LibrePCB vs Altium Designer

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

LibrePCB is a Development solution with tags like pcb, eda, schematic-capture, routing.

It boasts features such as Schematic editor, PCB editor, Library manager, Design rule checks, 3D visualization, Export to PDF/PNG/SVG, Import Eagle/KiCad projects, Undo/Redo, Multi-language support and pros including Free and open source, Cross-platform (Windows/Mac/Linux), Intuitive user interface, Active development and community support, Powerful editing tools, No size/layer limits.

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	LibrePCB	Altium Designer
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Development	Development

Product Overview

LibrePCB

Description: LibrePCB is an open source electronics design automation application for printed circuit boards. It allows schematic capture and PCB layout/routing with an intuitive user interface.

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

LibrePCB Features

• Schematic editor
• PCB editor
• Library manager
• Design rule checks
• 3D visualization
• Export to PDF/PNG/SVG
• Import Eagle/KiCad projects
• Undo/Redo
• Multi-language support

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

LibrePCB

Pros

• Free and open source
• Cross-platform (Windows/Mac/Linux)
• Intuitive user interface
• Active development and community support
• Powerful editing tools
• No size/layer limits

Cons

• Limited library compared to proprietary options
• Steep learning curve for beginners
• Lacks some advanced/niche features
• May have bugs due to rapid development

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

LibrePCB

• Open Source

Altium Designer

• Subscription-Based
• Custom Pricing