LibrePCB vs KiCad
Side-by-side comparison for macOS
LibrePCB
8.0EDA software to develop printed circuit boards
KiCad
9.0Electronics design automation suite
| Metric | LibrePCB | KiCad |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Developer Tools | Developer Tools |
| AI Score | 8.0 | 9.0 |
| 30-day Installs | 56 | 1.4K |
| 90-day Installs | 191 | 2.8K |
| 365-day Installs | 740 | 7.1K |
| Version | 2.0.1 | 10.0.1 |
| Auto-updates | No | No |
| Deprecated | No | No |
| GitHub Stars | 2.8K | 2.6K |
| GitHub Forks | 325 | 597 |
| Open Issues | 181 | - |
| License | GPL-3.0 | GPL-3.0 |
| Language | C++ | C++ |
| Last GitHub Commit | 1mo ago | 1mo ago |
| First Seen | Apr 24, 2020 | Nov 4, 2014 |
Reviews
LibrePCB
LibrePCB is a free and open-source EDA software for designing printed circuit boards, offering a powerful alternative to proprietary tools. It includes features like schematic capture, PCB layout, and design rule checking, benefiting engineers and hobbyists seeking a cost-effective solution.
LibrePCB is an EDA software suite for designing printed circuit boards, offering tools for schematic capture, PCB layout, and design rule checking.
Pros
- + Free and open-source, providing a cost-effective solution for PCB design.
- + Comprehensive features including schematic capture, PCB layout, and design rule checking.
- + Active development with frequent updates and a strong community backing.
Cons
- - No auto-update feature, requiring manual checks for new releases.
- - Limited community discussion outside of Hacker News.
KiCad
KiCad is a comprehensive open-source suite for electronics design automation, offering tools for circuit design and PCB layout. It's widely used by both hobbyists and professionals, making it a versatile tool for various electronic projects.
KiCad provides tools for designing and simulating electronic circuits and printed circuit boards.
Pros
- + Comprehensive set of tools for PCB design and simulation
- + Open-source and free to use
- + Active and supportive community
- + Cross-platform compatibility
Cons
- - Development primarily on GitLab, with GitHub as a mirror
- - No automatic updates feature