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Free Flux alternatives: 4 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Nov 8, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank

4 of the 5 Flux alternatives we track can be used for free (free, open source, or with a free plan). EasyEDA, KiCad and CircuitMaker rank highest, with facts last verified Nov 8, 2026.

Quick comparison

#AppPricingVerified priceOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1EasyEDA logoEasyEDAFree—NoWeb, Windows, macOS +15 of 568.8
2KiCad logoKiCadOpen source—YesWindows, macOS, Linux5 of 564.8
3CiCircuitMakerFree—NoWindows4 of 457.5
4Autodesk Fusion logoAutodesk FusionFree plan + paid—NoWindows, macOS, Web0 of 038.4
  1. EasyEDA logo

    1. EasyEDATop pick

    Best for: Hobbyists and small teams who design boards and order them from JLCPCB

    FreeWeb, Windows, macOS, Linux

    68.8

    score / 100

    Why switch from Flux

    Free browser and desktop PCB editor tied to LCSC parts and JLCPCB ordering, with no subscription for most users.

    Pros

    • Free, including the Pro edition
    • Runs in a browser with nothing to install
    • Shows LCSC part stock and sends boards straight to JLCPCB
    • Imports Altium, Eagle and KiCad designs

    Cons

    • Designs live on the vendor's cloud by default
    • Workflow steers you toward JLCPCB and LCSC
    • Less capable than Altium for complex high-speed boards
    Visit EasyEDA Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.3100
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is EasyEDA a good Flux alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    Price
    Free
    Checked Nov 8, 2026easyeda.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Web app
    Yes, no download needed
    Checked Nov 8, 2026easyeda.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Linux desktop client
    Yes
    Checked Nov 8, 2026easyeda.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Import
    Altium, Eagle, KiCad
    Checked Nov 8, 2026easyeda.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Team collaboration
    Yes
    Checked Nov 8, 2026easyeda.com(opens source in a new tab)
  2. KiCad logo

    2. KiCad

    Best for: Hobbyists, startups and engineers who want a capable PCB tool with no licence cost

    Open sourceWindows, macOS, Linux

    64.8

    score / 100

    Why switch from Flux

    Free, open-source desktop EDA suite with no layer limit and files you keep locally.

    Pros

    • Completely free with no feature limits or seat caps
    • Runs on Windows, macOS and Linux
    • Large official libraries and an active community
    • Projects are local files you fully control

    Cons

    • Fewer advanced high-speed and team collaboration features than Altium
    • Managing custom libraries takes some learning
    • No built-in part sourcing like EasyEDA's LCSC link
    Visit KiCad Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.387
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is KiCad a good Flux alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    License
    GPL v3
    Checked Nov 8, 2026kicad.org(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms
    Windows, Linux, macOS
    Checked Nov 8, 2026kicad.org(opens source in a new tab)
    Simulation
    Integrated SPICE
    Checked Nov 8, 2026kicad.org(opens source in a new tab)
    Manufacturing output
    Gerber and IPC-2581
    Checked Nov 8, 2026kicad.org(opens source in a new tab)
    First released
    1992
    Checked Nov 8, 2026kicad.org(opens source in a new tab)
  3. Ci

    3. CircuitMaker

    Best for: Hobbyists and open-hardware makers who want Altium-grade PCB tools for free and don't mind sharing designs

    FreeWindows

    57.5

    score / 100

    Why switch from Flux

    Free schematic and PCB tool from Altium with cloud projects, for hobbyists who don't need Flux's AI copilot.

    Pros

    • Free with no non-commercial restriction
    • Up to 16 signal plus 16 plane layers and no board size limit
    • Large community parts library backed by Octopart data
    • Fork and reuse other members' published designs

    Cons

    • Only 5 private projects; most work is shared publicly
    • Needs an account and online connection to work
    • Windows only
    Visit CircuitMaker Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.363
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is CircuitMaker a good Flux alternative?

    Verified facts

    4 of 4 verified
    Price
    Free
    Checked Nov 8, 2026circuitmaker.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Layer limit
    16 signal + 16 plane
    Checked Nov 8, 2026circuitmaker.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Commercial use
    Allowed
    Checked Nov 8, 2026circuitmaker.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Owner
    Altium
    Checked Nov 8, 2026circuitmaker.com(opens source in a new tab)
  4. Autodesk Fusion logo

    4. Autodesk Fusion

    Best for: Makers and small product teams who want CAD, CAM and PCB tools in one package

    Free plan + paidWindows, macOS, Web

    38.4

    score / 100

    Why switch from Flux

    Combines electronics and mechanical CAD in one product, useful when enclosure design matters as much as the board.

    Pros

    • CAD, CAM, simulation and electronics in one tool
    • Free personal-use licence for hobbyists
    • Cloud storage with built-in version history

    Cons

    • Personal tier restricts features and commercial use
    • Relies on Autodesk cloud and account
    • Advanced manufacturing features cost extra
    Visit Autodesk Fusion Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.341
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1515
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Autodesk Fusion a good Flux alternative?

    Verified facts

    0 of 0 verified

    No sourced facts yet.