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    Overview
    ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price

    Altium Develop

    Score8.7 out of 10
    N/AAltium Develop is a platform that unifies multidisciplinary teams across engineering, sourcing, and manufacturing to support seamless co-creation. It provides real-time visibility into designs, requirements, and supply chain data, enabling contributors to work together concurrently rather than in silos.

    $1,990

    per year

    AutoCAD

    Score8.3 out of 10
    N/AAutoCAD is a CAD product from Autodesk. It allows designers to work in 2D and 3D, and is available on Windows and Mac, but with extensive online collaboration tools.

    $245

    per month

    Pricing
    Altium DevelopAutoCAD
    Editions & Modules
    No answers on this topic
    Monthly Subscription
    $245
    per month per user
    Yearly Subscription
    $1975
    per year per user
    3-Year Subscription
    $5925
    3 years per user
    Offerings
    Pricing Offerings
    Altium DevelopAutoCAD
    Free Trial
    YesYes
    Free/Freemium Version
    NoNo
    Premium Consulting/Integration Services
    NoNo
    Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup fee
    Additional DetailsAltium Develop is offered as an annual subscription starting at $1,990 per year, which includes one Altium Designer ECAD Design Author and a shared workspace for projects, libraries, and collaboration. The subscription provides unlimited workspace users at no additional cost, enabling broad participation in reviews, commenting, task management, BOM access, and change workflows. Teams can add up to four additional Altium Designer ECAD Design Authors for $995 per Author per year, allowing organizations to scale active design capacity while keeping contributors and collaborators included at no extra charge.—
    More Pricing Information
    Community Pulse
    Altium DevelopAutoCAD
    Considered Both Products
    Altium
    Chose Altium Develop
    Other tools are open source and free to use, which often means its easier to use but has limited abilities. With using Altium Designer compared to the other tools I have found the review process a lot better and its workspace environment a big plus because I can find …
    Incentivized
    Chose Altium Develop
    Altium offers much better features and usability over Proteus. Proteus also has certain limitations in what it can achieve, so that leaves it behind.
    Same with KiCad, while it is easier to use, and quite an amazing software for a freeware, it lacks certain features which makes …
    Incentivized
    Chose Altium Develop
    Due to coworker use the same software, it's easier to work with.
    Incentivized
    Chose Altium Develop
    Altium Designer is far easier to use and has a simplified pricing model for use to forecast project costs. Altium Designer also has many value-added features such as Altium 365 and MCAD integration which we can use for no additional costs. Other vendors charge by feature. …
    Incentivized
    Chose Altium Develop
    I prefer Altium Designer because it makes collaboration easy, and I have had a more enjoyable time using it. Altium Designer runs better on my computer than other software, and I have never run into a problem while using it. It allows me to really get into my work and focus on …
    Incentivized
    Autodesk
    No answer on this topic
    Key User Insights
    Would buy again
    94%
    Would buy again
    94 Answers
    96%
    Would buy again
    45 Answers
    Delivers good value for the price
    94%
    Delivers good value for the price
    75 Answers
    93%
    Delivers good value for the price
    38 Answers
    Happy with the feature set
    90%
    Happy with the feature set
    90 Answers
    91%
    Happy with the feature set
    43 Answers
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    86%
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    70 Answers
    88%
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    29 Answers
    Implementation went as expected
    83%
    Implementation went as expected
    76 Answers
    95%
    Implementation went as expected
    38 Answers
    Features
    Altium DevelopAutoCAD
    Computer-Aided Design Software
    Comparison of Computer-Aided Design Software features of Altium Develop and AutoCAD
    Feature
    Altium Develop
    -
    Ratings
    AutoCAD
    7.1
    7 Ratings
    5% below category average
    3D Modeling00 Ratings6.27 Ratings
    2D Drafting00 Ratings8.67 Ratings
    Rendering and Visualization00 Ratings6.57 Ratings
    Parametric Design00 Ratings7.67 Ratings
    Collaboration and Sharing00 Ratings8.97 Ratings
    Compatibility with other software and formats00 Ratings8.87 Ratings
    Assembly Design00 Ratings6.87 Ratings
    Simulation and Analysis00 Ratings4.76 Ratings
    Documentation and Annotation00 Ratings7.67 Ratings
    Customization and Extensions00 Ratings5.47 Ratings
    Best Alternatives
    Altium DevelopAutoCAD
    Small Businesses
    No answers on this topic
    Onshape
    Score7.4 out of 10
    Medium-sized Companies
    No answers on this topic
    Onshape
    Score7.4 out of 10
    Enterprises
    No answers on this topic
    PTC Creo
    Score7.8 out of 10
    All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
    User Ratings
    Altium DevelopAutoCAD
    Likelihood to Recommend
    9.0
    (103 ratings)
    7.7
    (88 ratings)
    Likelihood to Renew
    7.3
    (7 ratings)
    10.0
    (3 ratings)
    Usability
    8.1
    (100 ratings)
    8.3
    (9 ratings)
    Availability
    9.1
    (2 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Performance
    8.2
    (2 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Support Rating
    4.5
    (6 ratings)
    6.9
    (13 ratings)
    Online Training
    9.1
    (1 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Implementation Rating
    7.7
    (3 ratings)
    8.0
    (2 ratings)
    Configurability
    8.2
    (1 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Contract Terms and Pricing Model
    8.2
    (1 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Product Scalability
    7.2
    (2 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Vendor post-sale
    8.2
    (1 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Vendor pre-sale
    8.2
    (1 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    User Testimonials
    Altium DevelopAutoCAD
    Likelihood to Recommend
    Altium
    AD is perfectly suited for the company's needs. We design a few boards per year, and having one seat is enough for us. The software offers all the tools required to design, lay out, and send manufacturing files over to the PCB manufacturers. The version control feature is very useful for tracking changes, especially during the development and certification stages.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Autodesk
    Once again, for jobs/companies where you are doing a lot of design and modelling of tanks, pipework or filling machine or basic electronics its fantastic as a 3D and 2D modelling tool, however once again when it comes to testing these actual products in the real world, I feel like AutoCAD is let down by its clunky fitting and spec management and also in very limited in-house engineering simulations.
    Read full review
    Pros
    Altium
    • Extremely straightforward and easy to use
    • Easy to find all tools, including laying traces, adding net labels, etc.
