EasyEDA vs. EAGLE – Who’s the Winner?

In today’s modern world, where electronics and technology is everywhere around us, PCB designing is becoming an increasingly important science, and to help the engineers meet the challenges they face in creating better and more optimized circuits and boards, EDA (Electronic Design Automation) software are used.

Today we are comparing EasyEDA vs EAGLE, two very widely used PCB designing solutions and programs that offer fast performance and commendable functionality.

We have discussed all the major technical aspects of their performance and design capabilities. Other parameters such as pricing plans, pros and cons, system requirements, and more have also been mentioned in this comparison between Autodesk EAGLE vs EasyEDA.

Let us look at the details of both of these platforms in depth.

EasyEDA

EasyEDA is a very capable online EDA platform that provides users access to all the core functions and tools required to design PCBs and circuits for various applications.

It also has a great set of innovative features that even some of the paid EDA programs didn’t have until recently.

EasyEDA lets you work on schematic capture, PCB design, library design and management, project management and even team collaboration etc. And the main thing is, that all of this is available for free.

The standard version of EasyEDA is completely free to use and doesn’t even need a download. You can open it right in your browser.

Designers have to use stock components quite frequently in their projects, and EasyEDA has just the thing you need. It features libraries with over 1 million components that get updated in real-time.

Furthermore, from a production point of view, EasyEDA also includes a catalogue from LCSC, one of the largest PCB part manufacturers, which gives you pricing and other details of over 200,000 components. Let’s take a look at some of its features in detail.

Compare EasyEDA Vs Eagle

KEY FEATURES:

Here are the 8 main features offered in EasyEDA.

[1] Web Based Functionality

One of the special things about EasyEDA is that it is an online design platform. The application can be opened in regular web browsers such as Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox.

You can work online, and save your progress. Then you can resume your work at any time from any device. You can even save additional files on the cloud for easy access anytime.

[2] Format Compatibility

EasyEDA allows users to import their files from major EDA applications such as Altium Designer, EAGLE, KiCad, CircuitMaker and LTspice. SPICE netlists are also supported.

Furthermore, you can also export PCB netlists to most other PCB designing platforms for simulations and other tasks.

[3] Autorouting Function

Like most EDA programs, EasyEDA also provides autorouting options. This can be availed in two ways, either through an online solver, or by downloading a small package application on your computer.

After giving some input details and selecting parameters such as via diameters, track widths, route layers and more, you can perform autorouting.

[4] Image to Shape Conversion

A great option provided by EasyEDA, users can import images in major formats (JPG, PNG, Gif, BMP, SVG) and set it to be imported as a shape.

EasyEDA will convert the image to a shape object which can be used in the design. This is a very handy tool and is also quite easy to use.

[5] Extensive Libraries

Designers get extensive libraries and catalogues with EasyEDA. The component library contains over 1 million parts, ready to use, and the parts also get updated in real-time.

These can be directly accessed from within the workspace and no external application is required.

In addition, it also features an LCSC component catalogue that includes over 200,000 in stock components at LCSC with info such as stocks, prices, availability, details and more.

[6] Simple and Functional UI

With no complicated functions and unnecessary tools, the EasyEDA interface is clean and simple to understand and use. You can get started with your designing in a couple of minutes.

Beginners with minimal prior experience can refer to the tutorials available on the EasyEDA website.

[7] SPICE Simulation

Simulations have become a very crucial step to PCB design and validation. With EasyEDA, designers get a SPICE simulation module for analog electric circuit simulation, based on the Ngspice platform.

Users can also import LTspice files and schematics, or export files to other programs for simulations.

[8] Team Collaboration

To meet the increasingly complex challenges faced in PCB designing, often team members work together on a project for faster processing.

To aid this, EasyEDA offers real-time team collaboration over the internet. Multiple users can work on the same project and share their updates.

