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Best Free Alternatives to Proteus Design Suite 9 (EDA Edition)
Stop paying $248 (Starter) — $8,622 (Platinum). Discover professional-grade tools that won't break your budget.
Category: Circuit Simulation & PCB DesignVerified for 2025
Top Recommended Replacements
KiCad 8.0+
FREEBest Professional Free Alternative
Why we like it
100% free with no pin limits; 2026 updates include an advanced 'Database Library' for corporate parts; robust SPICE simulation; world-class push-and-shove router.
Keep in mind
Lacks the native 'Microcontroller Co-Simulation' (VSM) that allows you to run actual firmware code on the schematic.
SimulIDE
FREEBest for Real-Time Simulation
Why we like it
Extremely lightweight; allows for real-time interaction (flipping switches/potentiometers); supports Arduino, PIC, and AVR simulation; 100% free.
Keep in mind
The PCB layout features are basic compared to Proteus or KiCad; smaller component library.
EasyEDA (Pro)
FREEBest for Rapid Prototyping
Why we like it
Cloud-based; integrated with JLCPCB/LCSC for instant ordering; massive 15M+ library of user-contributed parts; excellent for collaborative hardware builds.
Keep in mind
Requires an internet connection; simulation is less reliable for high-speed digital signals than Proteus VSM.
LTspice
FREEBest for Power & Analog
Why we like it
Industry-standard for high-performance SPICE simulation; optimized for switch-mode power supplies; exceptionally fast and accurate for analog design.
Keep in mind
Strictly a simulation tool; has no native PCB layout capabilities; interface feels 'legacy'.
Autodesk Fusion (Electronics)
FREEBest for Integrated MCAD/ECAD
Why we like it
True 1:1 integration between PCB and mechanical enclosures; includes AI-driven 'Design Insights'; very affordable for users already in the Autodesk ecosystem.
Keep in mind
Cloud-dependent; the PCB layout interface is less 'fluid' for high-layer-count boards than specialized EDA tools.
Falstad Circuit Sim
FREEBest for Educational Visuals
Why we like it
Runs in a browser tab; visualizes current flow and voltage levels with animations; perfect for teaching or quick logic validation.
Keep in mind
Not a professional EDA tool; cannot generate Gerber files for manufacturing.
Tinkercad Circuits
FREEBest for Beginners
Why we like it
Visual 'breadboard' view; supports Arduino simulation with a drag-and-drop block editor; perfect for kids or non-engineers.
Keep in mind
Extremely limited component selection; not suitable for professional hardware design.
Wokwi
FREEBest for Embedded Web Simulation
Why we like it
Simulates ESP32, Arduino, and Pi Pico directly in the browser; supports WiFi/Network simulation; zero-install; perfect for sharing code snippets.
Keep in mind
Strictly schematic/logic simulation; has no PCB layout module.
Micro-Cap 12
FREEBest for Advanced Analysis
Why we like it
Previously a $4,000 professional tool, now free; world-class mixed-signal simulation and optimization features.
Keep in mind
No longer actively developed; interface can be daunting; no modern PCB layout path.
EveryCircuit
Best for Mobile Tablet Use
Why we like it
Beautiful interactive animations of current and voltage; excellent cross-platform support (Android/iOS/Web); very intuitive touch controls.
Keep in mind
Small component library; limited to basic hobbyist-level simulations.
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