    • Great training documents and videos, very using friendly; especially for first time users
    • 3D models of the PCB are excellent
    • Easy to generate files; including schematics, BOMs, Gerber files, etc.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Autodesk
    • Compatibility of different file formats, and also exports to different file formats.
    • CLI Commands as well as internal functions which are exposed can be used for automation of various tasks.
    • The new 2025 comes with .NET Core support which helps AutoCAD to connect with Cloud based features.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Cons
    Altium
    • The move to constraint management vs. design rules is half-baked. requiring saving separate constraints to schematics vs. PCBs results in constraints being overwritten constantly when pushing updates.
    • Forcing subscriptions - removing the option for perpetual licenses.
    • Integrated simulation is still un-intuitive and difficult to use.
    • Requirements management feels completely separate, and I forget it's even part of Altium.
    • No easy way to manage or layout schematics with "generic components" - every item is forced to be a manufacturer part at design time, slowing down initial schematic capture.
    Read full review
    Autodesk
    • User Interface Customisation: AutoCAD's user interface could benefit from more robust customisation options. Allowing users to rearrange toolbars, menus, and panels according to their specific workflows and preferences would enhance productivity.
    • Enhanced 3D Modeling Tools: While AutoCAD is capable of 3D modeling, it's not as intuitive or feature-rich as dedicated 3D modeling software. Streamlining the process and adding more advanced modeling tools would be a welcome improvement.
    • Enhanced Collaboration and Version Control: AutoCAD could improve its collaboration tools, such as real-time editing and version tracking, to facilitate smoother teamwork, especially in multi-disciplinary projects.
    • Intelligent Object Libraries: AutoCAD could benefit from an expanded and more intelligent library of standard objects and components. This would save time for designers who often have to create custom components from scratch.
    Read full review
    Likelihood to Renew
    Altium
    ALTIUM DESIGNER is the reference tool in the electronic circuit design sector, its use is widespread worldwide. Although there are other alternatives, some of them free do not rival ALTIUM DESIGNER in terms of features and reliability. It is also very practical to request quotes with ALTIUM DESIGNER BOM reports since all suppliers are accustomed to using the tool.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Autodesk
    Because rarely we [would] rather wait for a whole year to update, sometimes the new updates don't bring many new features and we are still ok with the current version. Also the change of interface is always something that takes time for every partner in the company to get comfortable with. So those are the main reasons we may want to keep the same version.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Usability
    Altium
    The schematic editor is easy to use for simple designs within a couple weeks of training, but can also handle complex designs and multi-board designs with no formal training needed. The addition of the wire harness designer offers a great way to allow for the electrical engineers to control the designs without the need of additional CAD software.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Autodesk
    It is very usable once you understand the program. I believe there is room for improvement in the 2D to 3D modeling capability. We have to use other apps to 3D model and that can be time consuming and sometimes AutoCAD doesn't transfer work that well between apps. They can improve there.
    Read full review
    Reliability and Availability
    Altium
    Not very stable. Sudden lack of functionality when the license expires is not indicated clearly and can lead to loss of work.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Autodesk
    No answers on this topic
    Performance
    Altium
    Seems to be very responsive as long as I have memory available
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Autodesk
    No answers on this topic
    Support Rating
    Altium
    Long process for solving problems. Problem solved after multiple emails, but not explained what was the solution, just "it is solved now"
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Autodesk
    AutoCAD has the issue of crashing or slowing down the design procedure once a heavy design that includes several disciplines or multiple families/blocks is involved. Customer services gets the feedback from the crash reports but this issue seems like it has never been addressed in the software updates past several years.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Online Training
    Altium
    easy to follow, Good technical materials. good videos The platform is easy to use.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Autodesk
    No answers on this topic
    Implementation Rating
    Altium
    Some times it is slow down PC due to polygons
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Autodesk
    the implementation was realy easy , to set up our workstation we pay for the licenses we are about to use , there was a little bit of delay to get the payment processed to receive the serial but after that the install runs without any problem , so you can fell secure there will be not issue with the implementation.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Alternatives Considered
    Altium
    Altium Develop gave the most cohesive experience compared to other platforms. Most others feel like several pieces of software kludged together (and often are). Altium Develop was clearly a unified system and felt like a much more modern piece of software. At the time it was competitively priced while having features open-source alternatives couldn't match.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Autodesk
    I use Revit far more than I use AutoCAD. AutoCAD is great for simple linework, but even then I will often create the lines in Revit and then export to AutoCAD for final touches and printing. AutoCAD is a bit easier for large-format prints, which is why I almost always end up using it after starting in Revit.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Scalability
    Altium
    Because, in my opinion, usage for small organization is poor, it is difficult to set up initial configuration to support scaling.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Autodesk
    No answers on this topic
    Return on Investment
    Altium
    • Allowed our team to turn out PCB designs as early as 2 months before our deadlines
    • Better team retention as Altium 365 is not frustrating to use
    • Mitigated costs through reliably accurate DRC reports, avoiding bad PCB designs to be sent for fabrication
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Autodesk
    • As an educational institute there are no overall business objectives.
    • As a negative, the licensing is expensive and we have to limit the number of computers we put it on.
    • As a positive, many of our students will have a leg up when entering into programs or companies that use this software.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    ScreenShots

