The best PCB design kits in this roundup serve two different goals: assembling circuits on solderable perfboard or learning how to create a custom board for fabrication. My best overall pick is the Smraza 104pcs Kit because its large assortment offers the broadest foundation for repeated prototyping projects. The 82 Piece Double Sided PCB Board Kit is my value choice, pairing five board sizes with male and female headers, while the EasyEDA beginner’s guide is the strongest starting point for learning the design-to-order workflow. The main tradeoffs are board-size variety, useful accessory count, connection options, and whether a buyer needs physical hardware or design instruction. Continue reading for the full breakdown of which option fits each type of project.
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Key Takeaways
- Smraza’s 104-piece assortment ranks first because it offers the greatest listed quantity and broad usefulness for makers planning more than one prototype.
- The 82 Piece Double Sided PCB Board Kit is the value leader, combining five board sizes with both male and female headers instead of relying on board quantity alone.
- The 58-piece kit is the connection-focused premium pick because it adds KF301 screw terminals alongside headers and six board sizes.
- PCB Design with EasyEDA fills a separate beginner role: it teaches custom-board design, ordering, and assembly rather than supplying perfboards.
- The comparison shows that piece count can be misleading; board dimensions, connector types, and the number of usable sizes often matter more than the package total.
More Details on Our Top Picks
Smraza 104pcs Double Sided PCB Board Kit for DIY Electronics and Arduino Projects
I rank the Smraza 104pcs PCB Board Kit first because it balances board selection, connection hardware, and storage better than the other kits. Its 31 boards across five sizes cover compact modules and larger control circuits, while three header styles and 5.08mm terminal blocks reduce the number of separate parts a builder must source. Compared with the 82 Piece Double Sided PCB Board Kit, Smraza supplies more actual boards and a compact organizing box, though the rival kit gives clearer header quantities and tin-plated-hole information. The 300V, 16A terminal rating is useful when selecting connectors, but it does not establish a safe rating for the assembled board. I would skip this kit when documented board material, thickness, or hole plating matters. Instructions are also sparse, making the broad assortment less friendly for a first soldering project.
Pros:- Includes 31 prototype boards across five useful footprints
- Supplies straight, right-angle, and female 40-pin headers
- Terminal blocks have stated 300V and 16A connector ratings
- Compact box makes the large component assortment easier to manage
Cons:- Board material, thickness, and hole-plating details are not stated
- Limited assembly guidance raises the learning curve for new builders
- Some projects will still require wire, sockets, and soldering tools
Best for: Frequent Arduino and electronics builders who want a reusable stock of perf boards, headers, terminal blocks, and jumper caps in one organized box
Not ideal for: Buyers who require documented PCB material, thickness, hole plating, or step-by-step assembly guidance
- Total kit quantity:104 pieces
- PCB board quantity:31
- Board sizes:2 x 8cm, 3 x 7cm, 4 x 6cm, 5 x 7cm, and 7 x 9cm
- Header connectors:40-pin male, right-angle male, and female
- Terminal-block pitch:5.08mm
- Terminal-block rating:300V, 16A
- Jumper caps:30 total; 5 in each of 6 colors
Our verdict“This is my best overall choice for regular prototyping because it combines a large board supply with practical connection hardware and organized storage.”
82 Piece Double Sided PCB Board Kit with 5 Sizes, 40-Pin 2.54mm Male & Female Header Connectors for DIY Electronics and Arduino Projects
The 82 Piece Double Sided PCB Board Kit earns its place through its unusually broad connection hardware rather than board quantity alone. I count 19 boards from the listed size breakdown, with the remaining pieces including straight, right-angle, and female headers, terminal blocks, and jumper caps. That makes it better suited to connector-heavy Arduino builds than the ELEGOO 32 Pcs kit, which supplies more boards but no bundled interconnects. Its FR4 construction, 1.6mm thickness, and tin-plated holes support predictable soldering, while the 2.54mm pitch matches common through-hole headers. The tradeoff is complexity: many parts may sit unused in simple projects, and the 82-piece label can overstate the board supply at a glance. I also see limited guidance on microcontroller layouts, so beginners must plan wiring independently.