Why Choose EasyEDA? (PROS)

  • The Schematic Capture module offers SPICE simulations, WaveForm viewer and even multi-sheet schematics.
  • PCB layout features include DRC, multi-layer layouts, Gerber fabrication file export, auto routing and more, which helps in faster and accurate layouts.
  • EasyEDA contains more than 700,000 total public libraries for symbols and footprints. They also offer library management.
  • 3D viewing support for generating 3D models from 2D drawings in different views.
  • Users also get real-time team collaboration, which is beneficial for working on complex or large projects.
  • EasyEDA is completely free of cost, available online and can run on Windows. macOS and Linux as well.

CONS

  • The navigation and workflow around the program can be made a little smoother.
  • The simulation options are slightly limited.

What is unique about EasyEDA?

EasyEDA is a well-known and globally used online EDA platform that provides a host of features and utilities for absolutely no charge.

The platform can be used as an online editor or a desktop (local) editor. It also runs on the major operating systems.

The facilities provided can be used for carrying out all essential PCB and circuit design and analysis tasks.

Who’s it for?

Users with some or no experience can use EasyEDA, as can professionals. The UI Is simple and the tools are easy to work with.

Advanced features are also present so that the program can cater to experienced users as well.

Supported Platforms:

  • Windows 7 and above (32 bit) (64 bit)
  • Linux
  • macOS

System Requirements:

As this is a browser based software platform, it doesn’t require any high-end system specifications. It can be run on most computers and devices with standard and default configurations.

PRICING: 

The standard version of EasyEDA is completely free to use and can be used as an online editor or a desktop client.

There are two paid versions available with extended support and slightly better features. These versions are available for: Professional for $4.9/month and Enterprise for $9.9/month.

Is EasyEDA worth it?

EasyEDA is a free PCB design platform, with innovative features and great performance. Considering the price, the quality of features provided is great.

The UI is not overly complicated and can be learned quickly.

Since the standard version is free, users can try it and see if it offers all the tools they need for their projects.

The libraries included are also vast and contain a lot of ready to use components. Overall, this is a great option for PCB designing.

Autodesk EAGLE

Autodesk EAGLE is an EDA platform developed and published by Autodesk since 2016. It is an acronym that stands for Easily Applicable Graphical Layout Editor. And it does prove to be a capable design platform with options and tools for dealing with complex projects.

It was initially developed by Cadsoft, and released in 1988. Since 2016, it has undergone more changes and improvements. EAGLE is now available with the Autodesk Fusion 360 design suite.

EAGLE users get a project manager, design reusability functions, a multi-window graphical user interface (GUI) and more such innovative features that allow an efficient and productive design process.

The latest version, EAGLE 9.6.1 was released in April 2020. It can be used on Windows, Linux and Mac OS X devices. Eagle is available is multiple languages. The program provides a variety of pricing plans to meet the requirements of different types of users. It is available on a subscription basis.

Comparison between Autodesk Eagle Vs EasyEDA

KEY FEATURES:

Here we have given the details of the 8 highlights and key features of EAGLE.

[1] Dynamic Design Synchronization (DDS)

This option in EAGLE is helpful while working on large and complicated projects. With this, you can select certain sections of your design and reuse them in some other project.

This can save time by eliminating the effort and time taken to redesign the same parts that are standard to multiple designs.

[2] Autodesk Design Platform

With this, users get the trusted Autodesk design platform, which is used in programs such as AutoCAD, Inventor and more. With Fusion 360, you are provided with an entire CAD/CAM and EDA design solution, which can be used for processing all kinds of design requirements.

[3] Improved Routing Technology

With the latest version of EAGLE, you get an improved interactive manual and auto routing experience. A great feature is the Obstacle Avoidance Routing system, which can detect obstacles on the board and route around them. You can also opt for auto-rerouting around the obstacles.

[4] Supply Chain Features

EAGLE contains libraries and catalogues that have part information and other details.

On the basis of this, you can select which parts to use in your design. Upon selection, the software can provide you purchase information, prices, availability and more, directly from the supplier.

[5] Design for HDI Structures

With the rising demand for compact technology, PCB sizes are becoming smaller. With this, there arises a need for HDI (High Density Interconnect) structures.

