Side by side
gEDA Project vs KiCad
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.
Free plan Linux
gEDA covers multiple stages of electronics design in a free GPL suite. Its listed platform and source-build requirements are important considerations for prospective users.
Visit gEDA Project Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1
KiCad covers schematic capture, PCB layout, checking, routing, and 3D viewing in a free suite. Check the stable Linux release's x86-64 limitation if choosing that platform.
Visit KiCadThe facts
| gEDA Project | KiCad | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux | Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | geda-project.org | kicad.org |
| On electrical design software | #7 of 41 | #3 of 41 |
gEDA Project: what it does well
- Includes schematic capture, simulation, and PCB layout.
- Generates netlists in over 20 formats.
- Provides tools for bills of materials and design checks.
- Free GPL suite developed mainly on GNU/Linux.
What to know first
- Linux is the listed platform.
- Building from source requires a C/C++ compiler and development tools.
- The project describes effort to support other UNIX variants.
KiCad: what it does well
- Free software with no listed trial.
- Schematic checks flag several connection problems.
- PCB routing modes respect design rules.
- Integrated 3D viewer supports ray tracing.
- Imports designs from several named tools.
What to know first
- Stable Linux release is for x86-64 systems.
- KiCad is listed for desktop deployment.
Alternatives to gEDA Project Alternatives to KiCad The whole list