Eagle vs KiCad: 2026 Comparison
Side-by-side comparison of Eagle (EDA) and KiCad (EDA): pricing, platforms, ratings, supported file formats, deployment options, and the specific strengths each tool brings to a CAD team in 2026.
E
Eagle
$680 (Subscription)
★ 4.6/5 expert score
PCB design software integrated with Fusion 360.
K
KiCad
Open Source
★ 4.7/5 expert score
Free, open-source professional schematic capture and PCB layout suite.
| Eagle | KiCad | |
|---|---|---|
| Expert score | ★ 4.6/5 | ★ 4.7/5 |
| Pricing | $680 (Subscription) | Open Source |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| External reviews | — | — |
| Free trial | — | Always free |
| File formats | — | — |
| Deployment | — | — |
| API / SDK | No | No |
| Industries | Electronics, IoT, Education | Electronics, Hardware Startups, Education |
| Strengths | Fusion 360 MCAD link · Massive library support · Cross-platform | Zero license cost, no node-locking, no per-seat fees · Quality has reached commercial parity since v6 · Massive open-source library ecosystem |
| Limitations | Subscription only · Interface quirky · Replaced by Fusion Electronics | High-speed design tools still behind Altium / Allegro · No built-in supply-chain part availability check · Variants and DRC for ultra-dense boards lag commercial tools |
Which one to pick
Pick KiCad if you need
higher expert score (4.7/5 vs 4.6/5); free / open-source.
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