These involve a high number of pins, high frequencies and BGA (Ball Grid Array) escape routing. EAGLE can help you perform escape routing and other such tasks for designing HDI PCBs.

[6] Rule Checking Features

Rule checking is an essential part of design validation, and helps in making designs with no errors. The rule checking system provided in EAGLE works for both design and electrical parameters.

There are a few additional modules for which you can define constraints and use the rule check feature.

[7] SPICE Simulation

It is now easier to quickly analyse the circuit performance and behaviour, and validate your design through EAGLE’s SPICE simulation suite, which offers an extensive set of simulation types and processes, and returns accurate results.

[8] PCB Library Content

Library management, component libraries with symbols, footprints, 3D models and parametric: these are just some of the items available in EAGLE’s libraries.

Additionally, you also get libraries that link directly to the manufacturers, with real-time part details, information and updates on pricing and availability. This helps you avoid last-minute issues with parts for your board’s production.

Why Choose Eagle? (PROS)

  • With DDS, you get the easy functionality of making simultaneous changes to both the board and the layout, to avoid manually making changes in both places.
  • The Schematic facilities in EAGLE are very handy and efficient, such as the multi-sheet schematic feature, which allows you to have multiple sheets in a single project and link them together.
  • EAGLE runs on Windows, macOS and Linux as well, allowing you to work on a variety of devices.
  • EAGLE comes with the Fusion 360 suite, which allows you to check your board with its mechanical enclosure and validate the fit and dimensional tolerances.
  • Users get a variety of pricing plans with the EAGLE subscription licenses, which means you have to pay only for as long as you need the software.

CONS

  • The user interface is not very simple to understand and will take beginners more effort to learn the software.
  • Although the subscription costs are not that high, the annual maintenance fee and other such costs can overall be a little expensive.

What is unique about Eagle?

Designers working with EAGLE will find a great set of features and tools for carrying out all their designing and simulation tasks.

Autodesk provides users a coherent set of design solutions in the form of Fusion 360, and also ensures format compatibility between its applications. This allows designers to build and verify their designs thoroughly to avoid any errors or limitations.

Who’s it for?

Although EAGLE offers high-level performance and a satisfactory feature set, the user interface might be a little difficult for novice designers to understand and learn.

Tutorials are available online to help them with that, and with a little effort, it is possible for them to work very well with EAGLE. But this will be a slightly better choice for experienced users.

Supported Platforms:

  • Windows 7/8/10 (64-bit)
  • Mac OS (64-bit)
  • Linux Ubuntu (SSE, 8bpp)

System Requirements:

In order to run Autodesk EAGLE on your device, the following system requirements should meet your device specifications.

Windows

  • Operating System: Windows 7 or newer
  • CPU: 64-bit processor
  • Memory: 3GB RAM (4GB recommended)
  • Internet: DSL internet connection or faster
  • Storage: At least 650MB of free space

Mac

  • Operating System: OS X Yosemite (10.10.x), El Capitan (10.11.x) or MacOS Sierra (10.12)
  • CPU: 64-bit processor
  • Memory: 3GB RAM (4GB recommended)
  • Internet: DSL internet connection or faster
  • Storage: At least 650MB of free space

Linux

  • Operating System: Intel PC-based Linux with 2.6 kernel
  • CPU: Needs to support SSE
  • Graphics: X11 with a minimum colour depth of 8 bpp
  • Libraries: libssl.so.1.0.0, libcrypto.so.1.0.0
  • Internet: DSL internet connection or faster
  • Storage: At least 650MB of free space

Note: To run the 64 bit version of Autodesk EAGLE, the libc.so.6 with subversion GLIBC_2.14 or higher will be required.

