Best KiCad Alternatives in 2025

Looking for alternatives to KiCad? In this comparison, we take a closer look at KiCad alongside similar software solutions including KiCad and QElectroTech .

Our detailed comparison table highlights key features, pricing, and performance of these leading solutions, empowering you to make an informed decision. Whether you're seeking robust functionality, user-friendly design, or cost-effective alternatives, explore how KiCad and QElectroTech stack up to find the perfect software for your goals.

	Platform Compatibility	Primary Functionality	Community and Support	Library and Components
KiCad	Cross-platform including Windows, Linux, macOS, and single-board computers like Raspberry Pi.	Electronic design automation (EDA) software focused on schematic capture, PCB layout and fabrication, 3D visualization, and scripting support.	Large and active open-source community with official forums and GitHub repository; support includes tutorials and advice.	Includes a decent but limited component library with a wide range of footprints and third-party plugins.
QElectroTech	Cross-platform compatibility including Windows, Linux, and macOS.	Electrical design software for creating easy schematics, P&ID designs with drag-and-drop and collaborative editing features.	Active community support with forums, mailing lists, tutorials, and regular updates; has a user forum and YouTube tutorials.	Large library with over 2000 electrical symbols and ability to create custom symbols and templates.

Platform Compatibility

KiCad	Cross-platform including Windows, Linux, macOS, and single-board computers like Raspberry Pi.
QElectroTech	Cross-platform compatibility including Windows, Linux, and macOS.

Primary Functionality

KiCad	Electronic design automation (EDA) software focused on schematic capture, PCB layout and fabrication, 3D visualization, and scripting support.
QElectroTech	Electrical design software for creating easy schematics, P&ID designs with drag-and-drop and collaborative editing features.

Community and Support

KiCad	Large and active open-source community with official forums and GitHub repository; support includes tutorials and advice.
QElectroTech	Active community support with forums, mailing lists, tutorials, and regular updates; has a user forum and YouTube tutorials.

Library and Components

KiCad	Includes a decent but limited component library with a wide range of footprints and third-party plugins.
QElectroTech	Large library with over 2000 electrical symbols and ability to create custom symbols and templates.

Choosing the right software isn’t just about features. Size, license type, user ratings, and popularity also matter.

This quick comparison shows how KiCad stacks up against KiCad and QElectroTech in these key areas—helping you find the best alternative for your needs.

	Size	License	Rating	Popularity
KiCad	2.5MB	Open Source		0%
QElectroTech	28.6MB	Open Source		100%

Size

KiCad	2.5MB
QElectroTech	28.6MB

License

KiCad	Open Source
QElectroTech	Open Source

Rating

KiCad
QElectroTech

Popularity

KiCad	0%
QElectroTech	100%