LTspice vs PSpice: two SPICE simulators, compared
LTspice and PSpice are two of the best-known SPICE circuit simulators. LTspice, from Analog Devices, is a free simulator with schematic capture and a waveform viewer, built to simulate analog circuits accurately, with models for Analog Devices parts and a library of ready-to-run demo circuits; it is a desktop download for Windows (x64 and Arm) and macOS. PSpice is Cadence's SPICE simulator, built on the OrCAD Capture schematic framework; Texas Instruments offers a no-cost edition, PSpice for TI, which it describes as a full-featured design and simulation suite with one of the largest model libraries in the industry across TI's analog and power parts, simulating analog and complex mixed-signal designs as a desktop installation. Both are serious SPICE tools; the practical choice often comes down to whose parts you are designing with and which models you need.
What each one is good at
LTspice is free and unlimited, with transient, AC and noise analysis, third-party model support, video tutorials and a community forum on EngineerZone, and it runs on Windows and macOS. PSpice, in the TI edition, brings ready-made models for TI's parts at no cost and digital models for worst-case timing analysis, inside the OrCAD Capture environment many companies use. Our full pages: LTspice, PSpice, and the SPICE simulators roundup with ngspice, Xyce and QSPICE. (digiwleea is an independent project, not affiliated with Analog Devices, Cadence or Texas Instruments.)
Where digiwleea fits
digiwleea is not a SPICE simulator: it simulates digital logic at the switch level, with each transistor an on or off switch and each wire 0, 1 or floating, so you can build gates, adders, memory and an 8-bit CPU in the browser in a 40+ level course with an AI tutor (Wleea). Use LTspice or PSpice for voltages, currents and analog behaviour; use digiwleea to understand the logic. Analog vs digital explains the difference.
Side by side
| LTspice | PSpice (PSpice for TI) | |
|---|---|---|
| Made by | Analog Devices | Cadence (TI offers a no-cost edition) |
| Price | Free | No-cost TI edition; commercial PSpice from Cadence |
| Schematic | Built-in schematic capture | OrCAD Capture |
| Model libraries | Analog Devices parts, third-party models | TI analog and power parts (TI edition) |
| Platforms | Windows (x64 and Arm), macOS | Desktop installation |
No sign-up is needed to start: open the lab and place your first transistor, or read the free theory course. The account (and the AI tutor) are optional.
More comparisons: Electronics and SPICE simulators
See for yourself: build a logic gate from transistors in the simulator, then follow the path from sand to an 8-bit CPU.
Open the digiwleea lab →Frequently asked
Is LTspice better than PSpice?
Neither is better in general. LTspice is free from Analog Devices and runs on Windows and macOS; PSpice is Cadence's simulator, with a no-cost TI edition that includes TI's part models. Pick by the models and environment you need.
Is PSpice free?
PSpice itself is a commercial Cadence product, but Texas Instruments offers a no-cost edition, PSpice for TI, with TI's models.
Does LTspice run on Mac?
Yes. Analog Devices offers LTspice as a desktop download for Windows (x64 and Arm) and macOS.
Can LTspice or PSpice simulate logic gates?
Yes, as transistor circuits or digital models with real voltages and timing. For learning logic at the gate and switch level, a logic simulator such as digiwleea is simpler.