Inquire: Call 0086-755-23203480, or reach out via the form below/your sales contact to discuss our design, manufacturing, and assembly capabilities.
Quote: Email your PCB files to Sales@pcbsync.com (Preferred for large files) or submit online. We will contact you promptly. Please ensure your email is correct.
Notes: For PCB fabrication, we require PCB design file in Gerber RS-274X format (most preferred), *.PCB/DDB (Protel, inform your program version) format or *.BRD (Eagle) format. For PCB assembly, we require PCB design file in above mentioned format, drilling file and BOM. Click to download BOM template To avoid file missing, please include all files into one folder and compress it into .zip or .rar format.
After evaluating PCB design software for over a decade, I’ve watched Altium Designer’s pricing structure evolve from straightforward perpetual licenses to a more complex subscription-based model. If you’re trying to figure out the actual Altium Designer price for your team or personal use, you’ve probably noticed that Altium doesn’t publish prices openly on their website. That lack of transparency frustrates many engineers, myself included.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Altium Designer pricing in 2026, including the different licensing models, subscription tiers, hidden costs, and whether the investment makes sense for your specific situation.
Before diving into specific numbers, you need to understand how Altium structures their licensing. The company has shifted significantly toward subscription-based models in recent years, though perpetual licenses still exist for certain customers.
Perpetual License vs. Term-Based Subscription
Altium offers two fundamental licensing approaches, and choosing between them significantly impacts your total cost of ownership.
Perpetual License: This is a one-time purchase that grants you indefinite access to a specific version of Altium Designer. You own the software outright and can use it forever. However, perpetual licenses are becoming less common, and Altium has been steering customers toward subscriptions. If you want updates, cloud features, and technical support, you’ll need to pay an annual maintenance fee on top of the perpetual license.
Term-Based Subscription: This model requires recurring payments (monthly or annually) to maintain access to the software. When your subscription expires, you lose access to Altium Designer entirely. The advantage is lower upfront costs and automatic access to the latest features and updates.
From a practical standpoint, the subscription model works better for teams that need consistent updates and cloud collaboration features. The perpetual license makes more sense if you’re comfortable staying on a specific version and want to minimize ongoing costs after the initial purchase.
Altium Designer Price Breakdown for 2026
Let me share the pricing information I’ve gathered from various sources, including direct quotes from Altium sales representatives and industry reports. Keep in mind that Altium’s pricing can vary based on your location, negotiation skills, and the specific package you need.
Current Altium Designer Subscription Pricing
License Type
Price Range
What’s Included
Term-Based Monthly
~$325-$355/month
Full software access, updates, support
Term-Based Annual
~$3,850-$4,260/year
Full software access, updates, support, cost savings vs monthly
Standard Edition (Annual)
~$1,495-$2,500/year
Core PCB design features
Professional Edition (Annual)
~$3,495-$4,500/year
Advanced features, high-speed design, simulation
Perpetual License Pricing
License Type
Price Range
Additional Costs
Perpetual License
~$10,790-$11,970
One-time purchase
Annual Maintenance (Perpetual)
~$1,750-$1,995/year
Required for updates and Altium 365
Total First Year (Perpetual + Maintenance)
~$12,500-$14,000
Full access with updates
The perpetual license numbers might seem high, but consider the math over five years. A perpetual license at $11,000 plus five years of maintenance at $1,995/year totals approximately $21,000. Compare that to five years of subscription at $3,850/year, which totals $19,250. The difference isn’t dramatic, but the subscription gives you more flexibility to pause or cancel if your needs change.
Altium Designer Standard vs. Professional Edition
Altium offers two primary subscription tiers that significantly affect the Altium Designer price you’ll pay. Understanding the differences helps you avoid overpaying for features you don’t need.
Standard Edition Features
The Standard tier covers most general PCB design requirements:
Schematic capture with hierarchical design support
Multi-layer PCB layout (up to 32 layers)
Interactive routing with push-and-shove
Design rule checking (DRC)
3D visualization and MCAD integration
Basic simulation capabilities
Gerber and ODB++ output generation
Access to Altium 365 basic features
For many engineers working on standard complexity boards, the Standard edition provides everything needed to complete professional designs.
Professional Edition Features
The Professional tier adds capabilities essential for complex, high-performance designs:
Advanced high-speed design tools
Enhanced signal integrity analysis
Power integrity analysis
Advanced simulation features
Rigid-flex design support
Advanced data management
Priority technical support
Extended Altium 365 capabilities
If you’re designing boards with DDR4/DDR5 memory interfaces, high-speed SerDes, or complex mixed-signal circuits, the Professional edition’s additional tools justify the higher Altium Designer price.
Altium 365 and Cloud Collaboration Costs
One aspect of Altium Designer pricing that catches many buyers off guard is the cloud platform. Altium 365 provides collaboration, version control, and supply chain features, but some integrations come with additional costs.
