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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

    Autodesk Fusion

    Score7.5 out of 10
    N/AAutodesk Fusion is a cloud-based 3D CAD, CAM, and CAE tool which integrates design, modeling, and simulation capabilities.

    $70

    per month

    Pricing
    Altium DevelopAutodesk Fusion
    Editions & Modules
    No answers on this topic
    Fusion 360 - Paid Monthly
    $70
    per month per user
    Fusion 360 - Paid Annually
    $545
    per year per user
    Fusion 360 - 3 Years
    $1635
    3 years per user
    Offerings
    Pricing Offerings
    Altium DevelopAutodesk Fusion
    Free Trial
    YesYes
    Free/Freemium Version
    NoYes
    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 DevelopAutodesk Fusion
    Considered Both Products
    Altium
    Chose Altium Develop
    I used Eagle for a long time, then switched to Altium Designer around 2014. Eagle was rather basic comparatively, but also comparatively dirt cheap and capable for modestly complex designs. But the future was clear - Altium Designer was required for stepping up my design game.
    Incentivized
    Chose Altium Develop
    Altium Designer is a CAD tool like the others. In comparison, Altium is chosen for its ability to make electrical circuits, its wide capacity, and its shared mode, which facilitates configuration and improves work time on projects.
    Incentivized
    Chose Altium Develop
    More options, easy to use, powerful
    Incentivized
    Chose Altium Develop
    Due to coworker use the same software, it's easier to work with.
    Incentivized
    Chose Altium Develop
    Altium is too expensive...
    Incentivized
    Chose Altium Develop
    Overall Altium Designer is in another league compared to KiCad, especially the older versions. The whole design process works better in Altium Designer. The only thing I miss from KiCad is the disjointedness between symbols and footprints. Whilst less appropriate for …
    Incentivized
    Autodesk
    Chose Autodesk Fusion
    They are mainly related to CAD-type software, which is useful for modeling/design, although in a different area. In this case, Fusion is used because it is for mechanical-type models used in prototyping that are not related to some aspect of electronics, which differentiates it …
    Incentivized
    Key User Insights
    Would buy again
    96%
    Would buy again
    92 Answers
    89%
    Would buy again
    8 Answers
    Delivers good value for the price
    94%
    Delivers good value for the price
    73 Answers
    100%
    Delivers good value for the price
    8 Answers
    Happy with the feature set
    90%
    Happy with the feature set
    86 Answers
    89%
    Happy with the feature set
    8 Answers
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    88%
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    68 Answers
    86%
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    6 Answers
    Implementation went as expected
    83%
    Implementation went as expected
    73 Answers
    100%
    Implementation went as expected
    8 Answers
    Features
    Altium DevelopAutodesk Fusion
    Computer-Aided Design Software
    Comparison of Computer-Aided Design Software features of Altium Develop and Autodesk Fusion
    Feature
    Altium Develop
    -
    Ratings
    Autodesk Fusion
    7.7
    2 Ratings
    3% above category average
    3D Modeling00 Ratings9.82 Ratings
    2D Drafting00 Ratings7.52 Ratings
    Rendering and Visualization00 Ratings9.12 Ratings
    Parametric Design00 Ratings5.22 Ratings
    Collaboration and Sharing00 Ratings9.72 Ratings
    Compatibility with other software and formats00 Ratings9.82 Ratings
    Assembly Design00 Ratings5.02 Ratings
    Simulation and Analysis00 Ratings4.72 Ratings
    Documentation and Annotation00 Ratings8.02 Ratings
    Customization and Extensions00 Ratings7.82 Ratings
    Best Alternatives
    Altium DevelopAutodesk Fusion
    Small Businesses
    No answers on this topic
    Onshape
    Score6.4 out of 10
    Medium-sized Companies
    No answers on this topic
    Onshape
    Score6.4 out of 10
    Enterprises
    No answers on this topic
    PTC Creo
    Score7.6 out of 10
    All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
    User Ratings
    Altium DevelopAutodesk Fusion
    Likelihood to Recommend
    9.1
    (97 ratings)
    8.2
    (17 ratings)
    Likelihood to Renew
    7.0
    (6 ratings)
    10.0
    (1 ratings)
    Usability
    8.1
    (94 ratings)
    7.3
    (3 ratings)
    Availability
    6.4
    (1 ratings)
    9.0
    (1 ratings)
    Performance
    7.3
    (1 ratings)
    8.0
    (1 ratings)
    Support Rating
    4.5
    (5 ratings)
    7.9
    (2 ratings)
    Online Training
    9.1
    (1 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Implementation Rating
    7.2
    (2 ratings)
    10.0
    (1 ratings)
    Configurability
    -
    (0 ratings)
    10.0
    (1 ratings)
    Ease of integration
    -
    (0 ratings)
    10.0
    (1 ratings)
    Product Scalability
    2.7
    (1 ratings)
    9.0
