Designing printed circuit boards (PCBs) is at the heart of modern electronics, powering everything from smartphones to satellites. With the right PCB layout tool, engineers can streamline workflows, ensure manufacturability, and bring innovative products to life faster and more reliably.
Selecting the best PCB design software depends on project complexity, team size, and budget. From industry giants to open-source favorites, here are 14 of the top PCB layout design tools and software each with brief overview, unique features, applications , use cases, and pricing models.
1. Altium Designer
Altium Designer has easy-to-use interface and powerful features, which make it a go-to for professionals who need both reliability and efficiency in their workflow.
Unique features of Altium:
Unified design environment
Advanced routing
3D Visualization
Powerful simulation
Altium 365 cloud collaboration
When to use Altium:
If your application industry is aerospace, automotive, medical, and consumer electronics - then go for Altium because of high-performance, complex boards design.
Application of Altium :
Ideal for teams needing smooth integration from schematic to manufacturing.
Pricing model of Altium :
Premium, subscription-based
2. Cadence Allegro PCB designer
Allegro is well-known for handling complex designs with ease. It is great at enforcing design rules that are key to both performance and manufacturability, making it a solid choice for engineers working on high-stakes projects.
Unique features of Allegro :
Constraint management
Advanced Routing Feature
Signal/power integrity analysis
DFM/DFT tools
When to use Allegro :
If you are working on large enterprises projects with high-speed, multi-layer, and RF designs in any of telecom, automotive, and aerospace sector, then Allegro is a good option to consider.
Application of Allegro :
Best for complex, high-reliability projects.
Pricing model of Allegro :
Enterprise-level, license-based.
It seems you are exploring hardware design tools, why not checking our hardware engineering scope of work and other articles?
3. KiCad
KiCad packs a punch with its powerful features—and the best part? It is completely free. That combo makes it a favorite among open-source hardware designers looking for a solid, budget-friendly tool.
Unique features of KiCad :
Schematic/layout editor
3D viewer
Unlimited layers
Active community
When to use KiCad :
If you are working on open-source projects for educational, hobby purpose or professional use, KiCad can be a good choice.
Application of KiCad :
It is suitable for a wide range of PCB projects.
Pricing model of KiCad :
Free and Open Source
4. Mentor Graphics Xpedition (Siemens)
Xpedition balances powerful performance with usability, supporting everything from rapid prototyping to production.
Unique features of Xpedition :
Unified workflow
Automated Routing Capability
DFM checks
Thermal Analysis
Multi User Collaboration
When to use Xpedition :
If you are working in enterprise environments with advanced, high-speed, and manufacturable designs - then Xpedition is the good choice.
Application of Xpedition :
It is suitable for large teams and complex projects.
Pricing Model of Xpedition :
Premium and enterprise focused.
5. Siemens PADS
PADS delivers a great balance of features and affordability, making it a smart pick for growing businesses that need reliable PCB design tools without stretching their budget.
Unique features of PADS :
Customizable layout
Smooth Simulation
Thermal Analysis Capability
Mechanical CAD integration
When to use PADS :
If you are focusing on small to mid-size companies for digital, analog, and mixed-signal PCBs then Siemens PADS is a good option.
Application of PADS :
It is great for professional development with budget constraints.
Pricing Models of PADS :
Scalable and cost-effective.
6. OrCAD PCB Designer (Cadence)
OrCAD provides a cost-effective, scalable path for teams planning to scale up to enterprise tools.
Unique features of OrCAD :
Schematic capture
Signal Integrity
Constraint-driven design
Easy migration to Allegro
When to use OrCAD :
If you are coming from small or medium teams; OrCAD is a good option as it shares features with Allegro also.
Application of OrCAD :
It is suitable for entry-level to advanced projects.
Pricing Model of OrCAD :
Accessible and modular licensing
7. Zuken CR-8000
CR-8000 offers 3D design and simulation tools which help resolve manufacturability issues early.
