# Altium Develop vs KiCad EDA Comparison
---
## AI Generated Summary
- **G2 reviewers report** that KiCad EDA excels in its **affordability** and **ease of use** , making it a great choice for beginners. Users appreciate its powerful PCB design tools and the fact that it is open-source and free, which allows for a wealth of online tutorials that facilitate learning.
- **According to verified reviews** , Altium Develop stands out for its **collaborative features** that enhance team workflows. Users highlight its ability to manage PCB projects effectively, with integrated version control and design reviews that streamline engineering processes.
- **Reviewers mention** that KiCad EDA offers a **quick setup** experience, with many users finding the onboarding process intuitive. This is particularly beneficial for small businesses and individuals looking to prototype designs without a steep learning curve.
- **Users say** that Altium Develop provides a **fluid and intuitive system** for creating parts, schematics, and PCB layouts. This ease of navigation is often cited as a key advantage, especially for teams that require a structured approach to their design tasks.
- **G2 reviewers note** that while KiCad EDA has a strong community support system, it may not always meet the specific workflow needs of larger teams, which can lead to configuration challenges. This is an important consideration for users who need a highly customizable solution.
- **According to recent feedback** , Altium Develop's task management capabilities are particularly praised for their ability to align development processes within an agile framework, creating a more predictable workflow for both firmware and hardware teams, which can be a game-changer for larger projects.



---
## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the difference between KiCad EDA vs Altium Develop?

KiCad EDA is favored for its ease of setup and open-source accessibility, while Altium Develop stands out for advanced collaboration and workflow features, with both products holding a 4.5/5 G2 rating.

| | [KiCad EDA](https://www.g2.com/products/kicad-eda/reviews) | [Altium Develop](https://www.g2.com/products/altium-develop/reviews) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| G2 Rating (reviews) | 4.5/5 (69 reviews) | 4.5/5 (1050 reviews) |
| Largest Segment | Small-Business | Small-Business |
| Ease of Setup score | 9.3 | 8.3 |
| Quality of Support score | 7.9 | 8.2 |
| Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | Ease of Use | Collaboration |



### How do the pricing models of KiCad EDA and Altium Develop compare?

KiCad EDA is considered the stronger value due to its free and open-source model, while Altium Develop is praised for improved pricing over previous versions but still noted as a premium investment.

- **KiCad EDA:** Reviewers consistently highlight that KiCad EDA offers professional PCB design tools at no cost, making it highly attractive for startups, students, and small businesses.
- **Altium Develop:** Recent reviews note that Altium Develop's subscription fees are now much lower than previous Altium offerings, with several reviewers describing the new pricing as more reasonable, especially for small companies needing a single license.
- **Switching Reason:** Multiple reviewers mention switching to KiCad EDA specifically to avoid the high licensing costs of paid EDA software like Altium.



### What are the best alternatives to KiCad EDA and Altium Develop?

The best alternatives to KiCad EDA and Altium Develop are Autodesk Fusion, AutoCAD, and Altium CircuitMaker.

| Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [KiCad EDA](https://www.g2.com/products/kicad-eda/reviews) | 4.5/5 (69 reviews) | Small-Business | Free and open-source | Ease of Use |
| [Altium Develop](https://www.g2.com/products/altium-develop/reviews) | 4.5/5 (1050 reviews) | Small-Business | Subscription fees now much lower than previous Altium versions | Collaboration |
| [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) | 4.5/5 (520 reviews) | Small-Business | — | — |
| [AutoCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad/reviews) | 4.4/5 (1940 reviews) | Small-Business | — | — |
| [Altium CircuitMaker](https://www.g2.com/products/altium-circuitmaker/reviews) | 4.3/5 (110 reviews) | Small-Business | — | — |



### Which PCB Design features should I prioritize when comparing KiCad EDA and Altium Develop?

Buyers should prioritize ease of setup, collaboration features, workflow efficiency, library management, and cross-platform compatibility when comparing KiCad EDA and Altium Develop.

- **Ease of Setup:** KiCad EDA scores 9.3, Altium Develop scores 8.3.
- **Collaboration Features:** Altium Develop has 136 all-time mentions for collaboration, while KiCad EDA does not have a significant collaboration theme.
- **Workflow Efficiency:** Altium Develop has 101 all-time mentions for efficiency and 15 for workflow efficiency; KiCad EDA is not cited for workflow efficiency.
- **Library Management:** KiCad EDA is cited for library management in recent reviews; Altium Develop is also praised for its library management features.
- **Cross-Platform Compatibility:** KiCad EDA is cited for cross-platform compatibility in recent reviews; Altium Develop is not mentioned for this feature.



