Electronics design has grown too complex for basic schematic or layout tools. Engineers now work with platforms that integrate simulation, verification, and PCB design in one environment. Many of these solutions also connect directly to supply chain data, helping teams choose components that are available, compliant, and cost-effective. The best CAD software for electronics combines these capabilities, making it essential to how modern projects are planned, tested, and delivered.
Top CAD Software for Electronics in 2026
Not every CAD platform offers the same level of functionality or reliability. Some tools are designed for complex projects, while others focus on affordability or accessibility. To help you choose the right solution, we reviewed the leading options for 2026 and ranked them.
How We Evaluated Each Tool
Each CAD platform was rated on a percentage scale that reflects its overall performance across the electronics design process. The scoring combines five weighted factors, with each percentage showing how much influence that factor has on the overall score.Â
The individual software scores then show how well a tool performed in those areas, which are combined into a final percentage. Here are the factors and their assigned weights:
- Workflow coverage (30%): This is the most important factor, which measures how well a tool integrates the complete electronics design process into a single workflow. Platforms that eliminate the need for separate programs and file conversions score higher, since integration reduces design errors and accelerates timelines.
- Collaboration (20%): Modern engineering teams often work across multiple locations, so collaboration tools such as cloud access, live design reviews, and version tracking carry significant weight. A high score here reflects the ability to keep teams synchronized and avoid costly design conflicts.
- Component libraries and supply chain integration (20%): Having direct access to accurate part libraries and supply chain data ensures engineers can select components that are available, compliant, and competitively priced. This addresses the growing challenge of part shortages and procurement delays.
- Scalability (15%): As projects increase in complexity, the software must handle advanced requirements such as high-speed signal design, dense multi-layer boards, and larger engineering teams.Â
- Cost and accessibility (15%): This measures how affordable and practical each tool is to use over time. It considers licensing options, the availability of training materials, and the level of community support.
The table below shows how each platform performed across all five factors.
| Comparison of Best CAD Software for Electronics in 2026 | ||||||
| CAD Software | Workflow Coverage (30%) | Collaboration (20%) | Libraries & Supply Chain (20%) | Scalability (15%) | Cost & Accessibility (15%) | Overall Score (%) |
| Allegro X | 98% | 97% | 98% | 97% | 78% | 95% |
| OrCAD X | 96% | 96% | 98% | 93% | 85% | 94% |
| Altium Designer | 95% | 94% | 92% | 90% | 78% | 91% |
| Autodesk Fusion 360 | 88% | 90% | 82% | 84% | 90% | 87% |
| EasyEDA | 74% | 76% | 80% | 65% | 95% | 78% |
| KiCad | 78% | 70% | 68% | 60% | 100% | 75% |
Allegro X
Allegro, developed by Cadence, is a next-generation PCB design platform designed for enterprise applications and can be augmented with AI-assisted design to increase productivity and efficiency. It features a single environment for schematic capture, electrical analysis, PCB layout & analysis, and manufacturing outputs. Because Allegro operates from a unified database, design rules and constraints are passed directly between the schematic and layout. This reduces errors, shortens design cycles, and improves consistency from concept through manufacturing.Â
Key features include:
- System Level Design: Multi-board design and analysis in a single unified UI.
- Constraint Manager: Applies electrical, physical, and manufacturing rules across the design.
- In-Design Analysis: Fully integrated signal, power, SPICE, and thermal analysis.
- Allegro PCB Router: Supports dense, high-speed designs with advanced automated and auto-interactive trace routing augmented with generative AI.
| Summary of Reviews |
Engineers often point out that Allegro improves accuracy in high-speed designs. Design teams achieve higher first-pass success rates, which reduces the need for redesigns and helps lower both cost and time to market. Large organizations also value scalability, as Allegro can support anything from small prototypes to enterprise-scale systems without loss of performance. However, new users often find the learning curve steep, making formal training or guidance helpful for getting up to speed. Pricing is in the high range per year for Allegro X. |
OrCAD X
OrCAD, developed by Cadence, is a next-generation PCB design platform designed for individuals and small to mid-size teams. Like Allegro, it features a single environment for schematic capture, electrical analysis, PCB layout & analysis, and manufacturing outputs. Because it operates from a unified database, design rules and constraints are passed directly between the schematic and layout, which reduces errors, shortens design cycles, and improves consistency from concept through manufacturing. It also means that Orcad data can seamlessly be shared with Allegro when it is necessary to scale up.
Key features include:
- OrCAD X CIS: Cloud or On-Prem library/design data management and collaboration.
- Real-Time Engine: Instant design feedback on constraints, DRCs, SI/PI, shapes, etc as you work.
- LiveDoc: Automated manufacturing documentation generated from design data.
- LiveBOM: Live supply chain updates and intelligence for your designs.
| Summary of Reviews |
From a usability perspective, engineers praise the single tool solution that OrCAD offers for schematic capture, all the way through PCB layout outputs. Large organizations value OrCAD’s scalability, as its data can be seamlessly translated into Allegro to support everything from small prototypes to enterprise-scale systems. However, the learning curve can be challenging for new users, and formal training or guidance is often necessary to bring them up to speed. Pricing is in the mid-range per year for OrCAD X. |
Altium Designer
Altium Designer combines advanced design features with an interface that is easier to learn than many alternatives. Its unified workspace integrates design, layout, and visualization, allowing engineers to manage projects without switching between separate applications.Â
Key features include:
- Altium 365: Cloud platform for real-time collaboration, version control, and secure sharing.
