Cheap PCB Suppliers That Deliver Quality and Value

Finding cheap PCB suppliers that maintain quality is crucial for your projects. When selecting a supplier, it’s important to balance cost and quality carefully. Quality issues often arise with low-cost options, including:

Material problems like delamination
Manufacturing errors such as misaligned layers
Design flaws like poor layout

Evaluating cheap PCB suppliers involves assessing their capability to deliver high-quality printed circuit boards at affordable prices. Look for suppliers who prioritize quality control and have a solid reputation in the industry.

Key Takeaways

Pick PCB suppliers that offer low prices and good quality control. This helps prevent problems with materials and manufacturing.
Find suppliers that deliver quickly and have simple online ordering. This will help you finish your projects faster.
Look for important certifications like ISO 9001 and UL. These show that the supplier meets high quality and safety standards.
Compare prices closely and be careful of hidden fees. These can include extra costs for fast shipping or changes in design.
Read customer reviews to understand how reliable the supplier is. This includes their quality and customer service before you decide.

Best Cheap PCB Suppliers

JLCPCB

JLCPCB is one of the best cheap PCB suppliers in China. It started in 2006 and focuses on quick prototypes and small production runs. You can expect good prices and flexible minimum orders, usually around 10-15 units for standard parts. Some parts even let you order just one.

Here are some special features that make JLCPCB different from other PCB makers:

Feature	JLCPCB Capability	Typical Competitors
Copper plating speed	45 seconds for 300,000 pads	About 5 minutes
Memory usage for large boards	2.2GB	Not available
Routing tools	Advanced tools for better designs	Not available
Simultaneous wire pushing	20+ wires at once	Not available
Ordering system	Easy online ordering with helpful tips	Not available

Also, JLCPCB has fast turnaround times. They can make high-quality boards in as little as 24 hours. Their easy online ordering system helps you find what you need for your PCB projects.

PCBWay

PCBWay is another well-known cheap PCB supplier. They offer good prices for low-volume PCB production, including prototypes and small batches. You can use their instant online quote system to check prices quickly. PCBWay promises to match or beat any lower price from competitors, so you get the best deal.

Here’s a quick look at PCBWay’s pricing for prototype and small-batch orders:

Order Quantity Range	Typical Lead Time (Hours)	Pricing Highlights
Up to 50 pcs & <1m2	24 hours	Very competitive prices with price beat guarantee
1m2 – 5m2	3-4 days	Fast prototyping with quality assurance
5m2 – 10m2	4-5 days	Lower shipping cost for small batches
>10m2	5-6 days	High quality with quick delivery

PCBWay does not have a minimum order quantity. You can order as few as one PCB. However, there is a minimum order value of $25, not including shipping. This pricing helps with prototype and small-batch orders, giving you flexibility while keeping costs low.

NextPCB

NextPCB is another good choice among cheap PCB suppliers. They focus on providing high-quality printed circuit boards at good prices. Their services include fast prototyping, assembly, and many types of PCBs for different project needs.

NextPCB has an easy online ordering process. You can customize your PCB specifications easily. They also offer different materials and finishes, so you can find what fits your project. Their commitment to quality shows in their strict testing processes, which help keep high standards for all orders.

Cheapest PCB Manufacturer Options

When looking for the cheapest PCB manufacturer, you want choices that save money and provide quality. Here are two suppliers known for their very low prices and dependable services.

Hemeixin PCB & Assembly

Hemeixin PCB & Assembly is a low-cost option from China. They focus on cheap prototyping services and offer different types of PCBs, like single-layer and multi-layer boards. Their prices are competitive, making them a good choice for startups and hobbyists.

Pricing: Hemeixin usually starts at about $3 for basic prototypes. There is no minimum order amount. This means you can order just one board if you want.
Services: They offer many services, including PCB assembly, which saves you time. Their fast turnaround times, often within 48 hours, make them great for urgent projects.

EasyEDA

EasyEDA is one of the most affordable PCB suppliers around. They work closely with JLCPCB and have very competitive prices. You can get basic 2-layer PCB prototypes starting at only $2 for 10 boards. This pricing makes EasyEDA a great choice for low-cost prototyping services.

Here’s how EasyEDA compares to other budget suppliers:

Supplier	Starting Price for Basic 2-Layer PCB Prototype	Quantity	Notes
EasyEDA/JLCPCB	$2	10 boards	Lowest price, fast turnaround, integrated component sourcing via LCSC
PCBWay	$5	10 boards	Slightly higher price, versatile and high-quality prototypes
Seeed Studio	$5	10 boards	Competitive pricing, maker-friendly
OSH Park	$5 per square inch	Min 3 copies	Community-focused, group-buy model
Advanced Circuits	$33	2 boards	Premium pricing, professional-grade prototyping

Bar chart comparing starting prices for basic 2-layer PCB prototypes from EasyEDA, PCBWay, Seeed Studio, OSH Park, and Advanced Circuits.