Altium 365 Pricing Structure
Feature
Cost
Description
Basic Altium 365
Included with subscription
Version control, basic sharing
MCAD CoDesigner
~$499/user/year
SOLIDWORKS, Creo, Inventor integration
SiliconExpert Integration
Additional cost
Component lifecycle data, YTEOL
Z2Data Integration
Additional cost
Supply chain risk assessment
Secure Collaboration
Contact sales
Government/defense compliance
The base Altium 365 features come with your subscription, but if your workflow requires tight mechanical integration or supply chain visibility, budget for these add-ons.
Altium Develop: New Pricing Option for Teams
In 2025, Renesas (Altium’s parent company) introduced Altium Develop with a restructured pricing model designed to make Altium more accessible. This represents a significant shift in how teams can access Altium Designer.
Altium Develop Pricing Components
Workspace Subscription (Annual): This is the foundation that activates your shared collaborative environment. It’s required to get started with Altium Develop.
Author Seats (Annual, Concurrent): These are Altium Designer licenses that allow actual editing of schematics and layouts. Seats are concurrent, meaning up to five authors can work simultaneously per workspace tier. The same seat can be shared among multiple designers as long as they’re not using it at the same time.
Collaborators (Free & Unlimited): Anyone can review designs, provide feedback, work with requirements, BOMs, comments, and tasks at no additional cost. They simply cannot edit schematics or layouts.
This model particularly benefits teams where only a few engineers actively create designs while others need visibility and input capabilities. You’re not paying for full licenses for people who only need to review and comment.
Hidden Costs to Consider in Your Budget
The sticker price for Altium Designer doesn’t tell the whole story. Here are additional costs that affect your total investment:
Training and Onboarding
Training Option
Approximate Cost
Duration
Altium Designer Essentials (ILT)
$1,500-$2,500
3 days
Altium Designer Advanced (ILT)
$1,500-$2,500
3 days
Private Group Training
$5,000-$10,000
3 days, 6-12 participants
On-Demand Courses
Included or ~$500
Self-paced
Factor in at least one training course per new user. The learning curve for Altium is substantial, and proper training dramatically accelerates productivity.
Hardware Requirements
Altium Designer demands capable hardware. Minimum requirements include Windows 10/11 (64-bit), 16GB RAM (32GB recommended), and a dedicated graphics card. If your workstations need upgrades, add $1,000-$2,500 per machine to your budget.
Library Development Time
Unless you’re using Altium’s built-in libraries exclusively, expect significant time investment in library development. This isn’t a direct cost, but the engineering hours add up. Some companies purchase third-party library services or Altium’s component data integrations to reduce this burden.
Altium Designer Price vs. Competitors
Understanding how Altium Designer pricing compares to alternatives helps you evaluate whether it’s the right investment for your needs.
Software
License Type
Annual Cost
Best For
Altium Designer
Subscription
$3,500-$4,500
Professional teams, complex designs
Altium Designer
Perpetual + Maintenance
$11,000 + $2,000/year
Long-term ownership preference
OrCAD Professional
Perpetual
~$2,300+
Simulation-heavy workflows
Autodesk Eagle/Fusion 360
Subscription
~$500-$600/year
Makers, MCAD integration
KiCad
Free
$0
Budget-conscious, open hardware
DipTrace
Perpetual
$895-$1,895
Small to mid-size companies
The Altium Designer price is significantly higher than alternatives, but the integrated environment, extensive features, and industry adoption often justify the premium for professional work. I’ve used KiCad for personal projects and find it capable, but when clients expect Altium files or the design requires advanced high-speed features, there’s no substitute.
Negotiating the Best Altium Designer Price
Altium’s pricing isn’t as fixed as their sales process might suggest. Here are strategies that have worked for me and colleagues:
Volume Discounts
If you’re purchasing multiple seats, ask explicitly about tiered pricing. Discounts of 15-30% aren’t unusual for orders of five or more licenses.
End-of-Quarter Timing
Like most enterprise software companies, Altium sales representatives have quarterly targets. Purchases made in March, June, September, and December often attract better pricing as reps push to meet quotas.
Competitive Quotes
Obtain quotes from OrCAD, Cadence Allegro, or other competitors. Mentioning that you’re evaluating alternatives can motivate more aggressive pricing from Altium.
Educational and Startup Programs
Students can access free annual licenses through Altium’s academic program. Startups may qualify for discounted pricing. Ask specifically about any programs that might apply to your situation.
Trade-Up from Older Versions
If you have old perpetual licenses with expired maintenance, ask about trade-up options to current term-based licenses. These often come with discounts compared to purchasing fresh.
The value equation for Altium Designer depends entirely on your situation. Here’s my honest assessment after years of use:
Worth it if:
You work on complex, multi-layer boards regularly
Your clients or employers expect Altium file formats
Team collaboration and version control matter to your workflow
You need integrated high-speed design and simulation tools
Time-to-market is critical and productivity gains matter
Consider alternatives if:
You design simple, low-layer-count boards
Budget constraints are severe
You’re a hobbyist or occasional designer
Your designs don’t require advanced features
You prefer open-source tools and community support
The Altium Designer price represents a serious investment, but for professional PCB design work, the productivity gains typically justify the cost. I’ve seen engineers complete in Altium what would take significantly longer in less integrated tools.
