Altium Designer alternatives: 3 apps ranked by verified data
Common reasons people leave Altium Designer: expensive subscription, priced through sales, and windows only. We ranked 3 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Altium Designer, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. KiCad currently ranks first.
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Show all 3 alternativesThe best Altium Designer alternative for…
The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.
Best Altium Designer alternative for most people
KiCadFree and open source on every desktop OS, and capable enough for most professional boards.
Best Altium Designer alternative for a free option
EasyEDAFree and browser-based, with built-in part sourcing and ordering from JLCPCB.
Best Altium Designer alternative for a free plan you can upgrade
Autodesk FusionCheaper subscription that pairs PCB design with mechanical CAD in one tool.
Best Altium Designer alternative for open source
KiCadFree and open source on every desktop OS, and capable enough for most professional boards.
Best Altium Designer alternative for Mac
KiCadFree and open source on every desktop OS, and capable enough for most professional boards.
Best Altium Designer alternative for Windows
KiCadFree and open source on every desktop OS, and capable enough for most professional boards.
Best Altium Designer alternative for Linux
KiCadFree and open source on every desktop OS, and capable enough for most professional boards.
Best Altium Designer alternative for working in the browser
EasyEDAFree and browser-based, with built-in part sourcing and ordering from JLCPCB.
Altium Designer alternatives: common questions
What is the best alternative to Altium Designer?
KiCad ranks first right now. Free and open source on every desktop OS, and capable enough for most professional boards. EasyEDA and Autodesk Fusion follow it in our ranking.
Is there a free alternative to Altium Designer?
Yes. KiCad (open source), EasyEDA (free) and Autodesk Fusion (free plan + paid) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.
Is there an open-source alternative to Altium Designer?
Yes: KiCad.
Which Altium Designer alternatives work on Linux?
KiCad and EasyEDA run on Linux.
Why do people switch from Altium Designer?
The complaints we hear most: expensive subscription, priced through sales; windows only; overkill for hobby and simple boards.
How is this list ranked?
Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Altium Designer, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.