    Altium Develop Screenshots

    Screenshot of The 3D View Editor in Altium Develop that transforms the standard 2D PCB workspace into a fully interactive, three‑dimensional design environment. Users can toggle between 2D and 3D modes, then zoom, pan, and rotate the board freely using tools like a directional sphere for precise pivot control and adjust display settings (such as transparency or coloring) via the View Configuration panel to visually explore and inspect PCB layouts in realistic detail.Screenshot of Project History in Altium Develop, which provides a browser-based, visually chronological timeline of a project's key events such as: creation, commits, releases, clones, and MCAD exchanges offering version control transparency directly within workspace.Screenshot of Altium Develop's unified design environment built on a single data model. From schematic capture to PCB layout, routing, and assembly preparation, every step flows seamlessly. Smart placement and routing features make complex designs faster, easier, and more reliable.Screenshot of ActiveBOM, which is a dynamic, table-based Bill of Materials (BOM) editor integrated into Altium Develop that elevates component management to a real-time, design-aware process. It automatically aggregates supply chain data such as pricing, stock, lifecycle status, and lead times - from sources like Octopart and IHS Markit, enabling parts selection, alternates, cost calculation, rule-based verification, and traceability - within the same environment as the schematic and PCB design.Screenshot of BOM Portal, which is a cloud-native, procurement-focused tool within Altium Develop that transforms traditional Excel-like Bill of Materials (BOM) workflows by integrating live supply chain, compliance, and pricing data. It enables collaboration between engineering and procurement, helps identify supply risks like obsolescence or shortages, supports BOM consolidation and alternates, and ensures thorough version control and traceability bridging design to manufacturing with real-time visibility and control.Screenshot of Workspace Projects, which provide a cloud-native, version-controlled hub within Altium Develop that simplifies electronic project management with centralized storage, collaboration, and built-in Git-based version control. This interface enables real-time design navigation (including schematic, 2D/3D PCB, BOM, and Draftsman views), task tracking, release and manufacturing management, historical timeline review, and sharing.