    (1 ratings)
    Vendor post-sale
    -
    (0 ratings)
    9.0
    (1 ratings)
    Vendor pre-sale
    -
    (0 ratings)
    9.0
    (1 ratings)
    User Testimonials
    Altium DevelopAutodesk Fusion
    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
    This software has been so easy to use from day one! I couldn't be more thrilled with it. Being an SME, it is offered on an annual basis free of charge. My network of engineers are amazed I am able to accomplish what I have using this software when the companies they come from are paying thousands for licensing. I also would like to note that Autodesk offer an incredible specialization to really round out your skills via Coursera.
    Incentivized
    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
    • The first PRO of Fusion 360 that always comes to mind is how versatile it is. Fusion 360 is the first CAD/CAM software that also includes other key features that CAD programs of this size don't have.
    • Fusion 360 has a generous licensing structure that gives those just starting out a place to start with a professional level CAD program. As a result, this has helped build up a huge community and user base around Fusion 360.
    • Fusion 360 is updated on a monthly basis. This has proven to be a huge advantage over Solidworks (something else I use) which is only updated once a year. The nice thing about monthly updates, other than regular bug fixes, is that the team can adapt quickly and no one is taken by storm with a big overhaul of the UI or features at the beginning of the year.
    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
    • Fusion 360 is a very simple program, so once you begin to draw more complex 3D models, the software gets sluggish and loses its fluidity.
    • It would be really nice if Fusion 360 could output a model as a SolidWorks file so I can begin to draw something out in Fusion 360 and then pick it up in SolidWorks when I need to do some more advanced functions.
    • Because Fusion 360 is a simpler program, there are a few functions such as 3D sketches that are not intuitive like all the rest of the functions are.
    Incentivized
    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
    It does everything I need for great value.
    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
    Because the tool is very useful and easy to access, it provides very basic and useful tools to start in the modeling part despite being basic processing aspects. It is also very easy to get a free, temporary, or student license, which makes it a very good CAD tool.
    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
    Sometimes I like using it on Saturday nights. Unfortunately, they usually do their updates at this time and it isn't available to use.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Performance
    Altium
    No answers on this topic
    Autodesk
    It can freeze sometimes while doing heavy tasks.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    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
    Support is conducted via internet Q&A boards; newcomers to 3D modeling may find that articulating their questions in the language of CAD software is the tricky part — once they find the right technical term for what they're trying to accomplish, answers come quickly. Autodesk also provides a large library of educational tutorial videos that make the initial process of learning Fusion 360's interface much easier.
    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
    No. It is basic and straightforward.
    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
    Autodesk Inventor excels at daily core engineering tasks. When integrated with Vault management systems and part libraries, Autodesk Inventor is tough to beat when you need a mechanical design solution. When Inventor and Vault are setup properly it allows for a very efficient design workflow. I think it would be difficult to achieve the same amount of workflow efficiency with Autodesk Fusion 360, that said, Autodesk Fusion 360 offers a very good toolset at a much lower cost. I can maintain a yearly subscription of Autodesk Fusion 360 and get about 85% of the functionality that is available via the Inventor design suite for the cost of about 2 months of an Inventor subscription. I then also get access to manufacturing plugins with Autodesk Fusion 360 but lose a lot in the drawing environment. Inventor beats Autodesk Fusion 360 hands down when it comes to documentation.
    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
    It offers so much already, and the reason being is that it showed promise early on.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    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
    • It gives me totally positive impacts. Its zero cost eliminates the need to search for other software to use.
    • Fusion 360's Autodesk cloud solution enables me to use 3d files generated via other Autodesk design software that are widely used by my customers.
    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.