# NI Multisim, Ultiboard vs KiCad EDA Comparison

| | NI Multisim | Ultiboard | KiCad EDA | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Star Rating** | 4.3 out of 5 | 4.3 out of 5 | 4.5 out of 5 | 
| **Total Reviews** | 42 | 22 | 68 | 
| **Largest Market Segment** | Small-Business (47.6% of reviews) | Small-Business (66.7% of reviews) | Small-Business (84.1% of reviews) | 
| **Entry Level Price** | 1,869.00 | No pricing available | Free | 

---
## Top Pros & Cons

### NI Multisim

**Not enough data**

### Ultiboard

**Not enough data**

### KiCad EDA

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

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

---
## Ratings Comparison
| Rating | NI Multisim | Ultiboard | KiCad EDA | 
|---|---|---|---|
  | **Meets Requirements** | 8.6 (38 reviews) | 8.3 (15 reviews) | 8.4 (49 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Use** | 8.6 (38 reviews) | 9.0 (16 reviews) | 8.6 (51 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Setup** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 9.3 (10 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Admin** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
  | **Quality of Support** | 8.3 (34 reviews) | 8.0 (15 reviews) | 7.9 (38 reviews) | 
  | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
  | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 8.7 (35 reviews) | 7.1 (16 reviews) | 8.7 (46 reviews) | 

---
## Pricing

### 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

### Ultiboard

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

No information available

### 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

### PCB Design

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **NI Multisim** | 8.1/10 | 14 |
| **Ultiboard** | 7.9/10 | 16 |
| **KiCad EDA** | 8.0/10 | 41 |

#### Design

| Feature | NI Multisim | Ultiboard | KiCad EDA | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **PCB layout editing** | 7.8 (12 reviews) | 8.2 (14 reviews) | 8.1 (39 reviews) | 
| **Schematic editor** | 9.2 (13 reviews) | 8.7 (14 reviews) | 8.3 (39 reviews) | 

#### Tools

| Feature | NI Multisim | Ultiboard | KiCad EDA | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **3D modeling tools** | 6.7 (7 reviews) | 7.4 (13 reviews) | 6.6 (31 reviews) | 
| **Component placement** | 8.5 (10 reviews) | 8.0 (14 reviews) | 8.4 (37 reviews) | 

#### Library

| Feature | NI Multisim | Ultiboard | KiCad EDA | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Component libraries** | 8.3 (13 reviews) | 8.2 (14 reviews) | 7.7 (36 reviews) | 

#### Platform

| Feature | NI Multisim | Ultiboard | KiCad EDA | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Board size** | 8.1 (12 reviews) | 8.3 (15 reviews) | 8.6 (36 reviews) | 
| **Layers** | 8.0 (9 reviews) | 7.8 (15 reviews) | 8.6 (36 reviews) | 

#### Customization

| Feature | NI Multisim | Ultiboard | KiCad EDA | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Custom commands** | 8.5 (8 reviews) | 7.3 (11 reviews) | 7.6 (27 reviews) | 
| **Custom interface** | 7.9 (8 reviews) | 7.4 (16 reviews) | Feature Not Available | 

### Simulation & CAE

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **NI Multisim** | 8.6/10 | 9 |
| **Ultiboard** | N/A | N/A |
| **KiCad EDA** | N/A | N/A |

#### Design

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

#### Tools

| Feature | NI Multisim | Ultiboard | KiCad EDA | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Fluid analysis** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Finite element analysis** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Multibody dynamics** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Work

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

#### Environment

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

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

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




---
## Reviewer Demographics

### By Company Size

| Segment | NI Multisim | Ultiboard | KiCad EDA | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Small-Business** | 47.6% | 66.7% | 84.1% | 
| **Mid-Market** | 26.2% | 19.0% | 11.1% | 
| **Enterprise** | 26.2% | 14.3% | 4.8% | 

### By Industry

#### 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%

#### Ultiboard

- **Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing:** 33.3%
- **Higher Education:** 28.6%
- **Consumer Electronics:** 14.3%
- **Telecommunications:** 4.8%
- **Renewables & Environment:** 4.8%
- **Industrial Automation:** 4.8%
- **Health, Wellness and Fitness:** 4.8%
- **Design:** 4.8%

#### KiCad EDA

- **Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing:** 41.3%
- **Consumer Electronics:** 12.7%
- **Design:** 7.9%
- **Research:** 6.3%
- **Automotive:** 4.8%
- **Higher Education:** 4.8%
- **Industrial Automation:** 4.8%
- **Education Management:** 3.2%
- **Information Services:** 1.6%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 1.6%
- **Other:** 11.1%

---
## Alternatives

### Alternatives to NI Multisim

- [Altium Develop](https://www.g2.com/products/altium-develop/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1001 reviews)
- [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 (519 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)
- [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 (695 reviews)
- [Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-solid-edge/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (599 reviews)
- [Inventor](https://www.g2.com/products/inventor/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (440 reviews)

### Alternatives to Ultiboard

- [Altium Develop](https://www.g2.com/products/altium-develop/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1001 reviews)
- [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (519 reviews)
- [Autodesk EAGLE](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-eagle/reviews) — 4.0/5 stars (77 reviews)
- [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (695 reviews)
- [SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (643 reviews)
- [Altium CircuitMaker](https://www.g2.com/products/altium-circuitmaker/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (110 reviews)
- [PADS Professional](https://www.g2.com/products/pads-professional/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (64 reviews)
- [DipTrace](https://www.g2.com/products/diptrace/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (45 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)

### Alternatives to KiCad EDA

- [Altium Develop](https://www.g2.com/products/altium-develop/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1001 reviews)
- [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 (45 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

### 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..."

### Ultiboard

No discussions available for this product.

### 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/ni-multisim-vs-ultiboard-vs-kicad-eda)