### What are the pros and cons of KiCad EDA vs Altium Develop?

KiCad EDA's headline strength is its ease of use and accessibility, while Altium Develop excels in collaboration and workflow efficiency.

- **KiCad EDA strengths:** Ease of use (2 all-time mentions), free and open-source, strong community support, cross-platform compatibility, and easy learning curve for beginners.
- **KiCad EDA trade-offs:** Limited advanced features compared to premium tools, inefficient autorouting, library management can be confusing, lacks integrated cloud collaboration, and some software bugs.
- **Altium Develop strengths:** Collaboration (136 all-time mentions), workflow efficiency (101), ease of use (272), advanced PCB design tools (145), strong integrations (80), cloud services (61), and robust BOM management (35).
- **Altium Develop trade-offs:** Steep learning curve for new users, performance lag and slowdowns (51 all-time mentions), higher cost than free tools, cloud-only aspects can cause workflow disruptions, and some reviewers cite support challenges.



### Is KiCad EDA or Altium Develop better for small businesses?

KiCad EDA is the better fit for small businesses due to its free model and strong small-business reviewer sentiment.

- **KiCad EDA:** Largest segment is Small-Business; reviewers consistently highlight its zero-cost, ease of use, and suitability for startups and small teams.
- **Altium Develop:** Largest segment is Small-Business; reviewers note improved pricing for single licenses but still mention higher costs and a steeper learning curve compared to KiCad EDA.



### Which PCB Design platform has better integrations?

Altium Develop is favored for integrations, with 80 all-time mentions for integrations and strong reviewer sentiment around its ecosystem connectivity.

- **KiCad EDA:** Reviewers mention integration with external libraries and Python scripting for automation, but no third-party integration tools are cited in recent reviews.
- **Altium Develop:** Reviewers highlight integrations with MCAD tools like SolidWorks and cloud-based collaboration, with 80 all-time mentions for integrations.



### How do KiCad EDA and Altium Develop compare on customer support?

Altium Develop and KiCad EDA are rated in near-parity on Quality of Support, with Altium Develop scoring 8.2 and KiCad EDA 7.9.

- **KiCad EDA:** Reviewers describe support as community-driven, with many tutorials and resources available, though some note limited commercial support and slower response for complex issues.
- **Altium Develop:** Reviewers cite helpful customer support and extensive online help, but also mention inconsistent experiences, with some reporting slow or unresponsive support for complex migrations or licensing issues.



### Which is easier to implement, KiCad EDA or Altium Develop?

KiCad EDA is easier to implement, with a higher Ease of Setup score of 9.3 compared to Altium Develop's 8.3.

- **KiCad EDA:** Reviewers consistently praise its simple installation, quick onboarding, and beginner-friendly setup process.
- **Altium Develop:** Reviewers note a steeper learning curve and more complex onboarding, especially when migrating from other tools or setting up cloud workspaces, but also mention that setup is straightforward once licensing is resolved.



### Which product has better Workflows?

Altium Develop is the stronger platform for Workflows, with more workflow efficiency mentions and advanced collaboration features.

- **KiCad EDA:** Workflow is cited as simple and fast for prototyping, with a focus on ease of use and integrated schematic-to-PCB processes; no workflow efficiency mention count is supplied.
- **Altium Develop:** Workflow efficiency is cited in 15 all-time mentions, with reviewers highlighting structured task management, agile workflows, and centralized collaboration as key workflow strengths.



| | Altium Develop | KiCad EDA | 
|---|---|---|
| **Star Rating** | 4.5 out of 5 | 4.5 out of 5 | 
| **Total Reviews** | 1,071 | 69 | 

---
## Top Pros & Cons

### Altium Develop

Pros:
- Ease of Use (269 reviews)
- Features (217 reviews)

Cons:
- Learning Curve (93 reviews)
- Expensive (88 reviews)

### KiCad EDA

Pros:
- Ease of Use (2 reviews)
- Library Management (2 reviews)

Cons:
- Cloud Issues (1 reviews)
- Inefficient Autorouting (1 reviews)