Useful Resources for Altium Designer
These resources will help you evaluate and purchase Altium Designer:
CircuitMaker: Community edition powered by Altium technology
Frequently Asked Questions About Altium Designer Price
How much does Altium Designer cost per year?
The annual Altium Designer price varies based on your subscription tier. Standard edition subscriptions start around $1,495-$2,500 per year, while Professional edition subscriptions range from $3,495-$4,500 per year. If you own a perpetual license, annual maintenance costs approximately $1,750-$1,995 to maintain update and support access. Contact Altium directly or an authorized reseller for precise quotes based on your specific requirements and location.
Can I still buy a perpetual license for Altium Designer?
Perpetual licenses for Altium Designer still exist but are becoming less common as Altium pushes subscription models. A perpetual license costs approximately $10,790-$11,970 as a one-time purchase. However, you’ll need to pay annual maintenance fees (~$1,995/year) to receive software updates and access Altium 365 features. Without active maintenance, you can continue using the software but won’t receive new versions or cloud capabilities.
What happens to my designs if my Altium subscription expires?
If your term-based subscription lapses, you lose access to Altium Designer and cannot open, edit, or create designs within the software. Your design files remain intact, but you’ll need to renew your subscription to work with them again. Some users export critical files to neutral formats (like Gerber, ODB++, or PDF) before subscription expiration as a precaution. For perpetual licenses, you retain access to the software version you own even without active maintenance.
Is Altium Designer free for students?
Yes, Altium offers free annual licenses to verified students through their educational program. This provides full access to Altium Designer for learning purposes. Students must verify their enrollment status, and the license is intended for educational use only, not commercial projects. This is an excellent way to learn the software before entering the workforce, where many employers expect Altium proficiency.
How does Altium Designer pricing compare to KiCad?
KiCad is completely free and open-source, while Altium Designer costs thousands of dollars annually. However, they serve different markets. KiCad handles most PCB design tasks capably and has improved dramatically in recent versions. Altium Designer offers a more integrated environment, superior high-speed design tools, better MCAD integration, cloud collaboration, and supply chain features that KiCad lacks. For hobbyists and budget-conscious professionals, KiCad is excellent. For complex professional work where productivity and advanced features matter, the Altium Designer price often proves worthwhile.
License Management and Deployment Options
Understanding how Altium licenses work in practice helps you plan deployments and manage costs effectively.
On-Demand vs. Standalone Licensing
Altium offers different license deployment methods:
On-Demand Licensing: This floating license capability allows use within a geographic scope as defined in the EULA. Licenses are checked out when the software launches and returned when closed. This works well for teams where not everyone needs simultaneous access.
Standalone Licensing: A license file tied to specific machines. This doesn’t require internet connectivity for operation but limits flexibility. You can move the license between computers, but it requires manual transfer.
Private Server Licensing: For organizations with security requirements that prevent cloud connectivity, Altium offers on-premises license server options. This adds complexity but addresses compliance concerns in regulated industries.
Managing Multi-Seat Deployments
For organizations with multiple licenses, Altium’s Company Dashboard provides centralized management. Administrators can track license usage, manage renewals, enable auto-renewal for uninterrupted access, and handle user assignments. The Trade Up feature allows converting old perpetual licenses with expired maintenance to current term-based licenses, often at favorable pricing.
Making Your Decision on Altium Designer
The Altium Designer price represents a significant investment regardless of which licensing model you choose. Before committing, I recommend taking advantage of Altium’s free trial to evaluate whether the software fits your workflow. Request quotes from Altium directly, as published prices may not reflect current promotions or negotiated rates available to you.
Consider your long-term needs, not just immediate requirements. If you’re building a career in PCB design or growing an engineering team, the investment in Altium Designer tends to pay dividends through improved productivity, industry-standard file compatibility, and access to features that simpler tools cannot match.
For teams evaluating options, Altium Develop’s new pricing structure offers a more accessible entry point with its concurrent licensing and free collaborator model. This may reduce the per-person cost significantly for organizations where not everyone needs full editing capabilities.
Whatever you decide, make sure you’re comparing total cost of ownership, including training, maintenance, and add-on features, not just the initial license price. The true Altium Designer price extends well beyond the first purchase.
Pricing information in this article reflects data gathered from multiple sources as of early 2026. Altium’s pricing structure may change, and exact quotes should be obtained directly from Altium or authorized resellers for purchasing decisions.
Inquire: Call 0086-755-23203480, or reach out via the form below/your sales contact to discuss our design, manufacturing, and assembly capabilities.
Quote: Email your PCB files to Sales@pcbsync.com (Preferred for large files) or submit online. We will contact you promptly. Please ensure your email is correct.
Notes: For PCB fabrication, we require PCB design file in Gerber RS-274X format (most preferred), *.PCB/DDB (Protel, inform your program version) format or *.BRD (Eagle) format. For PCB assembly, we require PCB design file in above mentioned format, drilling file and BOM. Click to download BOM template To avoid file missing, please include all files into one folder and compress it into .zip or .rar format.
