We’ve curated a list of the 17 best Arduino simulators for your PC, which can help you experiment with the hardware without needing the physical device. Arduino is a free hardware and software-based open-source electronics creation platform that enables you to execute numerous projects.
If you’ve already purchased an Arduino and are exploring how it works, these simulators can assist you in testing your ideas and projects by connecting your board to the computer or by checking the viability of your schematic without even interacting with it.
Table of Contents (17)
Arduino Cloud
Let’s start with a simulator designed for online use. It includes an editor for browser use on any device, so you can test your projects without installing any software.
You will also have access to an editor for IoT projects in the cloud, a program for GNU/Linux, and a store where you can purchase add-ons.
Arduino Debugger
This is an open-source simulator, also known as “Paul Ware’s Arduino Simulator” as it was created by an independent developer. It’s very easy to use and has local libraries with data from most sensors and actuators that can be connected to it.
This is a simulator with a simple-to-use graphical interface. You can easily manipulate changes in the Arduino code, sensors, and actuators and review the working code and circuit.
Arduino IO Simulator
This free Arduino simulator tool from Xevro is designed to simulate the inputs and outputs of your Arduino project. Simply connect the Arduino Uno board to your computer via USB, and you can change the lines of code you want in your project.
Autodesk’s Eagle
Eagle is a professional simulator that has a limited free version. The full version is only available with Autodesk’s Fusion 360 subscription, which costs $85 per month. The free version is aimed at amateurs and has a limit of 2 schematic sheets, 2 signal layers, and an 80 cm2 board area.
Otherwise, this schematic editor features modular layout blocks and multi-sheet schematics, although as we’ve already said, the free version is limited in this regard. It also checks the electrical rules of the design, which are synchronized in real time with the printed circuit board.
Circuit Lab
Circuit Lab is an online tool that you can access from any computer via your browser, without needing to install anything. It allows you to design circuits using various plug-ins and then simulate them to ensure everything works as intended.
We recommend using the web application to learn and understand the inner workings of any Arduino sketch, design your projects and debug them. The site also provides documentation, tutorials, and a community support feature.
EasyEDA
EasyEDA is an online simulator for Arduino that allows you to design and program circuits directly from your browser, regardless of the operating system, or whether you want to use it on a computer, laptop or tablet. It has several paid subscriptions, but also a completely free version that includes all the editor features.
With EasyEDA, you can quickly draw schematics and design your PCB online with many layers and pads. The editor is compatible with many other popular paid platforms, such as Eagle. The free version allows you to create unlimited personal projects and libraries, and collaborate with others.
Emulare
Emulare is a tool for multitasking Arduino projects by simulating multiple projects simultaneously. It’s completely free and available on Windows and GNU/Linux.
With a large library of objects, you can build complete circuits using ATMega microcontrollers, pushbuttons, switches, timers, LEDs, and other components. Emulare is easy enough for less experienced users to use.
Fritzing
Fritzing is an open-source hardware initiative that aims to make electronics accessible to everyone. It offers many tools, including a documentation feature for Arduino-based prototypes. However, the Arduino simulator costs €8 (around $10) since the project became a non-profit organization.
With Fritzing, you can create your prototypes and share them with others. Once you finish your design, you can pay Fritzing Lab to produce the parts of your design for manufacturing a professional PCB.
LTSpice
LTSpice is a Splice III simulator that allows you to simulate the circuit you want to design and check if it works correctly before you take it to a real environment. It has a variety of models for regulators, resistors, transistors, and other elements.
The simulator includes a waveform viewer, a schematic or symbol editor, and multiple nodes. It also simulates switching power supplies and has options to analyze the behavior of your creations.
PartQuest
PartQuest is an online simulator that has a free version for beginners. It supports a wide range of elements when creating schemes and has a community that can assist you when you need it. However, you may need to purchase the paid version for more complex projects.
Proteus
Proteus is another excellent simulator that offers multiple options in a simple way. It simulates how the software interacts with digital or analog electronic components connected to the microcontroller.
Proteus includes virtual instruments like a timer, function generator, or oscilloscope, and has tools to analyze protocols like SPI and I2C. Although the price ranges from $248 to $8,622, you can use its free trial version with no time limitations for basic functions.
TinkerCad
You may think all the Arduino simulators in this list can be installed on a PC. Actually, that’s not the case, and TinkerCad is one of the exceptions.This is an online simulator developed by Autodesk. It’s a 3D design software that includes the Arduino simulator in its Circuits section.
Though it only focuses on the Arduino Uno board, it’s free, intuitive, and easy to use. You can program the code with blocks, and it receives regular updates. Additionally, the platform focuses on teaching and allows you to create a teacher or student account.
UnoArduSim
UnoArduSim is a free and easy-to-use Arduino simulator created by an engineer at Queens University that we recommend for beginners. It supports multiple languages. Since the application is not digitally signed, Windows may attempt to block or warn you about it when you run it.
The program offers a variety of input and output devices that allow you to design your own circuits. It also allows you to test the design of your circuits before creating them physically to ensure they work correctly.
Virtual Breadboard
This site offers a ChatGPT for Arduino and Raspberry Pi, which allows you to use artificial intelligence to design and program circuits. This is an exciting way to explore new ideas and projects using cutting-edge technology.
Virtonics Simulator for Arduino
This is one of the most comprehensive Arduino simulators available. It allows you to test your designs without the need for hardware and shows the inner workings of your design during debugging. Thus, you can create a design and demonstrate how it works to potential customers or other people.
The program is compatible with several Arduino models, such as the Uno or Mega. It is available in both free and paid versions, with the paid version costing $25. You can use the free version to start testing and see if you want to invest in the full version.
Wokwi
You can use this simulator on your PC as long as you do it from your browser. Wokwi is a website where you can simulate IoT projects online. You can choose from several Arduino models.
You need to start by selecting the Arduino board you want to use. Then, you can start a new project from scratch or use one of the templates provided. Then, you can test the operation of your code.
Yenka
Yenka is primarily aimed at students, but it also has tools for more experienced users. Like all the simulators on this list, it has all the necessary tools to design and test the operation of your projects, making it easy to find any faults in your design.
Yenka is a paid program for the educational world, but you can also use it for free at home. It is a multi-device program, making it a good alternative to create and test your projects.
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