---
## Ratings Comparison
| Rating | Altium Develop | KiCad EDA | 
|---|---|---|
  | **Meets Requirements** | 8.9 (880 reviews) | 8.2 (50 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Use** | 8.1 (898 reviews) | 8.6 (52 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Setup** | 8.3 (438 reviews) | 9.3 (12 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Admin** | 8.3 (147 reviews) | Not enough data | 
  | **Quality of Support** | 8.2 (783 reviews) | 7.9 (39 reviews) | 
  | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 8.5 (141 reviews) | Not enough data | 
  | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 8.8 (853 reviews) | 8.7 (46 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

### KiCad EDA

#### Entry-Level Pricing

Plan: OSS Edition

Price: Free

Description: KiCad is Open Source software.  We offer world-class EDA design tools that are free to use, now and forever.

Key Features:
- 100k+ Symbol and footprint library
- 10k+ 3d Models
- Fast, responsive interface

[Browse all 2 editions](https://www.g2.com/products/kicad-eda/pricing)

#### Free Trial

Yes

---
## Features Comparison By Category

### General-Purpose CAD

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Altium Develop** | 8.4/10 | 87 |
| **KiCad EDA** | N/A | N/A |

#### Design

| Feature | Altium Develop | KiCad EDA | 
|---|---|---|
| **Drawing** | 8.5 (77 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Modeling** | 8.3 (75 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Visualize ** | 8.6 (78 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Rendering** | 8.3 (73 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Edit

| Feature | Altium Develop | KiCad EDA | 
|---|---|---|
| **File Import ** | 8.1 (74 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Push/Pull** | 8.1 (67 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Views** | 8.9 (71 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Grips ** | 8.0 (65 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Collaboration

| Feature | Altium Develop | KiCad EDA | 
|---|---|---|
| **Annotate** | 8.7 (68 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Documentation ** | 8.5 (71 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Data Extract** | 8.2 (65 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Additional Functionality

| Feature | Altium Develop | KiCad EDA | 
|---|---|---|
| **API** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Image Editing** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Activity Dashboard** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Animation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Reference Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Secure Data Storage** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Third-Party Integrations** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Configuration Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Annotations** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Drag & Drop** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Data Synchronization** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **For 3D Printing** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Customizable Templates** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Modeling & Simulation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **For Manufacturers** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Multiple Format Support** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Workflow Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Version Control** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Document Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Sketching and Annotation Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Multiple Projects** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **For Architects** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Content Library** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Bill of Materials Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Collaboration Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Design Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Rules-Based Workflow** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Reporting/Analytics** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Data Visualization** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Generative AI** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Data Capture and Transfer** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Projections** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **AI Copilot** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Real Time Comparisons** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Document Generation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Component Library** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Compliance Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Customizable Branding** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **File Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Real-Time Updates** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Configurable Workflow** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### Product Data Management (PDM)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Altium Develop** | 8.6/10 | 54 |
| **KiCad EDA** | N/A | N/A |

#### Metadata

| Feature | Altium Develop | KiCad EDA | 
|---|---|---|
| **Repository** | 8.6 (46 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Taxonomy** | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | 
| **Types** | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | 

#### Data Management

| Feature | Altium Develop | KiCad EDA | 
|---|---|---|
| **Version Control** | 8.6 (51 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 | KiCad EDA | 
|---|---|---|
| **AI Text Summarization** | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | 
| **AI Image-to-Text** | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | 
| **Generative AI** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Additional Functionality

| Feature | Altium Develop | KiCad EDA | 
|---|---|---|
| **Document Automation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Revision History** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Audit Trail** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Data Visualization** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **File Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Supplier Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Customizable Templates** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Compliance Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Search/Filter** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Activity Dashboard** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Workflow Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Data Synchronization** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Collaboration Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Performance Metrics** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Third-Party Integrations** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **AI Copilot** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Document Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Customizable Branding** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Multi-Language** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Bills of Material** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Configuration Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Template Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Parts Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Catalog Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Drag & Drop** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **File Sharing** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Change Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Reporting & Statistics** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Multi-CAD editing** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **For Manufacturers** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Data Storage Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Design Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Content Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Data Import/Export** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **API** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Access Controls/Permissions** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Product Lifecycle Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Document Classification** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Multi-Channel Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Metadata Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Cost Tracking** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Requirements Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Commenting/Notes** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### PCB Design