Pros:- Includes three useful styles of 40-pin header connector
- Tin-plated holes make through-hole soldering more manageable
- Five board footprints support varied circuit sizes
- FR4 construction and 1.6mm thickness are clearly documented
Cons:- Only 19 PCB boards are indicated by the size breakdown
- The large accessory mix is excessive for basic one-board projects
- No detailed assembly or microcontroller-layout instructions are supplied
Best for: Arduino builders creating removable modules, control panels, or prototypes that need several header orientations and screw-terminal connections
Not ideal for: Buyers seeking the highest number of bare boards or a guided kit with circuit diagrams and assembly lessons
- Total kit quantity:82 pieces
- PCB board quantity:19
- Board-size breakdown:6 x 20x80mm, 6 x 30x70mm, 3 x 40x60mm, 3 x 50x70mm, 1 x 70x90mm
- Board material:FR4
- Board thickness:1.6mm
- Pin spacing:2.54mm
- Male headers:8 straight and 8 right-angle 40-pin strips
- Female headers:8 x 40-pin strips
- Connector types:IDC-style headers and screw terminals
Our verdict“I recommend this kit for builders who value ready-to-cut headers and terminal connections more than a high raw board count.”
ELEGOO 32 Pcs Double Sided PCB Board Prototype Kit for DIY Soldering
I place the ELEGOO 32 Pcs Prototype Kit ahead of other board-only assortments when soldering consistency is the priority. Its pre-tinned plated holes help solder wet the pads and give component leads a plated path through the double-sided board, a clearer benefit than the Rindion 32 Pcs set can claim from its supplied data. The FR4 glass-fiber base and 1.6mm thickness also make this a sturdy platform for permanent versions of breadboard circuits. Unlike the Smraza 104pcs kit, however, ELEGOO includes no headers, jumper caps, or terminal blocks; builders must source every connection part separately. The five sizes add flexibility, but their dimensions are not provided in the available specifications, which makes enclosure planning harder before purchase. I see it as a focused soldering supply, not a complete electronics starter package.
Pros:- Pre-tinned plated holes support cleaner, more predictable solder joints
- FR4 glass-fiber construction provides a sturdy board base
- Thirty-two boards offer a useful supply for repeated projects
- Five board sizes accommodate circuits with different footprints
Cons:- No headers, terminal blocks, or jumper caps are included
- Exact dimensions for the five board sizes are not supplied
- No compatibility guidance is given for particular microcontrollers
Best for: Builders moving breadboard circuits onto sturdy permanent boards who already own headers, terminals, wire, and soldering equipment
Not ideal for: First-time hobbyists who need connection hardware, project instructions, or exact board dimensions before planning an enclosure
- PCB board quantity:32
- Board construction:Double-sided prototype board
- Material:FR4 glass fiber
- Thickness:1.6mm
- Number of board sizes:5
- Hole finish:Pre-tinned plated holes
- Mounting holes:4 per board
Our verdict“This is my board-only pick for builders who prioritize plated-hole solderability and already have a well-stocked component drawer.”
54 Pcs Double Sided PCB Perf Board Kit in 5 Sizes Compatible with Arduino DIY Soldering Circuit Protoboard
The 54 Pcs Double Sided PCB Perf Board Kit is my pick for an Arduino-oriented starter bench because it pairs five board sizes with the connectors most early microcontroller projects require. Straight, right-angle, and female headers allow shields or modules to be mounted in different orientations, while 2-pin and 3-pin terminal blocks provide tidier power and sensor wiring. Compared with the Rindion 32 Pcs set, this bundle demands fewer accessory purchases; compared with the 82 Piece kit, it offers a smaller, less cluttered selection. That simplicity has limits. The supplied data does not state the board material, thickness, or hole finish, so I cannot rank its soldering characteristics alongside ELEGOO’s pre-tinned FR4 boards. Arduino compatibility also describes general suitability rather than a board-specific layout, and the lack of instructions leaves circuit design to the buyer.
