# Altium Develop vs NI Multisim Comparison
---
## AI Generated Summary
- **G2 reviewers report** that Altium Develop excels in providing a unified design environment, allowing users to seamlessly transition from schematic capture to PCB layout. This integration is particularly beneficial for teams, as it facilitates real-time collaboration and version control, making it easier to work together efficiently.
- **Users say** that NI Multisim is highly effective for circuit design, with many praising its ability to sync projects across devices. Reviewers appreciate the resourcefulness of the software, noting that it allows access to a wealth of community-published projects, which can be incredibly useful for learning and inspiration.
- **According to verified reviews** , Altium Develop's extensive built-in libraries and modules significantly enhance productivity. Users highlight that the platform helps them build projects faster and with less confusion, streamlining the entire process from planning to final documentation.
- **Reviewers mention** that while NI Multisim has a strong schematic editor, it faces challenges in PCB layout editing compared to Altium Develop. Users have rated the PCB layout capabilities of Altium significantly higher, indicating a more robust feature set for complex designs.
- **Users report** that both products offer quality support, but Altium Develop has a slight edge in user satisfaction regarding support quality. This is crucial for teams that rely on timely assistance to resolve issues and maintain workflow efficiency.
- **G2 reviewers highlight** that while NI Multisim is more expensive, it is favored by small businesses for its specific features. However, Altium Develop's lower entry price and higher overall satisfaction ratings make it a more attractive option for many users looking for value without compromising on functionality.



| | Altium Develop | NI Multisim | 
|---|---|---|
| **Star Rating** | 4.5 out of 5 | 4.3 out of 5 | 
| **Total Reviews** | 1,034 | 42 | 
| **Largest Market Segment** | Small-Business (59.0% of reviews) | Small-Business (47.6% of reviews) | 
| **Entry Level Price** | Starting at $1,990.00 Per Year | 1,869.00 | 

---
## Top Pros & Cons

### Altium Develop

Pros:
- Ease of Use (272 reviews)
- Features (218 reviews)

Cons:
- Learning Curve (93 reviews)
- Expensive (91 reviews)

### NI Multisim

**Not enough data**

---
## Ratings Comparison
| Rating | Altium Develop | NI Multisim | 
|---|---|---|
  | **Meets Requirements** | 8.9 (850 reviews) | 8.6 (38 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Use** | 8.1 (868 reviews) | 8.6 (38 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Setup** | 8.3 (406 reviews) | Not enough data | 
  | **Ease of Admin** | 8.3 (137 reviews) | Not enough data | 
  | **Quality of Support** | 8.3 (759 reviews) | 8.3 (34 reviews) | 
  | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 8.5 (131 reviews) | Not enough data | 
  | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 8.8 (827 reviews) | 8.7 (35 reviews) | 

---
## Pricing

### Altium Develop

#### Entry-Level Pricing

Plan: Altium Develop Pricing

Price: Starting at $1,990.00 Per Year

Description: Altium Develop offers subscription-based pricing starting at $1,990 per year per workspace, which includes one ECAD Design Author seat and a shared collaboration workspace for projects, libraries, and design data. Additional ECAD Design Author seats can be added for $995 per user per year, with support for up to four additional authors per workspace. The platform also includes unlimited free collaborator access for review, commenting, task management, and BOM visibility at no extra cost. This pricing model is designed to help teams scale design capacity through a per-seat subscription while enabling broad cross-functional collaboration without increasing overall costs.

Key Features:
- Unified Workspace & Collaboration: Cloud-based platform (Altium 365) for PCB design, schematics, MCAD models, and BOMs with real-time collaboration across teams
- Component & Library Management: Centralized component libraries with traceability, lifecycle management, and part request workflows
- Advanced PCB Design: Support for high-speed PCB design, HDI, rigid-flex, and 3D-MID using Altium Designer

[Learn more about Altium Develop](https://www.g2.com/products/altium-develop/reviews)

#### Free Trial

Yes

### NI Multisim

#### Entry-Level Pricing

Plan: Multisim™ Base

Price: 1,869.00

Key Features:
- Recommended for basic circuit design
- Includes 47,000+ manufacturer-verified components and models
- Includes Multisim Live™ Premium access (with active SSP)

