Low-cost PCB fabrication and assembly service with instant online quotes, plus SMT assembly, 3D printing and CNC machining for hardware makers.
Why we recommend it
JLCPCB makes board iteration cheap enough to treat like paper sketches — five two-layer boards for $2. The value is real for prototypes; the shipping cost and assembly QC variability are the usual pain points.
Strengths
- Instant online quotes with automatic DFM checks and prototype pricing from $2 for 5 two-layer boards, with production lead times as fast as 24 hours
- Integrated ecosystem combining PCB fabrication, SMT assembly, a parts library of hundreds of thousands of components (LCSC), plus 3D printing and CNC machining services
Drawbacks
- Shipping from China is the top complaint: cheap economy options take weeks, while express couriers often cost more than the boards themselves
- Assembly quality control is inconsistent, with user reports of soldering defects, wrong or missing parts, and limited after-sales support; standard production also excludes blind/buried vias and charges extra for tight trace rules
How much does JLCPCB cost?
From $2 for 5 boards + shipping — Quote only.
The vendor’s published list price, checked by hand and excluding tax. Team, education and non-profit rates are often lower than the figure above, and annual billing is usually cheaper than monthly. Compare what every tool in the directory costs.
Frequently asked questions
JLCPCB is not free. Pricing: From $2 for 5 boards + shipping.
JLCPCB is priced at From $2 for 5 boards + shipping.
Shipping from China is the top complaint: cheap economy options take weeks, while express couriers often cost more than the boards themselves. Assembly quality control is inconsistent, with user reports of soldering defects, wrong or missing parts, and limited after-sales support; standard production also excludes blind/buried vias and charges extra for tight trace rules.
JLCPCB is best suited for Industrial Designer, Maker, Student.
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