Introduction
When developing a new electronics hardware product, building prototype printed circuit boards (PCBs) is a critical step before launching manufacturing. Rather than producing boards in-house, it’s often ideal to order prototypes from an online PCB fabrication service.
But with so many PCB prototype services to choose from, how do you select the best one for your project? Here we compare the top 12 PCB prototype suppliers based on key factors:
- Capabilities and process
- Quality and reliability
- Turnaround time
- Pricing and costs
- Design rule checks
- Minimum order quantities
- Design software integrations
- Overall service and support
By the end of this detailed guide examining the strengths of each service, you’ll be able to pick the best PCB prototype vendor for your specific needs. Let’s dive in!
Top 12 PCB Prototype Services Reviewed
1. RayMing Technology
RayMing is my top choice for PCB prototyping and small batch manufacturing. They offer a complete solution from rapid prototypes to scalable production.
Capabilities
- SMT assembly
- 0.6mm trace/space
- 0.3mm microvia
- 4 layer boards
- ENIG, immersion tin, OSP, hard gold finishing
- Solder mask, silkscreen options
Quality
- 100% quality control on prototypes
- Experienced engineers ensure assembly quality
- SGS audited factory with quality certifications
Turnaround Time
- 24 hour rush service available
- Standard turn times as quick as 2 days
Pricing
- Low minimum orders (5 boards)
- Free DFM checks
- Affordable standard pricing
- Easy online quotes
Design Software
Service
- Dedicated engineer support
- Clear documentation and guides
- Helpful customer service team
For fast, affordable PCB prototypes with excellent quality, RayMing is my top pick. Their consistent results and helpful team make the process very smooth.
2. JLCPCB
JLCPCB has earned a huge following for affordable, quick turn PCB prototypes and small batches. Best fit for bare PCB needs.
Capabilities
- SMT assembly
- 0.4mm trace/space
- 4 layer boards
- Lead-free ENIG surface finish
- Optional solder stencil
Quality
- Standard quality suitable for most prototypes
Turnaround Time
- 24 hour rush build available
- 10 boards in 2 days standard
Pricing
- Extremely low cost bare PCBs
- Partial assembly minimizes setup charges
- Low minimum order requirements
Design Software
- Plug-ins for KiCad, Altium, OrCAD, Eagle
Service
- Order process quick and automated
- Email support if issues arise
- Documentation covers basics well
For bare-bones, dirt cheap boards with super fast delivery, JLCPCB is hard to top. Just be prepared for more DIY assembly vs full-service support.
3. PCBWay
PCBWay has been accelerating hardware startups and prototypes for over a decade with their competitive quality and pricing.
Capabilities
- Full PCB assembly
- 0.8mm trace/space
- 0.6mm microvias
- 6 layer boards
- OSP, immersion tin, ENIG finishes
Quality
- Rigorous quality control testing
- Experts inspect soldering, fabrication, etc
Turnaround Time
- 24 hour expedited build
- 10 boards in 2 days standard
Pricing
- Low cost prototype deals
- Standard transparent pricing
- Assembly priced reasonably
Design Software
- Integrated PCB design tools
- Plugins for Altium, Eagle, KiCad, etc
Service
- Dedicated account manager
- Quick response online chat
- Detailed assembly guidelines
PCBWay continues to offer solid quality prototype boards with growing capabilities at reasonable prices. Recommended.
4. Aisler
Aisler focuses specifically on manufacturing medium complexity prototypes. They’ve optimized for flexibility and speed.
Capabilities
- SMT assembly
- 0.15mm trace/space
- 2-8 layers
- Immersion tin, ENIG, or gold finish
- Stencils with laser cut apertures
Quality
- Carefully vetted component suppliers
- Manual soldering for quick-turn builds
- Visual inspection of boards and joints
Turnaround Time
- 48-hour rush service
- 5 days standard assembly time
Pricing
- Small premium for their prototyping expertise
- NRE costs waived for fast builds
- Lower cost than full-scale EMS production
Design Software
- Integrated design, instant quotes in browser
- OrCAD/Allegro plugin
Service
- Design for manufacturing assistance
- Build engineering support over email
- Quick quote and order turnaround
For prototypes needing fast assembly with smaller quantities, Aisler is a solid choice with helpful services.