[Browse all 3 editions](https://www.g2.com/products/ni-multisim/pricing)

#### Free Trial

Yes

---
## Features Comparison By Category

### General-Purpose CAD

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Altium Develop** | 8.4/10 | 85 |
| **NI Multisim** | N/A | N/A |

#### Design

| Feature | Altium Develop | NI Multisim | 
|---|---|---|
| **Drawing** | 8.5 (77 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Modeling** | 8.3 (74 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Visualize ** | 8.6 (76 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Rendering** | 8.3 (72 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Edit

| Feature | Altium Develop | NI Multisim | 
|---|---|---|
| **File Import ** | 8.1 (74 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Push/Pull** | 8.1 (67 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Views** | 8.9 (70 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Grips ** | 8.0 (65 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Collaboration

| Feature | Altium Develop | NI Multisim | 
|---|---|---|
| **Annotate** | 8.7 (68 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Documentation ** | 8.5 (70 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Data Extract** | 8.2 (65 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### Product Data Management (PDM)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Altium Develop** | 8.5/10 | 49 |
| **NI Multisim** | N/A | N/A |

#### Metadata

| Feature | Altium Develop | NI Multisim | 
|---|---|---|
| **Repository** | 8.5 (41 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Taxonomy** | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | 
| **Types** | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | 

#### Data Management

| Feature | Altium Develop | NI Multisim | 
|---|---|---|
| **Version Control** | 8.5 (47 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Alignment** | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | 
| **Workflows** | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | 
| **Lifecycle** | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | 

#### Generative AI

| Feature | Altium Develop | NI Multisim | 
|---|---|---|
| **AI Text Summarization** | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | 
| **AI Image-to-Text** | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | 

### PCB Design

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Altium Develop** | 8.6/10 | 754 |
| **NI Multisim** | 8.1/10 | 14 |

#### Design

| Feature | Altium Develop | NI Multisim | 
|---|---|---|
| **PCB layout editing** | 9.1 (702 reviews) | 7.8 (12 reviews) | 
| **Schematic editor** | 9.2 (690 reviews) | 9.2 (13 reviews) | 

#### Tools

| Feature | Altium Develop | NI Multisim | 
|---|---|---|
| **3D modeling tools** | 7.6 (637 reviews) | 6.7 (7 reviews) | 
| **Component placement** | 8.9 (669 reviews) | 8.5 (10 reviews) | 

#### Library

| Feature | Altium Develop | NI Multisim | 
|---|---|---|
| **Component libraries** | 8.3 (694 reviews) | 8.3 (13 reviews) | 

#### Platform

| Feature | Altium Develop | NI Multisim | 
|---|---|---|
| **Board size** | 9.1 (667 reviews) | 8.1 (12 reviews) | 
| **Layers** | 9.2 (673 reviews) | 8.0 (9 reviews) | 

#### Customization

| Feature | Altium Develop | NI Multisim | 
|---|---|---|
| **Custom commands** | Feature Not Available | 8.5 (8 reviews) | 
| **Custom interface** | 7.8 (592 reviews) | 7.9 (8 reviews) | 

### Simulation & CAE

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Altium Develop** | N/A | N/A |
| **NI Multisim** | 8.6/10 | 9 |

#### Design

| Feature | Altium Develop | NI Multisim | 
|---|---|---|
| **3D/solid modeling Tools** | Not enough data | 8.1 (6 reviews) | 
| **Drawing Tools** | Not enough data | 8.8 (8 reviews) | 
| **Editing Tools** | Not enough data | 8.5 (9 reviews) | 
| **Rendering tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Tools

| Feature | Altium Develop | NI Multisim | 
|---|---|---|
| **Fluid analysis** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Finite element analysis** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Multibody dynamics** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Work

| Feature | Altium Develop | NI Multisim | 
|---|---|---|
| **Discrete event modeling** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Continuous event modeling** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Mechanical event simulation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Manufacturing process simulation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Integrate** | Not enough data | 8.9 (6 reviews) | 

