What are the key differences between Kicad and Onshape?

Core Strength: Kicad offers Kicad is a comprehensive EDA suite with strong community support, making it ideal for electronics design and PCB layout. Its open-source nature ensures continuous updates and customization options., while Onshape offers Onshape excels in real-time collaboration and cloud-native architecture, revolutionizing team workflows through seamless multi-user editing capabilities.. Performance: Kicad offers Kicad supports a wide range of file formats and offers advanced features like simulation tools. However, its performance can be slower due to the command-line interface., while Onshape offers Onshape provides robust parametric and direct modeling capabilities with real-time updates, ensuring efficient design iterations and collaboration.. Value for Money: Kicad offers Kicad is free and fully functional, making it a cost-effective solution for hobbyists and small projects. The Pro version offers advanced features at a premium price., while Onshape offers Onshape operates on a freemium model with a free plan for hobbyists but requires paid subscriptions for professional use. Its value proposition depends on the complexity of the project and team size..

Kicad vs Onshape

Kicad

Onshape

WINNER Onshape

Kicad excels in providing a robust, open-source platform for electronics design and PCB layout, backed by a strong commu...

Kicad

7.5 Good

Cad Software

emoji_events WINNER

Onshape

8.7 Very Good

Cad Software

psychology AI Verdict

Kicad excels in providing a robust, open-source platform for electronics design and PCB layout, backed by a strong community that ensures continuous updates and support. Onshape, on the other hand, offers unparalleled collaboration capabilities through its real-time editing features, making it an ideal choice for teams working on complex projects. While Kicad is fully functional with advanced features available in the Pro version, Onshape's cloud-native architecture eliminates the need for local storage and simplifies project management.

The key trade-off lies in the ease of use: while Kicad has a steeper learning curve due to its command-line interface, it offers more control over design processes. Conversely, Onshapes user-friendly interface and real-time collaboration features make it easier for new users but may not be as customizable or suitable for small-scale projects. Both tools have their unique strengths, making the choice largely dependent on specific project requirements and team dynamics.

emoji_events Winner: Onshape

verified Confidence: High

thumbs_up_down Pros & Cons

Kicad

check_circle Pros

Open-source with continuous updates
Strong community support
Advanced features available in Pro version

cancel Cons

Steeper learning curve due to command-line interface
Slower performance compared to Onshape

Onshape

check_circle Pros

Real-time collaboration and cloud-native architecture
User-friendly interface
Seamless teamwork capabilities

cancel Cons

Requires paid subscriptions for professional use
May not be as customizable or suitable for small-scale projects

compare Feature Comparison

Feature	Kicad	Onshape
Schematic Capture	Comprehensive with advanced features	Integrated into the main interface, easy to use
PCB Layout	Advanced tools and simulation capabilities	Real-time updates and collaboration during layout
Simulation Tools	Available in Pro version with advanced features	Integrated into the design process, real-time feedback
Collaboration Features	Limited to local file sharing	Real-time multi-user editing and versioning
User Interface	Command-line interface with a graphical user interface	Modern, web-based interface with real-time collaboration
File Formats Support	Supports a wide range of file formats	Primarily supports Onshape-specific file formats

payments Pricing

Kicad

Free, Pro version available for advanced features

Excellent Value

Onshape

Freemium model with free plan and paid subscriptions

Good Value

difference Key Differences

Kicad Onshape

Kicad is a comprehensive EDA suite with strong community support, making it ideal for electronics design and PCB layout. Its open-source nature ensures continuous updates and customization options.

Core Strength

Onshape excels in real-time collaboration and cloud-native architecture, revolutionizing team workflows through seamless multi-user editing capabilities.

Kicad supports a wide range of file formats and offers advanced features like simulation tools. However, its performance can be slower due to the command-line interface.

Performance

Onshape provides robust parametric and direct modeling capabilities with real-time updates, ensuring efficient design iterations and collaboration.

Kicad is free and fully functional, making it a cost-effective solution for hobbyists and small projects. The Pro version offers advanced features at a premium price.

Value for Money

Onshape operates on a freemium model with a free plan for hobbyists but requires paid subscriptions for professional use. Its value proposition depends on the complexity of the project and team size.

Kicad has a steeper learning curve due to its command-line interface, which may be challenging for beginners but offers more control over design processes.

Ease of Use

Onshapes user-friendly interface and real-time collaboration features make it easier for new users, simplifying the design process and enhancing team productivity.

Kicad is best suited for electronics design and PCB layout projects where open-source tools with advanced customization options are preferred.

Best For

Onshape is ideal for teams requiring real-time collaboration, complex project management, and cloud-native workflows in CAD design.

help When to Choose

Kicad

If you prioritize open-source tools with extensive customization options.
If you need advanced features like simulation tools for complex projects.
If you choose Kicad if your team prefers a command-line interface and local file management.

Onshape

If you prioritize real-time collaboration and cloud-native workflows.
If you need seamless teamwork capabilities with versioning and multi-user editing.
If you choose Onshape if your project requires advanced parametric and direct modeling features.

description Overview

Kicad

KiCad is an open-source EDA (Electronic Design Automation) suite for circuit design and PCB layout. It includes tools for schematic capture, PCB layout, and simulation. The free version is fully functional with advanced features available in the Pro version.

Onshape

Onshape is a fully cloud-native, browser-based CAD platform that revolutionized collaboration with its real-time, multi-user editing and built-in product data management (PDM). Every action is versioned, enabling seamless teamwork akin to Google Docs for CAD. It offers robust parametric and direct modeling, drawing, and simulation. Now owned by PTC, it operates on a freemium model with a free plan...