Pros:- Combines five perf-board sizes with common Arduino connection parts
- Includes straight, right-angle, and female header formats
- Two terminal-block sizes support power and peripheral wiring
- Twenty jumper caps are useful for selectable circuit settings
Cons:- Board material, thickness, and hole finish are not specified
- Arduino compatibility does not mean the boards have an Arduino-specific layout
- No detailed assembly instructions or circuit examples are included
Best for: Arduino newcomers who can follow an existing circuit diagram and want boards, headers, terminals, and jumper caps in a manageable bundle
Not ideal for: Builders who need documented FR4 construction, plated-hole details, exact board counts, or guided project instructions
- Total kit quantity:54 pieces
- Number of board sizes:5
- Board dimensions:20x80mm, 30x70mm, 40x60mm, 50x70mm, and 70x90mm
- Header formats:Straight male, right-angle male, and female
- Header size:1 x 40-pin strips
- Terminal blocks:2-pin and 3-pin
- Jumper caps:20
- Listed compatibility:Arduino projects
Our verdict“I favor this bundle for Arduino learners who want a restrained accessory set and are comfortable supplying their own circuit plan.”
Rindion 32 Pcs PCB Board, Green Double Sided Circuit Boards for DIY Electronics Projects
The Rindion 32 Pcs PCB Board set makes the most sense when I want a straightforward supply of bare perf boards with dimensions disclosed before purchase. Its five footprints range from narrow 2 x 8cm strips to roomy 7 x 9cm boards, so buyers can match the board to an enclosure without paying for bundled connectors. The 0.1-inch hole spacing suits common through-hole parts, and 1.6mm FR4 construction gives the boards a familiar, rigid base. Compared with the ELEGOO 32 Pcs kit, Rindion provides better size detail but does not state that its holes are pre-tinned or plated, leaving ELEGOO as the safer choice for buyers focused on solderability. It also lacks the headers and terminals included with Smraza. I rank it as a practical board-only assortment, though missing electrical and component-compatibility data limits demanding applications.
Pros:- Five clearly listed dimensions simplify physical project planning
- FR4 glass-fiber construction and 1.6mm thickness provide rigidity
- Standard 0.1-inch spacing fits many through-hole components
- Four mounting holes per board simplify standoff installation
Cons:- No headers, terminal blocks, or jumper caps are included
- Hole plating or pre-tinning is not documented
- Electrical ratings and component-specific compatibility are not supplied
Best for: Experienced hobbyists who already own connection hardware and need known board dimensions for several enclosure or module sizes
Not ideal for: Beginners wanting included headers and instructions, or builders who require documented hole plating and electrical ratings
- PCB board quantity:32
- Number of board sizes:5
- Board dimensions:2 x 8cm, 3 x 7cm, 4 x 6cm, 5 x 7cm, and 7 x 9cm
- Material:FR4 glass fiber
- Board thickness:1.6mm
- Hole spacing:0.1 inch
- Board construction:Double-sided
- Mounting holes:4 per board
Our verdict“I recommend Rindion to equipped hobbyists who value documented board dimensions more than bundled accessories or soldering guidance.”
PCB Design with EasyEDA: A Beginner’s Guide to Designing, Ordering, and Building Custom Circuit Boards
PCB Design with EasyEDA earns a place here because it teaches the workflow behind a custom board rather than supplying blank prototyping hardware. I recommend it for readers who need step-by-step EasyEDA instruction, including design, ordering, and physical assembly. Compared with the ELEGOO 32 Pcs Prototype Kit, this guide provides knowledge instead of components; that makes it more useful before fabrication, but useless for anyone expecting boards to solder immediately. Its coverage of the ordering process also gives it an advantage over hardware-only bundles that leave beginners to solve manufacturing details alone. The main compromise is limited advanced coverage: the supplied information does not indicate instruction on multilayer layouts, impedance control, or other higher-level techniques. It is also a book, not a complete hands-on kit, so readers must purchase fabrication and assembly supplies separately.
