Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

iCircuit VS LibrePCB

Compare iCircuit VS LibrePCB and see what are their differences

iCircuit logo iCircuit

Its advanced simulation engine can handle both analog and digital circuits and features realtime...

LibrePCB logo LibrePCB

LibrePCB is a free EDA software to develop printed circuit boards.
  • iCircuit Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-11-08
  • LibrePCB Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-12-12

iCircuit features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    iCircuit offers an intuitive and easy-to-use interface, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced engineers to design and simulate circuits efficiently.
  • Real-Time Simulation
    The app provides real-time simulation capabilities, allowing users to see live voltage, current, and other circuit parameters, which is beneficial for testing and learning.
  • Cross-Platform Availability
    iCircuit is available on iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS, enabling users to access and work on their circuit designs across different devices.
  • Comprehensive Component Library
    The app includes a broad library of components, such as resistors, capacitors, diodes, and transistors, facilitating diverse circuit designs.
  • Educational Focus
    iCircuit is designed with educational purposes in mind, making it a great tool for students and educators to learn and teach electronics concepts.

Possible disadvantages of iCircuit

  • Limited Advanced Features
    While iCircuit is great for basic and intermediate designs, it may lack some of the advanced features and complexities that professional engineers might need for advanced circuit analysis.
  • Performance Issues on Large Circuits
    Users may experience performance issues or slower simulations when working with very large or complex circuit designs within the application.
  • No PCB Design Capability
    iCircuit does not offer PCB (Printed Circuit Board) design capabilities, which could be a limitation for users looking to take a circuit from simulation to production.
  • Paid Application
    iCircuit is a paid application, which might be a disadvantage for users looking for free alternatives, especially for those who don't require extensive features.
  • Limited Export Options
    The app may have limited options for exporting circuit designs to different file formats, which could hinder collaboration or further usage in other tools.

LibrePCB features and specs

  • Open Source
    LibrePCB is open source, meaning it is free to use, modify, and distribute. This fosters community-driven development and greater transparency.
  • Cross-Platform
    LibrePCB is available for multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, ensuring accessibility for users on different platforms.
  • Modular Design
    The software is designed with a modular approach, which makes it easier to extend functionalities and integrate with other tools.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    It offers a clean and intuitive user interface, making it easier for beginners and experienced users alike to design PCBs.
  • Active Community
    LibrePCB has an active user and developer community, providing support, resources, and regular updates.

Possible disadvantages of LibrePCB

  • Limited Libraries
    The component libraries in LibrePCB are not as extensive as those in some other PCB design software, which may require additional time to create or import parts.
  • Feature Set
    Compared to more mature and commercial software, LibrePCB may lack some advanced features and tools needed for highly complex designs.
  • Learning Curve
    Although it has a user-friendly interface, users previously familiar with other PCB design software may need some time to adapt to LibrePCB's workflows and conventions.
  • Performance
    On systems with lower specifications, LibrePCB can sometimes be slow or unresponsive when handling large or complex projects.
  • Documentation
    While the available documentation is helpful, it may not be as comprehensive or detailed as user manuals for some commercial alternatives.

iCircuit videos

iCircuit Electronics Software - Fritzing, iCircuit, LTSpice & Eagle Video Series

More videos:

  • Review - iCircuit Circuit Simulator App Example: SCR Tester
  • Review - iCircuit App Review

LibrePCB videos

Introduction to LibrePCB A new, powerful and intuitive EDA tool for everyone

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to iCircuit and LibrePCB)
Simulation
21 21%
79% 79
Electronics
19 19%
81% 81
Computer Simulations
33 33%
67% 67
Design Tools
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

Share your experience with using iCircuit and LibrePCB. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, LibrePCB should be more popular than iCircuit. It has been mentiond 6 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

iCircuit mentions (1)

  • A circuit simulator that doesn't look like it was made in 2003
    For a nice, polished, non-skeuomorphic circuit simulator, see iCircuit [1], which provides native MacOS and iOS clients (based on the Falstad JS circuit simulator mentioned elsewhere in this thread, if I recall correctly). It differs from most SPICE-based simulators in that there is no edit or run mode - the circuit is always simulating in transient mode so updates happen in real time. [1]... - Source: Hacker News / over 2 years ago

LibrePCB mentions (6)

  • Effective June 7, 2026, Autodesk will no longer sell nor support EAGLE
    There's also https://librepcb.org/ Has anyone had time to try Horizon and/or LibrePCB and compare them to KiCad? - Source: Hacker News / almost 2 years ago
  • What is "this type" of PCB "called"
    On the open source front, LibrePCB seems to be the only contender, never used it myself, but have heard good things and met some devs at a conference and they were nice. The level of support you get there may be a bit more personal. Otoh, if you've never designed PCBs before, it may be hard to even tell if something is a bug... Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Hardware design on linux
    I would throw LibrePCB into the mix. Coming from Eagle, it was easier for me to grasp than KiCad. Source: about 2 years ago
  • How can I make professional looking schematics for free?
    Also LibrePCB at https://librepcb.org A bit "lighter" in size than KiCad. Source: about 3 years ago
  • from where should I start for designing my own PCB?
    I've been turning out some nice results from LibrePCB. It has a learning curve like anything else but its not an impossibly convoluted workflow like some of the more established FOSS programs out there. Source: over 3 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing iCircuit and LibrePCB, you can also consider the following products

Circuit Simulator - Animated electronic circuit simulator using ideal components to visualize voltage and current.

KiCad - A Cross Platform and Open Source Electronics Design Automation Suite

Virtual Breadboard - It is a circuit simulator on a virtual breadboard.

Fritzing - Fritzing is an open-source initiative to support designers, artists, researchers and hobbyists to...

Logicly - - Design circuits quickly and easily with a modern and intuitive user interface with drag-and-drop...

EasyEDA - EasyEDA - Web-based EDA suite; runs in browser.