Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

QUCS VS LibrePCB

Compare QUCS VS LibrePCB and see what are their differences

QUCS logo 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.

LibrePCB logo LibrePCB

LibrePCB is a free EDA software to develop printed circuit boards.
  • QUCS Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-04-29
  • LibrePCB Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-12-12

QUCS features and specs

  • Open Source
    QUCS is free to use, and its source code is openly available, allowing for customization and community-driven improvements.
  • Comprehensive Simulation
    QUCS supports a wide range of simulation types, including DC, AC, S-parameter, harmonic balance, and more, making it versatile for various applications.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    The software runs on multiple operating systems such as Windows, Linux, and macOS, making it accessible to a broad audience.
  • Wide Component Library
    QUCS offers an extensive library of components that can be used in circuit design, which simplifies the process of creating and simulating circuits.
  • User Community Support
    The community around QUCS can provide support, share tips, and contribute to the software’s development.
  • Detailed Documentation
    QUCS offers comprehensive documentation, tutorials, and examples to assist users in understanding and using the software effectively.

Possible disadvantages of QUCS

  • Steep Learning Curve
    Beginners may find the software complex and challenging to master due to its extensive features and functionalities.
  • Limited Advanced Features
    Compared to commercial alternatives, QUCS may lack some advanced features and tools that are available in paid software.
  • User Interface
    The graphical user interface of QUCS may appear outdated and less intuitive compared to modern, commercial simulation tools.
  • Performance Issues
    For very large and complex circuits, the simulation performance might suffer, and the software could be slower than some commercial solutions.
  • Inconsistent Updates
    Being a community-driven open-source project, updates and new features may be released inconsistently or less frequently.
  • Documentation Gaps
    While there is detailed documentation available, certain advanced features or troubleshooting tips might not be well-covered or updated.

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 QUCS

Overall verdict

  • QUCS is a solid choice for those seeking a reliable and versatile circuit simulation tool. Its open-source nature and extensive features make it a popular option for both educational and personal projects. However, for very complex simulations or specific professional requirements, users may consider exploring more advanced tools with commercial support.

Why this product is good

  • QUCS (Quite Universal Circuit Simulator) is considered good by many users due to its comprehensive set of features for simulating electronic circuits. It supports a wide range of circuit types, including DC, AC, S-parameter, noise analysis, and more. The software is open-source and available for free on SourceForge, making it accessible for students, educators, and hobbyists. Its graphical user interface is user-friendly, simplifying the process of creating and analyzing circuit layouts.

Recommended for

  • Students studying electronics and electrical engineering.
  • Educators looking for cost-effective tools to teach circuit simulation.
  • Hobbyists interested in designing and testing electronic circuits.
  • Open-source enthusiasts who prefer community-driven software.

QUCS videos

Qucs Tutorial: Simulating a common emitter bjt amplifier circuit

More videos:

  • Review - QUCS project update Overview, status and ongoing developments.
  • Review - qucs dc simulate

LibrePCB videos

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

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to QUCS and LibrePCB)
Simulation
51 51%
49% 49
Electronics
47 47%
53% 53
Computer Simulations
62 62%
38% 38
Design Tools
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

Share your experience with using QUCS and LibrePCB. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
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Reviews

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

QUCS Reviews

11 KiCad Alternatives
The Qucs cross-platform circuit simulator is a spin-off of Qucs. The letter S stands for the SPICE engine, which performs all simulations within the software. The Qucs subproject's goal is to integrate free SPICE circuit simulation kernels into the Qucs GUI. It combines SPICE's capability with the Qucs GUI's simplicity. Qucs utilizes its own SPICE incompatible simulation...
Electronic circuit design and simulation software list
QUCS – Quite Universal Circuit Simulator is a free simulation software developed on GNU/Linux environment. Well, this software really works on other operating systems such as Solaris, Apple Macintosh, Microsoft windows, FreeBSD, NetBSD etc. User can simulate large signal, small signal and noise behavior of the circuit using this simple circuit simulator.

LibrePCB Reviews

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

Based on our record, LibrePCB should be more popular than QUCS. 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.

QUCS mentions (1)

  • How do dual-directional couplers behave with a mismatched load?
    If you can get s parameter model you can use that. There are also generic transformer and coupled line models so long as you've got a way of characterising it you should be able to model it. https://sourceforge.net/projects/qucs/. Source: 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 QUCS and LibrePCB, you can also consider the following products

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.

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

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.

Altium Designer - PCB Design Software