Pros:- Guides beginners through the PCB creation process step by step
- Covers design, board ordering, and building rather than layout alone
- Uses a practical project-oriented approach
- Explains workflow details omitted by hardware-only prototyping kits
Cons:- Does not include boards, connectors, soldering tools, or other physical supplies
- No stated coverage of advanced PCB design techniques
- Technical depth and project specifications are not detailed in the supplied data
Best for: First-time EasyEDA users who want guidance from schematic and board layout through ordering and physical assembly
Not ideal for: Experienced PCB designers seeking advanced layout techniques or hobbyists who want ready-to-solder prototype boards
- Product Type:PCB design instructional book
- Design Platform:EasyEDA
- Skill Level:Beginner
- Design Coverage:Custom circuit board design
- Manufacturing Coverage:PCB ordering process
- Build Coverage:Physical board building
Our verdict“I recommend this guide to EasyEDA beginners who need a clear path to their first manufactured board, but not to buyers seeking physical prototyping parts or advanced instruction.”
58Pcs 6 Sizes Double Sided PCB Circuit Prototype Solder Board Kit with 2.54mm 40pin Male Female Header Connector and 5mm KF301 Screw Terminal Block for DIY Soldering
The 58Pcs Double Sided PCB Kit is my pick for prototypes that need removable wiring because its KF301 screw terminals add a connection option missing from many perfboard-focused bundles. Six board sizes support anything from small sensor breakouts to larger controller layouts, while the 2.54mm grid matches common through-hole parts and Arduino-oriented headers. Compared with the 82 Piece Double Sided PCB Board Kit, this set offers fewer total pieces, so quantity-focused buyers may prefer that alternative. Its advantage is a more varied connection system: male and female headers handle modular stacking, while 2-pin and 3-pin terminals suit power or field wiring. The tradeoff is that these are unrouted perfboards, not software-designed custom PCBs; every connection requires manual planning and soldering. Buyers must also match board dimensions, terminal pitch, and pin arrangements to their project before ordering.
Pros:- Six board sizes accommodate compact modules and larger prototype circuits
- Includes male and female 40-pin headers for modular connections
- KF301 screw terminals support secure, removable power and signal wiring
- Standard 2.54mm board pitch fits many common through-hole components
Cons:- Lower stated piece count than the 82 Piece Double Sided PCB Board Kit
- Manual point-to-point soldering is required because the boards have no custom traces
- Board dimensions and terminal pin configurations must be matched carefully to each project
Best for: Arduino builders and electronics hobbyists making through-hole prototypes that need both pin headers and detachable screw-terminal wiring
Not ideal for: Designers needing fabricated custom traces, surface-mount layouts, or a larger parts count than a 58-piece assortment provides
- Kit Size:58 pieces
- PCB Size Options:6 sizes
- Board Dimensions:2x8cm, 3x7cm, 4x6cm, 5x7cm, 6x8cm, 7x9cm
- Hole Diameter:1mm
- Hole Pitch:2.54mm
- Board Thickness:1.6mm
- Header Connectors:40-pin male and female, 2.54mm pitch
- Screw Terminals:KF301, 5mm pitch, 2-pin and 3-pin
- Terminal Electrical Rating:300V, 10A
Our verdict“I favor this kit for through-hole builds that need screw-terminal wiring, while quantity buyers or custom-layout designers should choose another option.”
How We Picked
I ranked these options by their usefulness for real PCB workflows, using the listed board quantities, size variety, double-sided construction, included connectors, and stated Arduino compatibility. I gave extra weight to assortments that can support several circuit sizes because a mixed collection reduces the need to cut boards or place another order. I also separated physical prototyping kits from design instruction so the EasyEDA book would be judged by learning value and workflow coverage, not by its lack of hardware.
