Side by side
Fritzing vs Proteus PCB Design
Both stand on electrical design software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Paid LinuxMacWindows
Fritzing connects visual circuit documentation with PCB preparation and community participation. Its limited simulation and paid desktop downloads are important considerations.
Visit Fritzing Free trial Windows
Proteus combines board design, simulation, extensive libraries, and manufacturing exports in a Windows suite. Its trial allows PCB layout without a time limit but restricts simulation and saving.
Visit Proteus PCB DesignThe facts
| Fritzing | Proteus PCB Design | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | No | A free trial |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Windows | Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Fritzing 1.0.8 individual: €8, paid once | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 3 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | fritzing.org | labcenter.com |
| On electrical design software | #26 of 41 | #30 of 41 |
Fritzing: what it does well
- Breadboard, schematic, and PCB workflows
- Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Exports bills of materials as CSV
- Open-source code available on GitHub
What to know first
- Electrical simulator is described as limited beta
- Linux AppImages require specified glibc versions
- No free plan
- Desktop download is paid
Proteus PCB Design: what it does well
- Schematic capture and PCB layout together
- Differential-pair routing and length matching
- HDI micro-via support in Proteus 9.2
- Multiple manufacturing output formats
- Large supplied and web-searchable part libraries
What to know first
- No free plan
- Windows desktop only
- Differential pairs require PCB Design Level 2+
- Demo cannot save work
Alternatives to Fritzing Alternatives to Proteus PCB Design The whole list