Comparison

PCBmaker vs PCB Studio Maker

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

PCBmaker

Features
Read full description

PCBmaker lets you design printed circuit boards on your iPhone – from schematic to files ready to order at JLCPCB. Add modules, connect them and see how your circuit looks on a real board. The app routes the tracks for you, checks the board and prepares manufacturing files. SCHEMATIC • Library of ready-made modules: ESP32, Arduino Nano, Raspberry Pi Pico, motor drivers (TB6600, A4988), power converters, sensors, displays, relays and more • Auto-connect – the app suggests the wiring between modules • Labelled pins and microcontroller pin roles PCB • Board view in millimetres with real through-hole footprints • Autorouter – routes all connections in seconds • Manual tracks on the top and bottom layer, vias • Ground (GND) fill • Circuit inspector (DRC) – checks clearances and connections before you order READY-MADE PROJECTS 10 examples to start with, each with an explanation, parts list and Arduino sketch: Wi-Fi controlled lamp, DS18B20 thermostat, weather station with an OLED display, motion sensor alarm, WS2812B LED strip with Raspberry Pi Pico, potentiometer-controlled servo, stepper motor with A4988, CNC length stop (CYD + TB6600), ultrasonic range finder with LCD and RFID card lock. FREE Schematic design, board view, autorouter, ground fill, DRC and ready-made projects. PCBmaker PRO File exports: • Gerber and drill files in one ZIP – ready to upload to jlcpcb.com • KiCad netlist (.net) for further work in KiCad • Parts list (BOM) in JLCPCB format Monthly and yearly plans available. The subscription renews automatically unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Payment is charged to your Apple ID account. Manage or cancel your subscription in your Apple ID account settings. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: [https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/](https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/]

About

PCB Studio Maker

Features
Read full description

PCB Studio Maker is a modern PCB design workspace built for Mac, iPhone and iPad. Create electronic projects from schematic to finished board using a clean, focused interface designed for fast prototyping, learning and real-world hardware development. Start with your schematic, organize components and nets, sync your design with the PCB layout, route tracks, inspect connections and preview your board in 3D before preparing it for manufacturing. KEY FEATURES • Schematic Design Create and organize electronic circuits with components, pins, nets and footprints. • PCB Layout Editor Place components, route copper tracks, add vias, inspect layers and refine your board layout. • Component Library Browse common resistors, capacitors, LEDs, connectors, ICs, MOSFETs, drivers, regulators and other electronic components. • 3D Board Preview Visualize your PCB and component placement in an interactive 3D view. • Design Rule Checks Review warnings, connectivity issues and potential design problems before manufacturing. • Manufacturing Preparation Review board layers, footprints, routing and fabrication requirements before export. • Export Tools Prepare manufacturing packages, board previews, parts lists, project files and other useful design outputs. • Multi-Device Workflow Use PCB Studio Maker on Mac, iPhone and iPad and continue designing wherever you work. PCB Studio Maker is useful for: • Electronics students • Makers and hobbyists • Embedded developers • Robotics projects • IoT development • Prototype electronics • PCB experimentation • Hardware engineers Whether you are building a simple prototype, motor controller, sensor board, embedded system or custom electronics project, PCB Studio Maker gives you the tools to move from idea to physical board in one streamlined workspace. Design. Route. Preview. Manufacture. Build your next PCB with PCB Studio Maker. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ The app uses Apple's Standard Licensed Application End User License Agreement.

Screenshots

PCBmaker4 screens
PCB Studio Maker4 screens

Verdict

The call

PCBmaker and PCB Studio Maker are too close to call on the numbers: across 5 compared parameters — price, ads, in-app purchases and device support among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.

Scored on Price Ā· Rating Ā· Positive reviews Ā· Number of ratings Ā· Update frequency Ā· Ads Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Monetization Ā· Best chart rank Ā· Devices Ā· Requires iOS

CostPrice Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Ads Ā· Monetization

Both are free to download. PCBmaker sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month and PCB Studio Maker sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ScorecardNo meaningful differences
PCBmaker versus PCB Studio Maker: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPCBmakerPCB Studio Maker
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 4 days—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, Mac — better
Requires iOS17.0 — better17.6
Further details — not scored
Size12 MB9 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperBARTOSZ TERLECKIMirza Pasic

In-app purchases

2 purchases

PCBmaker

Subscriptions2
  • PCBmaker PRO Monthly$6.991 Month
  • PCBmaker PRO Yearly$49.991 Year
1 purchases

PCB Studio Maker

Subscriptions1
  • PCB Studio Pro$4.991 Month

Questions

Is PCBmaker free?
PCBmaker is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is PCB Studio Maker free?
PCB Studio Maker is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do PCBmaker or PCB Studio Maker have ads?
Neither PCBmaker nor PCB Studio Maker shows ads.

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