5. ALLPCB
ALLPCB focuses on providing affordable, quick-turn PCB prototypes with standard quality. Best for bare boards or simple assembly.
Capabilities
- SMT assembly
- 0.15mm trace/space
- 8 layer boards
- ENIG finish
- Basic stencil options
Quality
- Standard prototypes
- Functional boards but simplistic assembly
Turnaround Time
- 24-48 hour rush service
- 6 days typical assembly time
Pricing
- Low cost boards and stencils
- Partial assembly helps limit fees
Design Software
- Downloader app for major CAD options
Service
- Email and online chat support
- Limited guidance on assembly
ALLPCB keeps pricing rock bottom on fast turned around boards for projects on a tight budget. Know that full-service support is not their focus.
6. Seeed Studio Fusion PCB
Seeed Studio’s new Fusion PCB fabrication service aims at prototype simplicity with integrated features.
Capabilities
- SMT assembly
- 0.2mm trace/space
- 4 layer boards
- OSP or ENIG finish
- Auto generated stencils
Quality
- Prototype level quality
- Reliable results but not high precision
- Basic functional validation
Turnaround Time
- 24 hour rush build
- 15 day standard assembly time
Pricing
- Streamlined pricing model
- Low MOQ of 5 boards
Design Software
- Built into Seeed Studio web IDE
- Design rule checks and quoting
Service
- Light online support
- Guide documents provided
- Web form ticket creation
Seeed simplifies the prototype ordering process for their community of makers with integrated design and assembly. Best for easy, basic boards.
7. OSH Park
OSH Park takes a unique approach optimizing for small batches of high-end boards. Excellent for complex multiplayer PCBs.
Capabilities
- ENIG surface finish
- 0.8mm trace/space
- Up to 4 layer boards
- 0201 components support
- Open source design sharing
Quality
- Purple soldermask for gorgeous boards
- Rigorously produced in USA
- MLCC pad testing for each run
Turnaround Time
- “Super Swift” service for fastest build
- Average of 2 week lead time
Pricing
- Low cost for small quantities
- Cost per square inch
Design Software
- Upload Gerbers from any tool
Service
- Very responsive online support
- Passionate team but lean operation
When you need quality and beauty for advanced boards in low volumes, OSH Park shines. Just expect lead time over 1 week plus.
8. Eurocircuits
Eurocircuits provides comprehensive PCB prototyping solutions with European delivery and quality.
Capabilities
- Full assembly
- 0.127mm trace/space
- 6 layer PCBs
- Immersion tin, HASL, and other finishes
- Solder stencils with laser cut apertures
Quality
- High quality products
- IPC standards compliance
- Full testing capabilities
Turnaround Time
- 3 day express possible
- 8 days standard
Pricing
- Higher than Asian fabs but excellent value for Europe
- Volume pricing tiers
Design Software
- Integrated design tool
- Auto DFM checks
Service
- Quick online quoting
- Very responsive support team
- Assembly support engineers
For prototypes manufactured with quality components under Western standards, Eurocircuits is a superb choice based in Europe.
9. iTead Studio
iTead Studio offers cost effective, hassle free PCB prototyping and assembly catered towards makers and DIY.
Capabilities
- SMT assembly
- 0.2mm trace/space
- 4 layer PCBs
- Lead-free HASL finish
- DIY friendly pricing
Quality
- Prototype level quality
- Functionally valid builds
Turnaround Time
- Super Swift service for fastest delivery
- 10 day normal lead time
Pricing
- Low cost prototyping
- Small MOQs
Design Software
- Web-based CAD for easy usage
Service
- Decent documentation
- Email support
- Order automation simplifies logistics
iTead Studio provides makers an easy, affordable prototyping solution without the fancy frills.