#### Environment

| Feature | Altium Develop | NI Multisim | 
|---|---|---|
| **Hardware support** | Not enough data | 9.3 (7 reviews) | 
| **Task** | Not enough data | 8.6 (7 reviews) | 
| **Manage Multiple Profiles** | Not enough data | 9.7 (5 reviews) | 
| **Command Clarity** | Not enough data | 9.0 (7 reviews) | 

### Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Altium Develop** | 8.2/10 | 26 |
| **NI Multisim** | N/A | N/A |

#### Tools - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | Altium Develop | NI Multisim | 
|---|---|---|
| **3D/solid modeling Tools** | 8.5 (22 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Rendering Tools** | 8.3 (21 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Drawing Tools** | 8.9 (20 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Editing Tools** | 8.7 (21 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Text Editing Tools** | 8.0 (19 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### File Options - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | Altium Develop | NI Multisim | 
|---|---|---|
| **Export Files** | 8.7 (21 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Import Files** | 8.3 (20 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **File Interoperability** | 8.2 (19 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Backwards compatibility** | 8.6 (19 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **File size** | 9.3 (18 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Customization - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | Altium Develop | NI Multisim | 
|---|---|---|
| **Custom Commands** | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | 
| **Custom Scripts** | 7.5 (17 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Custom Menus** | 7.6 (18 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Custom Interface** | 7.8 (18 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Environment - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | Altium Develop | NI Multisim | 
|---|---|---|
| **Hardware support** | 8.5 (19 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Task-based interfaces** | 8.3 (17 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Manage Multiple Profiles** | 8.3 (18 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Command Clarity** | 8.8 (18 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### Requirements Management

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Altium Develop** | 7.6/10 | 35 |
| **NI Multisim** | N/A | N/A |

#### Requirements Authoring and Structure - Requirements Management

| Feature | Altium Develop | NI Multisim | 
|---|---|---|
| **Structured Requirements Authoring** | 7.7 (5 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Hierarchical Requirements Organization** | 8.0 (5 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Compliance and Governance - Requirement Management

| Feature | Altium Develop | NI Multisim | 
|---|---|---|
| **Regulated Industry Standards Support** | 7.7 (5 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Administration

| Feature | Altium Develop | NI Multisim | 
|---|---|---|
| **Requirements Listing** | 8.8 (31 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Centralized Information** | 8.5 (30 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Traceability** | 8.1 (30 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Collaboration and Review - Requirements Management

| Feature | Altium Develop | NI Multisim | 
|---|---|---|
| **Review and Approval Workflows** | 7.0 (5 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Role-Based Access Control** | 7.7 (5 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Communication

| Feature | Altium Develop | NI Multisim | 
|---|---|---|
| **Stakeholder Communication** | 6.6 (30 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Internal Communication Enablement** | 7.2 (29 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Role-Based Access Co - Requirements Management

| Feature | Altium Develop | NI Multisim | 
|---|---|---|
| **Baselining** | 7.7 (5 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Procedural

| Feature | Altium Develop | NI Multisim | 
|---|---|---|
| **Automated Creation & Testing** | 5.9 (25 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Traceability - Requirements Management

| Feature | Altium Develop | NI Multisim | 
|---|---|---|
| **Bidirectional Traceability** | 6.7 (5 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Impact Analysis** | 7.7 (5 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Traceability Matrix Generation** | 7.7 (5 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### AI Traceability - Requirements Management

| Feature | Altium Develop | NI Multisim | 
|---|---|---|
| **Suspect Link Detection** | 8.0 (5 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Integration - Requirements Management

| Feature | Altium Develop | NI Multisim | 
|---|---|---|
| **ALM and Project Management Tool Integration** | 7.7 (5 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Change Management and Version Control - Requirements Management

| Feature | Altium Develop | NI Multisim | 
|---|---|---|
| **Complete Audit Trail** | 7.7 (5 reviews) | Not enough data | 

---
## Categories
**Shared Categories (1):** [PCB Design Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/pcb-design)

