Altium Designer is a popular electronic design automation software that offers a comprehensive suite of tools for printed circuit board (PCB) design. While Altium Designer is widely used and highly regarded in the industry, there are several alternatives and competitors available in the market that provide similar functionalities with unique features. In this article, we will explore the 10 best Altium Designer alternatives and competitors to consider in 2024.

1. KiCad

KiCad is an open-source PCB design software that offers a range of powerful tools for schematic capture, PCB layout, and 3D visualization. It is highly customizable and supports multiple operating systems, making it a versatile choice for electronics design engineers. KiCad's active community and extensive library of components make it a strong alternative to Altium Designer.

2. Eagle

Eagle, now part of Autodesk, is a widely used PCB design software that offers a user-friendly interface and robust design tools. It provides features such as schematic capture, PCB layout, and autorouting. Eagle also has a large component library and supports both commercial and hobbyist projects, making it a popular choice among designers looking for a reliable alternative to Altium Designer.

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3. OrCAD

OrCAD, developed by Cadence Design Systems, is a powerful PCB design software that offers a comprehensive set of tools for schematic capture, simulation, and PCB layout. It provides advanced features such as signal integrity analysis and constraint-driven design. OrCAD's strong simulation capabilities and seamless integration with other Cadence products make it a top competitor to Altium Designer.

4. PADS

PADS, developed by Mentor Graphics, is a professional-grade PCB design software that offers a range of advanced features for schematic capture, layout, and analysis. It provides intuitive tools for high-speed routing, thermal analysis, and design rule checking. PADS' extensive library of components and strong collaboration capabilities make it a compelling alternative for engineers seeking a robust design solution.

5. Proteus

Proteus is a comprehensive PCB design and simulation software that offers a seamless workflow from schematic capture to PCB layout and testing. It provides advanced simulation features such as mixed-mode SPICE simulation and virtual prototyping. Proteus also offers powerful debugging tools and integration with popular microcontroller development boards, making it a versatile alternative to Altium Designer.

6. DipTrace

DipTrace is a user-friendly PCB design software that offers an intuitive interface and a range of tools for schematic capture, PCB layout, and 3D modeling. It provides features such as hierarchical design, auto-routing, and real-time DRC. DipTrace's affordability and ease of use make it a great choice for hobbyists and small businesses looking for an alternative to Altium Designer.

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7. EasyEDA

EasyEDA is a web-based PCB design software that offers a cloud-based workspace and a suite of tools for schematic capture, PCB layout, and simulation. It provides an intuitive drag-and-drop interface and supports collaboration among team members. EasyEDA's cloud-based platform and ease of use make it a convenient alternative for designers who prefer a browser-based design environment.

8. CircuitStudio

CircuitStudio, developed by Altium, is a streamlined version of Altium Designer that offers a more affordable package for small businesses and individual designers. It provides a comprehensive set of tools for schematic capture, PCB layout, and 3D visualization. CircuitStudio's familiarity with Altium's design environment and its competitive pricing make it an attractive alternative for users on a budget.

9. DesignSpark PCB

DesignSpark PCB is a free PCB design software that offers a user-friendly interface and a range of tools for schematic capture, PCB layout, and 3D modeling. It provides features such as auto-routing, design rule checking, and real-time collaboration. DesignSpark PCB's affordability and accessibility make it a popular choice for hobbyists and small-scale projects as an alternative to Altium Designer.

10. CircuitMaker

CircuitMaker, also developed by Altium, is a community-driven PCB design software that offers a collaborative platform for designers. It provides a range of tools for schematic capture, PCB layout, and project sharing. CircuitMaker's strong community support and its free-to-use model make it an appealing alternative for designers who value collaboration and community interaction.

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Altium Designer is a widely used and highly regarded PCB design software, but there are several alternatives and competitors available in the market that provide similar functionalities with unique features. KiCad, Eagle, OrCAD, PADS, Proteus, DipTrace, EasyEDA, CircuitStudio, DesignSpark PCB, and CircuitMaker are among the best Altium Designer alternatives and competitors to consider in 2024. These platforms offer a range of powerful tools for schematic capture, PCB layout, and analysis, catering to the needs of different designers and budgets. By exploring these alternatives, engineers can find the PCB design software that best suits their requirements and enhances their productivity in 2024 and beyond.