- ActiveRoute: An interactive trace routing tool that accelerates PCB layout while maintaining the design rules.
- Draftsman: A built-in documentation tool for generating production-ready fabrication and assembly drawings.
- Unified design environment: Keeps schematic, layout, and 3D modeling aligned within one system.
| Summary of Reviews |
| Many users value the modern interface, which makes onboarding smoother for new team members. Others emphasize the benefits of cloud-enabled workflows, which help keep revisions synchronized across teams and manufacturers. However, cost is the most common criticism, with licensing fees at the high end per year, along with comments that highly specialized designs are sometimes better supported by alternative platforms. |
Autodesk Fusion 360
Autodesk Fusion 360 integrates mechanical and electronic design in a single platform through its Electronics Workspace, which incorporates the capabilities of the retired Eagle software. This approach allows engineers to design printed circuit boards, their enclosures, and mechanical parts without transferring files between separate tools. By combining ECAD and MCAD in one environment, teams can detect fit and clearance issues earlier, streamline collaboration between electrical and mechanical engineers, and reduce delays during product development.
Key features include:
- Integrated simulation: Enables thermal, mechanical, and electronic checks within the same platform.
- Manufacturing outputs: Generates CAM-ready files directly from the design environment.
- Electronics cooling simulation: A built-in thermal analysis helps engineers predict heat dissipation and optimize designs before prototyping.
- Cloud collaboration: Supports shared access, version control, and remote teamwork.
| Summary of Reviews |
| With subscriptions starting at the low end per year, Fusion 360 is an affordable and attractive choice for startups and small businesses. However, some engineers have commented that its supply chain and scalability features are less advanced than those found in higher-end design systems. Even so, it remains a practical solution that balances cost, capability, and flexibility. |
EasyEDA
EasyEDA is a web-based ECAD tool that combines schematic capture, simulation, and PCB layout in one browser environment. Because it runs online, engineers can access projects from any device without installing software. EasyEDA is also closely tied to JLCPCB manufacturing, giving users a direct path from design to ordering fabricated boards.
Key features include:
- SPICE simulation: Tests analog and digital circuits before layout.
- Real-time collaboration: Allows multiple users to view and edit projects simultaneously, improving teamwork and version control.
- Component library: A large parts database with footprints and 3D models.
- Manufacturing integration: Streamlined workflow from PCB design to fabrication.
| Summary of Reviews |
Users highlight EasyEDA’s ease of use as one of its greatest strengths. Beginners can start designing quickly, while small teams value the built-in collaboration and direct manufacturing links that speed up the design cycle. With no costly licenses or complex installations required, the platform lowers barriers for anyone entering PCB design. However, it lacks the advanced analysis and scalability of enterprise platforms, but it remains an affordable option, with a free version and paid tiers that add more features and manufacturing support. |
KiCad
KiCad is an open-source CAD tool for electronics that delivers a full suite of design capabilities at no licensing cost. Initially favored by students and small teams, it has steadily matured through community contributions, expanding its libraries and features to support more advanced and large-scale projects.
Key features include:
- Schematic and PCB editor: Supports multi-sheet schematics and multi-layer board designs.
- 3D viewer: Allows visualization of boards with imported component models.
- Library support: Extensive parts libraries that are maintained and expanded by the community.
- Customizable workflows: A wide range of plugin support and scripting options allow engineers to tailor the environment to specific project needs.
| Summary of Reviews |
Many users appreciate the cost-free access to advanced tools that rival commercial platforms. Others point to the strength of the global user community, which provides ongoing updates, shared libraries, and peer support. Although its interface lacks some refinement and can be challenging for beginners, KiCad continues to be a trusted choice for education, prototyping, and professional teams seeking a cost-effective and flexible solution. |
Choosing the Right CAD Tool for Your Projects
Choosing the best CAD software for electronics depends on your project goals, budget, and complexity. KiCad is well-suited for smaller projects and educational use, while EasyEDA provides browser-based access with integrated manufacturing. Startups often adopt Autodesk Fusion 360 for its balance of affordability and ECAD–MCAD integration. For advanced, high-speed designs, larger teams typically rely on OrCAD and Allegro or Altium Designer for their depth and reliability.
Selecting the right set of CAD tools is only part of the process. Engineers also need reliable support, training, and integration resources to get the most from their investment. EMA Design Automation provides this foundation by helping engineering teams streamline workflows and connect design software with supply chain systems. With this added layer of expertise, projects run more smoothly from concept through production.
EMA Design Automation is a leading provider of the resources that engineers rely on to accelerate innovation. Our solutions include PCB design and analysis tools, integration services, and the EMA Academy for ongoing learning and support. By combining software, expertise, and training, we help teams create better designs in less time.
For more information on the best CAD software for electronics and how EMA can support your next project, contact us today.