The order reflects how widely each option can serve a buyer rather than raw piece count by itself. Broad assortments rank higher for general use, while specialized extras such as screw terminals earn a narrower recommendation for connection-heavy builds. I treated board-only packages as simpler choices for buyers who already own headers and terminals. Since the product names provide limited evidence about substrate thickness, pad durability, and manufacturing tolerances, I did not treat those unverified qualities as ranking advantages.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Best PCB Design Kits
I would begin by defining what the finished project should be: a hand-soldered permanent prototype, an Arduino add-on, or a fabricated custom PCB. That decision separates the hardware assortments from the EasyEDA learning guide and makes the remaining comparisons much clearer. The best purchase is the one that covers the next few builds without leaving a drawer full of irrelevant pieces.
Choose Between Design Instruction and Physical Prototyping
I separate PCB design resources from PCB prototyping hardware because they solve different stages of a project. Perfboard kits let a buyer solder a circuit without sending manufacturing files to a board fabricator. A design guide teaches schematic capture, board layout, file checks, ordering, and assembly, but it does not provide a board ready for immediate soldering. If the goal is learning how commercial-looking custom boards are created, a book and design software make more sense than a large perfboard bundle. If the circuit already exists and only needs a durable physical home, I would buy the hardware. Confusing these categories is the most likely reason someone could choose a highly ranked product that does not match the intended workflow.
Match Hole Pitch to the Components
The listed connector kits use 2.54 mm headers, the common spacing found on many Arduino-style modules, through-hole integrated circuits, and development boards. That pitch makes component placement straightforward, but it does not directly accommodate most fine-pitch surface-mount parts. Male and female headers also serve different jobs: male pins plug into sockets, while female headers accept modules that may need removal later. I would inventory the main components before choosing a kit, paying close attention to pin spacing and row layout. Selecting a package because it contains many boards will not help if the intended component leads do not align with the holes. Mixed through-hole and surface-mount projects may require adapter boards even when the main prototype uses standard perfboard.
Select Board Sizes Around Project Stages
A kit with several board dimensions supports more than cosmetic variety. Small boards suit sensor breakouts and simple adapters, while larger boards leave room for power sections, controls, and connectors. Oversized boards can waste space inside an enclosure, yet a cramped layout makes solder bridges, troubleshooting, and later modifications more likely. A common mistake is estimating space from component bodies while forgetting headers, wire bends, mounting clearance, and separation around higher-current paths. I suggest sketching the layout on a 2.54 mm grid before selecting a board. For repeated experimentation, five or six sizes usually offer more practical flexibility than a large stack of one format.
Count the Parts You Will Actually Use
Package piece counts may include boards, header strips, terminals, or other small parts, so the largest number does not automatically represent the strongest deal. I compare the number of usable boards in the needed dimensions before assigning value to the accessories. A 104-piece assortment can provide broad project coverage, but that advantage shrinks if many included items do not fit the buyer’s components. Headers have real value for modular Arduino projects, while they add little for circuits built entirely with fixed wires. I would calculate a rough cost per planned project rather than cost per advertised piece. This approach often favors a smaller, better-matched assortment over a bulk package.
Check Construction Quality Beyond Double-Sided Pads
Double-sided plating gives a builder more routing choices, but the label alone does not establish pad adhesion, hole consistency, or substrate flatness. Pads that lift during rework can turn a small wiring correction into a board replacement. Thin or warped material may also flex when connectors are inserted, placing stress on solder joints. For projects likely to undergo repeated desoldering, I would prioritize clear construction specifications and credible information about board thickness over a few extra pieces. Clean hole alignment matters when installing long header rows because small spacing errors accumulate across many pins. When a listing omits these details, its quantity advantage should be treated as provisional rather than proof of better build quality.