PRICING: 

The pricing plans mentioned here are for the entire Autodesk Fusion 360 software bundle:

  • A free version is available with limited functionality (Available for 12 months): Included with a Fusion 360 subscription for personal use, EAGLE free download is a limited version for beginners including 2 schematic sheets, 2 signal layers, and an 80cm2 (12.4in2) board area.
  • A full-featured free trial is available for 30 days.
  • Monthly Subscription: $60.00
  • Annual Subscription: $495.00
  • Three-Year Subscription: $1335.00

Is Autodesk Eagle worth it?

This is a mid-range priced EDA software app with great performance and a host of productive utilities.

It allows designers to execute all their designing tasks with ease and even though a degree of automation.

Autodesk EAGLE has been used for years now and is considered a practical and not too expensive solution for PCB and circuit designing. You can take the trial and see if the software meets your requirements.

[8] Major Differences Between EasyEDA Vs Eagle

Below given are the main 8 differences between EasyEDA Vs Eagle

  1. EasyEDA is a free of cost, online design platform whereas EAGLE is a subscription based, paid program.
  2. While EAGLE supports the design of HDI boards with high speed features, EasyEDA does not have tools for this.
  3. 3D capabilities of EAGLE are quite better and also allow collaboration with mechanical CAD for model verification.
  4. EasyEDA has a range of team collaboration features that allow team members to work together in real-time.
  5. With EAGLE, you get a wider range of simulation options as compared to EasyEDA.
  6. The UI of EasyEDA is much simpler and easier to use as compared to EAGLE, which is more suited to users with some experience.
  7. EasyEDA can be used as an online program or as a desktop client after download. EAGLE is available as an installed product only.
  8. The design reusability features in EAGLE, such as modular design blocks and more improve efficiency of working. These options aren’t available in EasyEDA, however, it has functions like image to shape conversion for more productive design.

Which Software Is Best For PCB Designing, EasyEDA Vs Eagle

In terms of designing complexity, EAGLE can be a better option. But when it comes to design simplicity and ease, EasyEDA might be your best bet.

Both of the programs have their pros and cons. While EAGLE can help you work on more high level projects and complicated tasks, EasyEDA can be faster and simpler to work with for more basic and intermediate projects.

Autodesk Eagle Vs EasyEDA: Who’s the Winner?

To decide one would depend on what kind of work you are looking to do with the software. And other factors will also count, such as your budget, the features you require, your system specifications and so on.

Both of these programs can work on the three major operating systems, and are not very difficult to use. Apart from all the essential functions needed for design and analysis, they also contain some advanced features for working on more complex projects.

EAGLE has a wide range of tools for working on modern technologies such as high-speed feature PCBs and HDI PCBs. It also gives you project and library management features, with supply chain functionality.

EasyEDA on the other hand has a smoother workflow, and the online storage option allows you to work on your project from any device at any time. Additionally, it also has BOM generation and vast libraries with over 1 million components.

So, Which One Should You Pick?

The software that is the best for you from EasyEDA vs EAGLE is an answer that will vary from individual to individual. EasyEDA is a free to use application, and you can try it out simply by going to their website.

EAGLE is a paid program, but offers some more advanced features and supports MCAD compatibility.

However, after considering all the factors, along with the pricing, EasyEDA proves to be a better option with its simplicity, feature set and performance, along with the fact that it is free and works well even on low-end devices.

Hopefully, you have found this EasyEDA v Eagle comparison guide worthwhile and it has helped you to make an informed choice about these two PCB Design Software.

Additionally, you can also check out our comparison of KiCAD vs Eagle and Fritzing vs Eagle, if you are still not quite settled on a solution.

One comment

  1. You are much to kind about Eagle CAD and its completely obscure user interface.

    It is like the developers does not know computers have a mouse.

    Context would be easy to switch when user clicks various objects, but it is utterly stupid and does not care if user clicks and object. It will not help you.

    Every time I revisit EagleCAD it takes hours to relearn their awkward idea about user interaction.

    Must have been some pretty stubborn developer at the beginning not willing to blend in with how most applications work.

    Even selecting objects with ALT or SHIFT or a frame is obscured. You go crazy if you ever have used any type of CAD or drawing software.

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