities, and design rule checking to streamline the design process. Integrated with Autodesk Fusion 360, it supports 3D PCB visualization and seamless collaboration between electrical and mechanical design.
Pros
- Vast library of over 2 million components with easy customization
- Seamless integration with Fusion 360 for 3D modeling and manufacturing
- Cross-platform support including Windows, macOS, and Linux
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners due to scripting (ULP) requirements
- Subscription model limits free version to 2-layer boards up to 80cm²
- Autorouter can be unreliable for complex, high-density designs
Best For
Professional electrical engineers and advanced hobbyists seeking robust PCB design with MCAD integration.
Pricing
Free tier for hobbyists (2 layers, 80cm²); Standard at $125/year; Premium at $515/year with unlimited boards.
KiCad
specializedFree open-source EDA suite for schematic capture, PCB design, 3D viewer, and Gerber generation.
Fully open-source ecosystem with unrestricted access to source code for customization and extensions
KiCad is a free, open-source electronic design automation (EDA) suite for creating schematics, PCB layouts, and Gerber files for manufacturing. It includes tools for symbol and footprint libraries, a 3D viewer with ray-tracing, and SPICE simulation integration. Widely used by hobbyists, educators, and professionals, it supports complex multi-layer boards without licensing costs.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no feature limitations
- Cross-platform support and active community libraries
- Integrated 3D visualization and manufacturing outputs
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for beginners compared to commercial tools
- Library management can be cumbersome without third-party plugins
- UI feels less polished than premium alternatives like Altium
Best For
Hobbyists, students, and small teams needing a cost-free, full-featured PCB design solution.
Pricing
Free (open-source, no licensing or subscription fees)
Siemens Xpedition
enterpriseAdvanced enterprise PCB design system with high-speed layout, constraint management, and team collaboration.
Advanced constraint manager with patented shape-based routing for automated, error-free high-speed design compliance
Siemens Xpedition is an enterprise-grade electronic design automation (EDA) platform specializing in advanced PCB schematic capture, layout, and routing for complex, high-speed designs. It features constraint-driven workflows, integrated 3D modeling, signal integrity analysis via HyperLynx, and seamless collaboration tools for large teams. The software excels in multi-board systems and supports full digital twin integration with Siemens' Xcelerator portfolio for manufacturing handoff.
Pros
- Exceptional constraint-driven design automation for high-speed PCBs
- Integrated SI/PI simulation and 3D verification
- Robust team collaboration and enterprise scalability
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- High licensing costs
- Resource-heavy performance on standard hardware
Best For
Large engineering teams in aerospace, automotive, or telecom developing mission-critical, multi-layer high-speed PCBs.
Pricing
Enterprise subscription model; starts at ~$15,000 per user/year, with custom pricing for teams and modules.
AutoCAD Electrical
enterpriseSpecialized toolset for creating electrical control systems, wiring diagrams, and panel layouts.
Automated project-wide wire and terminal numbering that maintains consistency and generates accurate reports effortlessly
AutoCAD Electrical is a specialized CAD toolset within the AutoCAD platform designed for electrical engineers to create schematics, panel layouts, wiring diagrams, and control system designs. It features automated tools for wire numbering, component tagging, error checking, and generating reports like BOMs and wire lists. With extensive libraries of industry-standard symbols and components, it supports compliance with international standards and integrates seamlessly with Autodesk Inventor for 3D mechatronics.
Pros
- Comprehensive symbol libraries from leading manufacturers
- Automation for wire numbering, tagging, and error checking saves significant time
- Strong integration with Autodesk ecosystem for 2D/3D workflows
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to AutoCAD foundation
- High subscription costs may deter small firms
- Can be resource-heavy on complex projects
Best For
Established electrical engineering firms and professionals handling large-scale control system designs within the Autodesk ecosystem.
Pricing
Annual subscription starts at ~$2,310 USD; bundled options available with AutoCAD or Autodesk Flex for flexibility.
EPLAN Electric P8
enterpriseCAx software for planning and designing electrical engineering projects with automated documentation.
EPLAN Data Portal, providing access to over 1.5 million verified manufacturer parts for seamless component selection and data consistency.
EPLAN Electric P8 is a comprehensive CAE software suite for electrical engineering, specializing in the design, documentation, and management of electrotechnical projects from schematics to 3D panel layouts. It automates tasks like wire numbering, cross-referencing, and BOM generation, while integrating with PLC programming, manufacturing, and ERP systems. Used primarily in automation, machine building, and panel production industries, it supports the full engineering lifecycle with high precision and data consistency.
