When comparing Autodesk EAGLE vs KiCad EDA, the Slant community recommends Autodesk EAGLE for most people. In the question“What are the best software for making PCBs?” Autodesk EAGLE is ranked 1st while KiCad EDA is ranked 2nd. The most important reason people chose Autodesk EAGLE is:
You will have no problem starting working with this piece of software thanks to a large number of theoretical materials, guides, and tutorials available online. Every design step, starting from the schematic assembly and finishing with the board design file that can be sent to a board house, are covered in great detail.
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Pros
Pro Well-covered
You will have no problem starting working with this piece of software thanks to a large number of theoretical materials, guides, and tutorials available online. Every design step, starting from the schematic assembly and finishing with the board design file that can be sent to a board house, are covered in great detail.
Pro You can build your own libraries
If you ever fail to find the component you need in the standard component libraries, you can always create your own, custom library components with the Autocad Eagle. Everything you'll need is the component package dimensions and pinout. Even if you are relatively new to the Autodesk Eagle, creating a custom, say eight pin package will take you around 30 minutes thanks to the simple and clear component creation guide available at the manufacturer's website.
Pro Has a free version
You can download a free copy of the Autodesk Eagle to see it in action. Such copy will work perfectly for those working with double-sided printed circuit boards that are not larger than 80 square centimeters.
Pro Cross-platform
Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Pro Open source
KiCad is open source.
Pro Efficient routing with Shove & Walk Around
Saves time while manually routing everything but the most simple.
Pro High-speed differential pair routing support
Easy-to-use differential pair routing, interactive length matching and measurement.
Pro 3D PCB model support
Use STEP component models export a STEP model of the whole PCB.
Pro Huge integrated part library
The large part library features tens of thousands of both generic and specialized parts & footprints, including 3D models.
Cons
Con Multi-page schematics only with hierarchical sheets
In order to have a multi-page schematic, you currently always need to use hierarchical sheets (but you don't have to use hierarchical pins - just use global labels to interconnect your schematics).
Con Few RF design features
Supports differential pairs, interactive length & phase matching etc., but no RF filter design, no integrated impedance calculations and no support for RF-related DRC checks.