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Altium Develop** | 8.7/10 | 785 |
| **KiCad EDA** | 7.9/10 | 42 |

#### Design

| Feature | Altium Develop | KiCad EDA | 
|---|---|---|
| **PCB layout editing** | 9.1 (723 reviews) | 8.0 (40 reviews) | 
| **Schematic editor** | 9.2 (702 reviews) | 8.3 (40 reviews) | 

#### Tools

| Feature | Altium Develop | KiCad EDA | 
|---|---|---|
| **3D modeling tools** | 7.6 (642 reviews) | 6.5 (31 reviews) | 
| **Component placement** | 8.9 (680 reviews) | 8.3 (38 reviews) | 

#### Library

| Feature | Altium Develop | KiCad EDA | 
|---|---|---|
| **Component libraries** | 8.3 (714 reviews) | 7.4 (37 reviews) | 

#### Platform

| Feature | Altium Develop | KiCad EDA | 
|---|---|---|
| **Board size** | 9.1 (673 reviews) | 8.6 (36 reviews) | 
| **Layers** | 9.2 (682 reviews) | 8.5 (36 reviews) | 

#### Customization

| Feature | Altium Develop | KiCad EDA | 
|---|---|---|
| **Custom commands** | Feature Not Available | 7.4 (27 reviews) | 
| **Custom interface** | 7.8 (598 reviews) | Feature Not Available | 

### Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Altium Develop** | 8.3/10 | 31 |
| **KiCad EDA** | N/A | N/A |

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

| Feature | Altium Develop | KiCad EDA | 
|---|---|---|
| **3D/solid modeling Tools** | 8.6 (23 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Rendering Tools** | 8.3 (21 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Drawing Tools** | 9.0 (21 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Editing Tools** | 8.7 (22 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Text Editing Tools** | 8.1 (20 reviews) | Not enough data | 

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

| Feature | Altium Develop | KiCad EDA | 
|---|---|---|
| **Export Files** | 8.7 (24 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Import Files** | 8.4 (23 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **File Interoperability** | 8.3 (20 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Backwards compatibility** | 8.7 (21 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **File size** | 9.3 (18 reviews) | Not enough data | 

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

| Feature | Altium Develop | KiCad EDA | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 | KiCad EDA | 
|---|---|---|
| **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** | 8.6 (19 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### Requirements Management

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Altium Develop** | 7.8/10 | 38 |
| **KiCad EDA** | N/A | N/A |

#### Requirements Authoring and Structure - Requirements Management

| Feature | Altium Develop | KiCad EDA | 
|---|---|---|
| **Structured Requirements Authoring** | 7.6 (7 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Hierarchical Requirements Organization** | 7.9 (7 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Compliance and Governance - Requirement Management

| Feature | Altium Develop | KiCad EDA | 
|---|---|---|
| **Regulated Industry Standards Support** | 7.6 (7 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Administration

| Feature | Altium Develop | KiCad EDA | 
|---|---|---|
| **Requirements Listing** | 9.0 (35 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Centralized Information** | 8.6 (33 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Traceability** | 8.3 (33 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Collaboration and Review - Requirements Management

| Feature | Altium Develop | KiCad EDA | 
|---|---|---|
| **Review and Approval Workflows** | 7.9 (7 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Role-Based Access Control** | 8.3 (7 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Communication

| Feature | Altium Develop | KiCad EDA | 
|---|---|---|
| **Stakeholder Communication** | 6.7 (31 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Internal Communication Enablement** | 7.4 (31 reviews) | Not enough data | 

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

| Feature | Altium Develop | KiCad EDA | 
|---|---|---|
| **Baselining** | 8.3 (7 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Procedural

| Feature | Altium Develop | KiCad EDA | 
|---|---|---|
| **Automated Creation & Testing** | 5.9 (26 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Traceability - Requirements Management

| Feature | Altium Develop | KiCad EDA | 
|---|---|---|
| **Bidirectional Traceability** | 7.6 (7 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Impact Analysis** | 7.6 (7 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Traceability Matrix Generation** | 7.6 (7 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### AI Traceability - Requirements Management

| Feature | Altium Develop | KiCad EDA | 
|---|---|---|
| **Suspect Link Detection** | 7.9 (7 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Integration - Requirements Management

| Feature | Altium Develop | KiCad EDA | 
|---|---|---|
| **ALM and Project Management Tool Integration** | 7.6 (7 reviews) | Not enough data | 