**Unique to Altium Develop (4):** [General-Purpose CAD Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/general-purpose-cad), [Product Data Management (PDM) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/product-data-management-pdm), [Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/mechanical-computer-aided-design-mcad), [Requirements Management Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/requirements-management)

**Unique to NI Multisim (1):** [Simulation & CAE Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/simulation-cae)


---
## Reviewer Demographics

### By Company Size

| Segment | Altium Develop | NI Multisim | 
|---|---|---|
| **Small-Business** | 59.0% | 47.6% | 
| **Mid-Market** | 28.9% | 26.2% | 
| **Enterprise** | 12.2% | 26.2% | 

### By Industry

#### Altium Develop

- **Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing:** 21.9%
- **Automotive:** 10.7%
- **Consumer Electronics:** 10.0%
- **Medical Devices:** 6.5%
- **Aviation & Aerospace:** 6.2%
- **Industrial Automation:** 4.0%
- **Research:** 3.3%
- **Higher Education:** 3.1%
- **Computer Hardware:** 3.0%
- **Design:** 2.5%
- **Other:** 28.9%

#### NI Multisim

- **Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing:** 31.0%
- **Research:** 9.5%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 9.5%
- **Higher Education:** 9.5%
- **Medical Devices:** 4.8%
- **Education Management:** 4.8%
- **Design:** 4.8%
- **Consumer Electronics:** 4.8%
- **Computer Software:** 4.8%
- **Telecommunications:** 2.4%
- **Other:** 14.3%

---
## Alternatives

### Alternatives to Altium Develop

- [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (520 reviews)
- [AutoCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (1936 reviews)
- [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (696 reviews)
- [SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (643 reviews)
- [Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-solid-edge/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (613 reviews)
- [Designcenter](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (628 reviews)
- [Inventor](https://www.g2.com/products/inventor/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (440 reviews)
- [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1327 reviews)
- [ZWCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/zwcad/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (351 reviews)
- [Teamcenter](https://www.g2.com/products/teamcenter/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (1310 reviews)

### Alternatives to NI Multisim

- [MATLAB](https://www.g2.com/products/matlab/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (770 reviews)
- [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (520 reviews)
- [Simulink](https://www.g2.com/products/simulink/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (98 reviews)
- [Autodesk EAGLE](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-eagle/reviews) — 4.0/5 stars (77 reviews)
- [KiCad EDA](https://www.g2.com/products/kicad-eda/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (68 reviews)
- [OrCAD Capture](https://www.g2.com/products/orcad-capture/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (34 reviews)
- [SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (643 reviews)
- [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (696 reviews)
- [Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-solid-edge/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (613 reviews)
- [Inventor](https://www.g2.com/products/inventor/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (440 reviews)

---
## Top Discussions

### Altium Develop

- Title: [Who uses Altium?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/who-uses-altium) — 3 comments *(includes official response)*
  > **Top comment:** "Altium Designer is used mainly by those who create and work with printed circuit boards or PCBs. All electrical products, computers, toasters, remotes, and..."
- Title: [Is Altium Designer free?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-altium-designer-free) — 3 comments
  > **Top comment:** "No, Altium Designer is not free but there is a free viewer that can be downloaded. "
- Title: [What is Altium Designer used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-altium-designer-used-for) — 3 comments
  > **Top comment:** "Altium Desinger is a complete PCB (Printed Circuit Board) design software package, which includes Schematic Capture, PCB Layout, Libraries, Manufacturing..."
- Title: [Is there a way to modelize in 3D the Pcb designs?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/36429-is-there-a-way-to-modelize-in-3d-the-pcb-designs) — 3 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "No or Yes, you can only place 3D bodies for components in PCB and get 3D view of your design. I think by placing components are your will. yes you can..."
- Title: [What is Altium 365 used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-altium-365-used-for) — 2 comments
  > **Top comment:** "Create circuit design & PCB Design"

### NI Multisim

- Title: [What is NI Multisim used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-ni-multisim-used-for) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "NI Multisim is used for designing, simulating, and analyzing electronic circuits. It allows engineers and educators to create both analog and digital circuit..."

---
**Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/altium-develop-vs-ni-multisim)