FreePCB vs Altium Designer

Struggling to choose between FreePCB and Altium Designer? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

FreePCB is a Development solution with tags like pcb-design, schematics, layouts, autorouting, design-rule-checking.

It boasts features such as Schematic capture, PCB layout, Auto-routing, Design Rule Checking, Library editors, 3D view and pros including Free and open source, Cross-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux), Good for hobbyists and students, Active community support.

On the other hand, Altium Designer is a Development product tagged with pcb-design, schematic-capture, layout, manufacturing.

Its standout features include PCB Layout and Routing, 3D PCB Visualization, FPGA Design, MCAD Co-Design, BOM Generation and Supply Chain Management, Simulation and Signal Integrity Analysis, Version Control and Design Data Management, and it shines with pros like Powerful routing and layout tools, Intuitive 3D visualization, Tight integration between schematic and PCB, Support for complex designs like high-speed or RF, Extensive component libraries.

Feature	FreePCB	Altium Designer
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Development	Development

Product Overview

FreePCB

Description: FreePCB is an open-source printed circuit board design software. It allows designers to create schematics and layouts for printed circuit boards. FreePCB has features like auto-routing, Design Rule Checking, and library editors.

Altium Designer

Description: Altium Designer is professional printed circuit board (PCB) design software used for schematic capture, PCB layout, and file output for manufacturing. It helps engineers design and prototype complex electronic hardware products.

Key Features Comparison

FreePCB Features

• Schematic capture
• PCB layout
• Auto-routing
• Design Rule Checking
• Library editors
• 3D view

Altium Designer Features

• PCB Layout and Routing
• 3D PCB Visualization
• FPGA Design
• MCAD Co-Design
• BOM Generation and Supply Chain Management
• Simulation and Signal Integrity Analysis
• Version Control and Design Data Management

Pros & Cons Analysis

FreePCB

Pros

• Free and open source
• Cross-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux)
• Good for hobbyists and students
• Active community support

Cons

• Limited features compared to paid options
• Steep learning curve
• Lacks some advanced/professional features

Altium Designer

Pros

• Powerful routing and layout tools
• Intuitive 3D visualization
• Tight integration between schematic and PCB
• Support for complex designs like high-speed or RF
• Extensive component libraries

Cons

• Steep learning curve
• Expensive licensing model
• Limited free version capabilities
• Resource intensive

Pricing Comparison

FreePCB

• Open Source

Altium Designer

• Subscription-Based
• Custom Pricing