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

| Feature | Altium Develop | KiCad EDA | 
|---|---|---|
| **Complete Audit Trail** | 8.3 (7 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Additional Functionality

| Feature | Altium Develop | KiCad EDA | 
|---|---|---|
| **Document Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Requirements Review** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Data Visualization** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **File Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Stakeholder Defined Attributes** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **AI Copilot** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Access Controls/Permissions** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Lifecycle Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Document Storage** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Communication Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Compliance Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Application Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Collaboration Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Real-Time Data** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Version Control** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Status Tracking** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Commenting/Notes** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Customizable Fields** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Task Progress Tracking** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Projections** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Real-Time Updates** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Bug Tracking** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Project Workflow** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Activity Tracking** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Workflow Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Prioritization** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Project Tracking** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **To-Do List** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **API** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Activity Dashboard** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Customizable Templates** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Assessment Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Generative AI** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Change Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Configurable Workflow** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Agile Methodologies** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Customizable Reports** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Reporting/Analytics** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Budgeting/Forecasting** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Third-Party Integrations** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Task Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Template Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **@mentions** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Task Planning** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Drag & Drop** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Progress Tracking** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Project Planning** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Multiple Projects** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Data Import/Export** | Not enough data | 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)



---
## Reviewer Demographics

### By Company Size

| Segment | Altium Develop | KiCad EDA | 
|---|---|---|
| **Small-Business** | 59.4% | 84.4% | 
| **Mid-Market** | 28.7% | 10.9% | 
| **Enterprise** | 11.9% | 4.7% | 

### By Industry

#### Altium Develop

- **Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing:** 21.5%
- **Automotive:** 10.7%
- **Consumer Electronics:** 10.1%
- **Medical Devices:** 6.6%
- **Aviation & Aerospace:** 6.1%
- **Industrial Automation:** 4.3%
- **Research:** 3.2%
- **Computer Hardware:** 3.1%
- **Higher Education:** 3.0%
- **Mechanical or Industrial Engineering:** 2.6%
- **Other:** 28.8%

#### KiCad EDA

- **Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing:** 40.6%
- **Consumer Electronics:** 12.5%
- **Design:** 7.8%
- **Research:** 6.3%
- **Automotive:** 4.7%
- **Higher Education:** 4.7%
- **Industrial Automation:** 4.7%
- **Education Management:** 3.1%
- **Computer Hardware:** 3.1%
- **Information Services:** 1.6%
- **Other:** 10.9%

---
## Alternatives

### Alternatives to Altium Develop

- [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (519 reviews)
- [AutoCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (2008 reviews)
- [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (724 reviews)
- [SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (699 reviews)
- [Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-solid-edge/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (690 reviews)
- [Designcenter](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (678 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 (1326 reviews)
- [ZWCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/zwcad/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (354 reviews)
- [Teamcenter](https://www.g2.com/products/teamcenter/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (1481 reviews)

### Alternatives to KiCad EDA

- [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (519 reviews)
- [Altium CircuitMaker](https://www.g2.com/products/altium-circuitmaker/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (110 reviews)
- [Autodesk EAGLE](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-eagle/reviews) — 4.0/5 stars (77 reviews)
- [DipTrace](https://www.g2.com/products/diptrace/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (46 reviews)
- [NI Multisim](https://www.g2.com/products/ni-multisim/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (42 reviews)
- [OrCAD Capture](https://www.g2.com/products/orcad-capture/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (34 reviews)
- [EasyEDA](https://www.g2.com/products/easyeda/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (20 reviews)
- [SolidWorks PCB](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks-pcb/reviews) — 3.8/5 stars (14 reviews)
- [ExpressPCB Plus](https://www.g2.com/products/expresspcb-plus/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (29 reviews)
- [Allegro X PCB Designer](https://www.g2.com/products/allegro-x-pcb-designer/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (30 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"

### KiCad EDA

- Title: [What is the best EDA software?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-the-best-eda-software) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "KiCad"
- Title: [How can I turn on only the radsnet of the component I am moving?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/36347-how-can-i-turn-on-only-the-radsnet-of-the-component-i-am-moving) — 1 comment, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Yes you can. If you open Pcbnew, go to the right-hand side toolbar and you will see some tools. The first one (top) is the arrow key for "Select item". The..."

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