The top package is $895 and allows designs of unlimited size.Įach level increases the maximum number of pins and signal layers allowed. They offer various levels of the software starting from only $75. One of my favorite things about DipTrace is its upgrade levels. Plan on spending at least several days, but more likely weeks, learning how to use any of them (especially Eagle!).įortunately, there is a much cheaper alternative with an incredibly intuitive user interface. Eagle is a little more affordable at $1,640.įor a struggling entrepreneur or freelance engineer just getting started, all three of these packages are probably prohibitively expensive. Most people developing PCBs independently, like entrepreneurs, hackers, and freelance designers, usually can’t afford to shell out that kind of cash on a software.Īlthough significantly cheaper than Altium, neither Eagle or OrCad can really be considered affordable.

A good amount of freelancers splurge on Altium because it’s what they already know. Because of that it’s also the package that many new freelance engineers are most familiar. It’s good software, but that’s pretty crazy.Īltium is the most popular PCB design package among those with a company’s budget behind them. That being said, there are three PCB design packages that are the most popular: Altium, Eagle, and OrCAD.Īltium Designer is considered the Ferrari of PCB design packages and starts at over $7,000! No that is not a typo. There are numerous software packages available for designing printed circuit boards (PCBs), too many in fact.

Diptrace price