EasyEDA also has advanced features, like better component libraries and strong simulation tools. Users like the real-time collaboration features, which help teams work together from different places. However, some have noticed occasional software bugs and problems loading projects, especially with larger designs.

Comparing PCB Manufacturers

When you look at PCB manufacturers, pay attention to three main things: quality, cost, and turnaround times. Each of these is important for making your choice.

Quality and Cost

Quality is very important when picking a PCB supplier. You want to make sure the manufacturer meets high standards. Here are some important things that show how cheap PCB manufacturers handle quality control:

They use Statistical Process Control (SPC) and methods to improve quality.
They manage Engineering Change Orders (ECO) well.
They follow strict quality checks, like inspecting materials and calibrating equipment.
They have certifications like ISO 9001 and UL.
They use advanced technology for complex PCB designs.

These points show how manufacturers differ in their quality control and technology. Even if you find lower prices, make sure the quality stays good.

Turnaround Times

Turnaround times can really change your project schedules. Here’s a quick look at the usual lead times for standard PCB orders:

Service Type	Standard Lead Time	Expedited Lead Time	Additional Notes
PCB Fabrication	4-5 days	24-48 hours	Faster services cost more
PCB Assembly	5-7 days	3-5 days	Quick domestic services are best for very fast needs
Full Turnkey	10-15 days	5-7 days	Offshore services can be cheaper and faster

Most manufacturers say that faster shipping can raise overall costs. Planning your orders early helps you avoid these extra costs.

Customer Service

Customer service is also very important. Most good PCB manufacturers offer support through email, live chat, and phone. For example, ALLPCB has a live chat option, so you can talk directly to their team. This makes it easier to solve any order or quality problems quickly.

Tips for Choosing PCB Manufacturers

Evaluating Quality

When you check PCB manufacturers, pay attention to their quality systems. Look for certifications like ISO 9001, ISO 13485, and AS9100. These show that they care about quality and follow industry rules. Here’s a quick look at important certifications:

Certification / Standard	Industry / Application	Key Focus / Requirements
ISO 9001	General Quality Management	Complete QMS with written procedures, employee training, audits, and fixes
ISO 13485	Medical Devices	QMS with extra medical device risk management, design controls, and FDA rules
AS9100	Aerospace	QMS with special aerospace needs, gap analysis, employee training, and FAA rules
UL Certifications	Safety Standards	Strict testing including visual, electrical, thermal, and mechanical checks; different UL standards for PCB types
IPC Certifications	Electronics Industry	Quality and reliability standards with 3 classes: Class 1 (consumer), Class 2 (industrial/medical), Class 3 (aerospace/military); standards like IPC-A-600, IPC-J-STD-001, IPC-TM-650

These certifications help ensure that manufacturers keep strong quality systems and meet safety and reliability standards.

Understanding Pricing

Knowing pricing is very important when picking a PCB supplier. Be careful of hidden fees that can raise your costs. Common hidden charges include:

Engineering change orders (ECOs) that can cause big tooling and delay costs.
Extra fees for fast shipping or support after the sale.
Costs for quality checks and certification processes.

Always ask for a clear quote and clear up any questions. This helps you avoid surprises and makes sure you get a fair price for your PCB orders.

Reading Reviews

Reading PCB reviews is key for checking a manufacturer’s reliability. Look for comments on quality, delivery times, and customer service. Watch for warning signs in bad reviews, such as:

No industry certifications, which may mean quality problems.
Bad communication and slow responses, which could show operational issues.
Negative comments about product quality or delivery delays.

By looking at reviews, you can learn about a manufacturer’s strengths and weaknesses. This information will help you make a smart choice.

In conclusion, it is important to find a cheap PCB supplier that gives you quality and value for your projects. You should think about a few things when making your choice:

Cost vs. Quality: Always compare low prices with the quality of materials and how they are made.
Service & Customization: Look for suppliers that provide good customer support and options to customize your needs.
Turnaround Times: Check how fast you need your boards and pick a supplier that can meet those times.

By using these tips and looking at the information given, you can make smart choices that help your project succeed. Remember, a trustworthy PCB supplier can bring long-term benefits, like better prices and steady quality. 🌟

FAQ

What is a PCB?

A PCB, or printed circuit board, is a board that connects electronic parts. It gives support and electrical links through metal paths.

How do I choose a PCB supplier?

To pick a PCB supplier, check their quality, prices, speed, and customer help. Look at reviews and see if they have certifications to make sure they are reliable.

What factors affect PCB pricing?

PCB prices depend on things like the type of material, number of layers, size, complexity, and how many you order. Extra services like assembly can also change the final price.

How long does it take to get PCBs?

The time it takes can change by supplier. Regular making usually takes 4-5 days, while faster services can deliver in 24-48 hours. Always ask your supplier for details.

Can I order a single PCB?

Yes, many suppliers let you order just one PCB. This is great for prototypes or small projects. Check the supplier’s rules about minimum orders before you order.