Unique features of CR-8000
3D PCB modeling
Concurrent design
EMC Simulation
Multi board assembly
When to use CR-8000 :
It is used for surface mount, multi-layer, and high-speed boards, especially in automotive and industrial sectors.
Application of CR-8000 :
It is ideal for projects requiring advanced 3D and multi-board capabilities.
Pricing Model of CR-8000 :
Enterprise level
8. Autodesk Eagle
EAGLE is a go-to for rapid prototyping and educational projects thanks to its user-friendly interface and budget-friendly pricing. It is a great option for those who want to get up and running quickly without a steep learning curve.
Unique features of Eagle :
Schematic and Layout Editor
Autorouter
Community Support and Libraries
Fusion 360 integration
When to use Eagle :
If you want to design hobby projects or you are startup or small business then autodesk eagle is a good choice.
Application of Autodesk Eagle :
It is best for simple to moderately complex designs.
Pricing Model of Eagle :
Subscription-based, affordable tiers.
9. Pulsonix PCB Design
Pulsonix combines advanced features with intuitive design, supporting efficient workflows.
Unique features of Pulsonix :
Streamlined interface
Constraints manager
Concurrent routing
3D Viewer
When to use Pulsonix :
If you want to mainstream PCB applications for design reuse and automation then Pulsonix is a great tool.
Application of Pulsonix :
It is suitable for teams want to highlight on usability and productivity.
Pricing Model of Pulsonix :
Commercial, flexible licensing
10. EasyEDA
EasyEDA stands out by directly connecting design with manufacturing, helping streamline the entire process from concept to production. It is specially handy for those who want a smooth, all-in-one workflow without juggling multiple tools.
Unique features of EasyEDA :
Cloud-based editor
LCSC component sourcing
JLCPCB integration
Free Tier
When to use EasyEDA :
If you are working on hobby projects or having small team, it is accessible and it has manufacturing integration.
Application of EasyEDA :
It is perfect for quick prototyping and smooth transition to manufacturing.
Pricing Model of EasyEDA :
Free with paid upgrades.
11. Proteus
Proteus uniquely combines PCB design with real-time microcontroller simulation.
Unique features of Proteus :
Schematic capture capability
PCB layout
Microcontroller Simulation
When to use Proteus :
It is used in education and embedded system prototyping.
Application of Proteus :
It is great for embedded system designers and educators.
Pricing Model of Proteus :
Commercial, modular pricing
12. Upverter
Upverter eliminates installation hassles, enabling real-time teamwork from anywhere
Unique features of Upverter :
Browser-based, real-time collaboration
Integrated libraries
Altium 365 integration
When to use Upverter :
It is cloud-based, collaborative design for distributed teams and startups.
Application of Upverter :
It is ideal for remote teams and collaborative hardware development.
Pricing Model of Upverter :
Free and paid plans.
13. DesignSpark PCB
DesignSpark PCB offers powerful features at no cost, lowering the barrier for new designers.
Unique features of DesignSpark PCB :
Unlimited schematic sheets
Autorouting
3D Visualization Capabilities
When to use DesignSpark PCB :
It is popular among makers and small businesses for its free, feature-rich offering.
Applications of DesignSpark PCB :
Entry-level projects and rapid prototyping
Pricing Model of DesignSpark PCB :
Free
14. DipTrace
DipTrace accelerates workflows with 160,000+ prebuilt components.
Unique features of DipTrace :
Multi-sheet schematics
IPC-7351 libraries
Bulk pin naming
When to use DipTrace :
If you are working with small to medium businesses and use hierarchical designs, then DipTrace can be a good option.
Applications of DipTrace :
Efficient component reuse and modular design
Pricing Model of DipTrace :
Freemium Model
Conclusion
Selecting the right PCB layout tool is essential for ensuring smooth, accurate, and efficient electronic design. Whether you are a hobbyist experimenting at home, a startup building your first prototype, or an enterprise scaling up complex products, today PCB design tools offer a wide range of features—from real-time cloud collaboration to support for high-speed, multi-layer layouts. Take time to assess your project scope, technical skills, and budget to choose the solution that will empower your design process and fuel innovation.