Pros
- Advanced automation for schematics, macros, and reports
- Extensive manufacturer-certified parts database
- Strong integration with PLCs, ERP, and manufacturing processes
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring significant training
- High cost with modular pricing structure
- Resource-heavy, demanding powerful hardware
Best For
Large engineering firms and automation specialists handling complex control systems and panel designs that require deep integration and automation.
Pricing
Quote-based; modular licenses start at around €5,000-€10,000 annually per user, scaling up with additional modules and multi-user setups.
SolidWorks Electrical
enterpriseIntegrated electrical schematic and 3D CAD design for automation and control systems.
Real-time bi-directional integration with SolidWorks 3D CAD for automated electrical routing in assemblies
SolidWorks Electrical is a professional electrical design software suite from Dassault Systèmes that specializes in creating 2D electrical schematics, single-line diagrams, and control panel layouts. It integrates seamlessly with SolidWorks 3D CAD for electromechanical design, enabling automated wire routing, cable management, and real-time synchronization between electrical and mechanical models. The tool supports comprehensive project management, component libraries, and automated report generation for manufacturing outputs like BOMs and wire lists.
Pros
- Seamless integration with SolidWorks 3D for electromechanical projects
- Powerful automation for wire numbering, cross-references, and reports
- Extensive component libraries and real-time collaboration tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve, especially for users new to SolidWorks ecosystem
- High subscription costs limit accessibility for small teams
- Overkill for simple schematic-only designs without 3D needs
Best For
Engineering teams in machinery, automation, and manufacturing who require integrated 2D electrical and 3D mechanical design workflows.
Pricing
Subscription-based, typically $4,000–$7,000 per user annually for core modules, with bundles and enterprise quotes available; perpetual licenses also offered with maintenance fees.
DipTrace
specializedAffordable PCB design software featuring schematic capture, auto-routing, and 3D preview.
Shape-based vector autorouter that excels at high-speed, multi-layer routing with minimal manual intervention
DipTrace is a comprehensive EDA suite for schematic capture, PCB layout, and library management, enabling users to design professional printed circuit boards from concept to manufacturing. It features advanced tools like shape-based autorouting, 3D preview, and multi-layer support up to 32 layers. The software emphasizes speed and usability, making it suitable for both hobbyists and professional engineers.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with short learning curve
- Powerful shape-based autorouter for complex boards
- Perpetual licensing model with strong value
Cons
- Limited native simulation capabilities
- Component library management can be tedious
- Fewer enterprise-level collaboration tools
Best For
Freelance engineers, small teams, and hobbyists needing affordable, reliable PCB design without subscription costs.
Pricing
One-time perpetual licenses from $75 (Lite) to $1,495 (Expert); includes 1-year free updates.
EasyEDA
specializedWeb-based EDA tool for circuit simulation, PCB design, and direct manufacturing integration.
Seamless end-to-end workflow from design to manufacturing with LCSC parts and JLCPCB fab/assembly
EasyEDA is a free, web-based electronic design automation (EDA) tool that enables schematic capture, PCB layout, and circuit simulation directly in the browser. It offers a massive library of over 1 million components from LCSC, with seamless integration for PCB fabrication via JLCPCB. Popular among hobbyists and educators, it supports real-time collaboration in the Pro version and includes basic SPICE simulation capabilities.
Pros
- Fully browser-based with no installation required
- Vast LCSC-sourced component library
- Direct integration with JLCPCB for easy manufacturing
Cons
- Limited advanced simulation and analysis tools
- Performance issues with very large or complex designs
- Requires constant internet connection
Best For
Hobbyists, students, and small teams designing simple to moderately complex PCBs without needing heavy professional-grade features.
Pricing
Free Standard version; Pro at $9.90/month or $99/year for collaboration and advanced tools.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools cater to a wide range of needs, from enterprise-level PCB design to accessible web-based solutions, with clear leaders in performance. Altium Designer stands out as the top choice, offering a comprehensive platform that integrates schematic capture, 3D layout, and robust manufacturing outputs. OrCAD and Autodesk Eagle follow as strong alternatives, excelling in signal integrity and Fusion 360 integration respectively, making them valuable for specialized workflows.
Explore Altium Designer to unlock its integrated capabilities and take your electrical design projects to the next level—don't let its strength go untested.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison