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LTspice VS LibrePCB

Compare LTspice VS LibrePCB and see what are their differences

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LTspice logo LTspice

LTspice® is a high performance SPICE simulation software, schematic capture and waveform viewer with enhancements and models for easing the simulation of analog circuits.

LibrePCB logo LibrePCB

LibrePCB is a free EDA software to develop printed circuit boards.
  • LTspice Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-28
  • LibrePCB Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-12-12

LTspice features and specs

  • Cost
    LTspice is completely free, providing powerful circuit simulation tools without any financial investment.
  • Speed
    LTspice is renowned for its fast simulation speeds, making it efficient for users who need to run complex simulations.
  • Accuracy
    The software is known for its high level of accuracy in simulating analog circuits, providing reliable results.
  • Component Models
    LTspice includes a comprehensive library of components, particularly strong in Analog Devices' components, which ensures a wide variety of options for users.
  • Stability
    The software is known for its stability, with fewer crashes compared to some other simulation tools.
  • Support and Community
    There is a strong user community and extensive documentation available, making it easier to find support and resources.
  • Integration
    LTspice integrates well with other CAD tools and design software, helping users streamline their workflow.
  • Backward Compatibility
    LTspice maintains good backward compatibility, ensuring that older circuit files remain usable in newer versions.

Possible disadvantages of LTspice

  • Learning Curve
    The software can be challenging for beginners to learn due to its extensive features and complex interface.
  • Digital Simulations
    LTspice is less robust for digital circuit simulations compared to specialized digital simulators.
  • UI/UX
    The user interface is considered outdated by some users, and the user experience may not be as intuitive as other modern tools.
  • Limited Multi-Platform Support
    LTspice is primarily designed for Windows, with less optimized support for macOS and no official Linux version.
  • Component Library Limitations
    While extensive, the component library is especially tailored to Analog Devices' components, which may limit choices for users needing components from other manufacturers.
  • No Built-In PCB Design
    LTspice lacks built-in PCB design capabilities, necessitating the use of additional software for PCB layout.
  • No Native 3D-View
    The software does not provide a native 3D-view of circuits, which can be useful in some design and analysis scenarios.

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.

Analysis of LTspice

Overall verdict

  • LTspice is considered good due to its reliability, robustness, and the extensive support it has from its active user community. Users appreciate both its versatility in simulating complex circuits and its continuous updates and improvements from Analog Devices. It is particularly favored in the industry for analog circuit design and power electronics.

Why this product is good

  • LTspice is a popular and powerful circuit simulation software developed by Analog Devices. It is well-regarded for its speed, accuracy, and ease of use when it comes to simulating analog circuits. The software offers a comprehensive library of components, efficient simulation algorithms, and a user-friendly interface, making it a valuable tool for both professional engineers and students. Additionally, being freeware, it provides cost-effective accessibility to advanced circuit simulation capabilities.

Recommended for

    LTspice is highly recommended for electronics engineers, students, and hobbyists who are involved in the design and analysis of analog circuits. It is especially beneficial for those working with power electronics, filter design, and analog components, as well as educators who require a dependable tool for teaching circuit fundamentals.

LTspice videos

+ Add

Quick Review about LTSPICE

More videos:

  • Review - LTspice IV Waveform Viewer
  • Tutorial - EEVblog #516 - LTSPICE Tutorial - DC Operating Point Analysis

LibrePCB videos

+ Add

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

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to LTspice and LibrePCB)

LTspice

LibrePCB

Simulation
59 59%
Simulation
41% 41
Electronics
55 55%
Electronics
45% 45
Computer Simulations
72 72%
Computer Simulations
28% 28
Design Tools
0 0%
Design Tools
100% 100

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare LTspice and LibrePCB

LTspice Reviews

11 KiCad Alternatives
LTspice is a low-cost, high-performance SPICE simulation software that includes schematic capture, waveform viewer, and enhancing features to help you design a beautiful analogue circuit model. It can generate several micromodels for a wide range of analogue devices, including switching regulators, amplifiers, and other components. This platform has some intriguing features,...
Source: www.justalternativeto.com
Best Free Circuit Simulation software for Windows 10
One of its biggest selling points is its speed. LTSPice is probably the fastest simulator on our list. So, if you have a need for speed then you know which application will fulfill your appetite. LTSpice also has a Waveform detector, so, you can have a more clear perspective of your output. LTSpice has tons of bells and whistles that you will only if you download the...
Source: www.thewindowsclub.com
Best circuit simulation software for electronics engineers
Electronics circuits simulation software is available from a mainstream analog chip company, Linear Technology, works on Windows, OS X. Although it is biased towards using their parts, it is flexible and can be used with other vendor’s parts.LTspice is much fast simulation of switching regulators with enhanced SPICE (compared to normal SPICE simulators).LTspice gives access...
Source: microcontrollerslab.com
Electronic circuit design and simulation software list
LTSpice – is a widely popular SPICE simulator from Linear. LTspice is a free circuit simulation tool from Linear Technology corporation. This simulation software is considered as one of the best freeware available. Highlight of LTspice is much fast simulation of switching regulators with enhanced SPICE (compared to normal SPICE simulators).LTspice gives access to over 200 op...
Source: www.circuitstoday.com

LibrePCB Reviews

We have no reviews of LibrePCB yet.
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, LibrePCB seems to be more popular. 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.

LTspice mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of LTspice yet. Tracking of LTspice recommendations started around Mar 2021.

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 LTspice and LibrePCB, you can also consider the following products

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

QUCS - Qucs, briefly for Quite Universal Circuit Simulator, is an integrated circuit simulator which means you are able to setup a circuit with a graphical user interface (GUI) and simulate the large-signal, small-signal and noise behaviour of the circuit.

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

Proteus PCB design - Proteus PCB design combines the schematic capture and ARES PCB layout programs to provide a...

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

Pspice - OrCAD PSpice technology provides the best, high-performance circuit simulation to analyze and refine your circuits, components, and parameters before committing to layout and fabrication

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