10. Dirty PCBs
Dirty PCBs lives up to its name, focusing on speed and cost with “dirty fast” prototypes. Best fit for bare boards without assembly.
Capabilities
- Bare PCBs only
- 1oz copper
- ENIG or HASL finish
- 7 day standard delivery
Quality
- Prototype grade quality
- Runs panelized for cost savings
Turnaround Time
- Guaranteed shipping in 5 days
Pricing
- $2 per square inch
- Low $33 NRE cost
Design Software
- Downloadable Cadence OrCAD library
Service
- Fully automated & email-based
- No hand-holding & simpler features
When you need dirt cheap and quick PCBs without extras, Dirty PCBs delivers. Just expect zero frills or white glove treatment!
11. Sunstone Circuits
Sunstone Circuits focuses exclusively on specialized quick-turn PCB prototype services for design engineers.
Capabilities
- 4 to 6 layer boards
- 0.005″ trace/space
- 0.001″ microvias
- ENIG and immersion silver finishes
- Solder mask and legend ink options
Quality
- High quality boards
- Careful process controls
- 100% test coverage
Turnaround Time
- 24 hour rush service
- 4 days standard
Pricing
- Higher cost than basic prototypes
- Rush service premium
Design Software
- Downloadable CAD libraries
- Real-time quoting
Service
- Dedicated prototype engineers
- Design reviews and DFM analysis
- Hands on support through entire process
Sunstone provides premium PCB prototyping catered specifically to demanding engineers. Great customer support.
12. Imagineering, Inc
Imagineering lives up to its name by specializing in engineering support and design services in addition to PCB fabrication.
Capabilities
- SMT and through hole assembly
- 0.0039″ trace/space
- 8 layer boards
- Flex & rigid-flex PCBs
- Quick turn or low volume batches
Quality
- Excellent quality and precision
- Veteran engineers produce and support
Turnaround Time
- 24-48 hour rush services
- 5 days standard assembly time
Pricing
- High quality has premium cost
- NRE waived for fast builds
Design Software
- Accept Gerbers from any tool
Service
- Engineering consultation
- Customization and support
- Low volume flexibility
Imagineering combines advanced PCB prototyping with hands-on engineering guidance – a strong choice if budget allows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about PCB prototype services:
Q: What details should I evaluate when selecting a PCB prototype service?
A: Key factors are capabilities, quality, turnaround time, pricing, design software integration, overall service and support. Ensure the supplier fits your project’s specific requirements.
Q: How many PCB prototype suppliers should I get quotes from?
A: Research around 5-10 solid suppliers that meet your basic needs. But get quotes from 2-3 you’re most interested in. Iterating with and building relationship with 1 preferred supplier is best.
Q: Should I only order PCB prototypes before starting a production run?
A: Yes, it’s highly recommended to build at least 3 revisions of prototypes before finalizing your design for production. This allows testing the boards and refining the design to catch any issues.
Q: What questions should I ask PCB prototype suppliers before ordering?
A: Key questions are what unique capabilities they offer, how quality is ensured, standard turnaround times, shipping options, their engineering support model, etc. to ensure fit.
Q: How can I reduce the cost of my PCB prototypes?
A: Using fewer layers, looser tolerances, and higher minimum batch sizes can reduce cost. Suppliers like JLCPCB and ALLPCB focus on affordability. Building the simplest viable board that meets your needs also keeps cost down.
Conclusion
I hope this guide provides a helpful overview of the best PCB prototype services available online today. Each has unique strengths catering to different needs. Spending time upfront to select the right supplier for your specific boards ensures you get quality prototypes delivered on time.
PCB prototyping is a critical stage of any new electronics product design. Leveraging the expertise of an experienced prototype supplier reduces risk, saves time, and gets your product to market faster.