Pay More When Accessories Remove Extra Purchases
A higher-priced assortment makes sense when its accessories replace parts that would otherwise need separate orders. Male and female headers are useful for removable modules, shields, and board-to-board links. Screw terminals are better for power leads, motors, and external wiring that may be disconnected during installation or maintenance. Buyers who already keep these connectors on hand will usually get better value from a board-focused package. New learners may gain more from instruction than from an oversized hardware inventory, especially if they want to send custom layouts for fabrication. I would compare the total project cost, including adapters, connectors, shipping, and unused pieces, before paying for the biggest bundle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need the EasyEDA Book and a Perfboard Kit?
I would buy both only if the goal covers hand-built prototypes and custom PCB fabrication. Perfboard is useful for proving that a circuit works and making quick wiring changes before committing to a manufactured layout. The EasyEDA guide addresses the separate process of turning a schematic into design files, placing an order, and building the resulting board. A beginner focused solely on soldering can start with hardware, while someone interested in board layout can begin with the book and inexpensive design software. Combining them creates a sensible learning path, but neither product type replaces the other.
Are Double-Sided Perfboards Better Than Single-Sided Boards?
Double-sided boards offer more routing flexibility because connections and soldering work can use both faces. They are especially helpful when a compact circuit has crossing signal paths or connectors placed on opposite sides. The drawback is that dense two-sided wiring can become harder to inspect and repair, particularly for a first soldering project. Single-sided layouts remain easier to trace visually, though they may require more jumper wires or a larger board. For this lineup, I would choose double-sided construction for versatility while keeping early layouts simple and well labeled.
How Many PCB Board Sizes Do I Really Need?
For a first assortment, I find three to five useful sizes sufficient for most through-hole experiments. The smallest formats handle adapters and sensor circuits, medium boards fit many controller projects, and larger boards leave space for power and interface sections. Six sizes add value for buyers building varied enclosures, but only if the additional dimensions match likely projects. Buying excessive size variety can scatter the board count across formats that rarely leave the package. I would map two or three planned circuits on grid paper and choose the assortment that fits them with room for connectors and rework.
Are Included Headers and Screw Terminals Worth Paying For?
They are worth the premium when the project needs removable modules or external wiring. Headers make Arduino boards, displays, sensors, and daughterboards easier to replace without desoldering. Screw terminals provide a tidier connection for power supplies, motors, switches, and wires that leave the enclosure. They offer less value for permanent circuits whose components and wires will be soldered directly to the board. I would choose the 58-piece terminal-equipped assortment for connection-heavy work and a simpler board kit when those extras would remain unused.
Which Kit Makes the Most Sense for Arduino Projects?
I would favor a kit that combines multiple board sizes with 2.54 mm headers, since that spacing matches many Arduino-compatible modules and common through-hole parts. The 82-piece kit offers a balanced starting package with five sizes plus male and female connectors. The 58-piece option is better when an Arduino project also needs screw-terminal connections for power, motors, or field wiring. Smraza’s larger assortment suits buyers expecting a longer series of prototypes, though the listed product name provides less detail about its accessory mix. Before ordering, I would check the exact Arduino board footprint because some development boards use header spacing that does not align neatly with standard perfboard rows.
Conclusion
For most repeat prototyping work, Smraza 104pcs is my Best Overall pick because its large assortment offers the broadest listed hardware supply. Buyers seeking a balance of sizes and connectors should choose the 82 Piece Kit as the Best Value option. For a premium, connection-ready package, the 58Pcs Six-Size Kit stands out through its headers and KF301 screw terminals. My best choice for beginners learning actual board layout is PCB Design with EasyEDA, while ELEGOO’s 32-piece set better suits buyers who want a straightforward board-focused kit. Rindion fills the compact, basic-project role, and the 54-piece five-size assortment makes sense when board-size variety matters more than terminal hardware. I would make the final choice based on whether the next project needs instruction, raw board inventory, removable headers, or secure external-wire connections.
