Top 7 arduino simulators: The best tools to design, debug, and experiment without hardware

For anyone diving into electronics, Arduino is often the gateway to understanding how software and hardware come together to create interactive systems. But what if you could build, test, and debug your circuits without ever touching a real board or a breadboard? That’s where Arduino simulators come in.

These tools allow you to experiment freely—whether you’re testing a sensor-based project, debugging complex logic, or simply learning how a microcontroller behaves—without the risk of burning components or wasting time on faulty wiring. In 2025, the ecosystem of simulators has evolved considerably, offering options that range from ultra-simple visual tools for beginners to professional-grade design suites with full hardware emulation.

Here’s a detailed look at some of the best and most popular Arduino simulators available today—what they offer, where they shine, and who they’re best suited for.

1. SimulIDE

For newcomers to Arduino simulation, SimulIDE remains one of the easiest tools to start with. It’s a lightweight, open-source simulator designed for straightforward circuit creation and microcontroller testing. Once downloaded, it doesn’t require installation—just unzip the folder and run the executable.

Inside, SimulIDE provides a clean workspace divided into three main panels:

• A component explorer on the left for dragging in inputs, outputs, and power sources.
• A central canvas where circuits come to life.
• And a code editor and debugger on the right where users can write or import sketches.

SimulIDE supports several Arduino boards including Uno, Nano, Mega, and Duemilanove, making it versatile enough for most projects. You can load compiled hex files generated from the Arduino IDE, tweak board frequencies, and observe simulation outputs in real time.

What makes SimulIDE stand out is its collection of virtual measurement tools. It includes a multichannel oscilloscope, a logic analyzer, and a probe for monitoring voltage at any point in the circuit. These are extremely useful for visual learners who want to understand how current flows or how pulse-width modulation behaves under different conditions.

That said, the simulator isn’t without flaws. Compilation sometimes fails, and community support is limited compared to larger platforms. But for an open-source tool that delivers real-time simulation with minimal setup, SimulIDE is an excellent starting point.

2. Crumb

If realism is what excites you, Crumb offers one of the most visually immersive ways to prototype Arduino circuits. Instead of working with flat 2D schematics, Crumb recreates a 3D breadboard environment where users can connect jumper wires and components in a way that mimics real-world hardware assembly.

Developed for Windows and macOS, Crumb is distributed via Steam and the Apple App Store for around nine dollars, making it one of the few paid but affordable simulators in this category. It currently supports the Arduino Nano as its main board, letting users build circuits in a life-like space that they can zoom, pan, and rotate to inspect from any angle.

Crumb’s main appeal lies in its interactivity. The simulator highlights live voltage levels across components as power flows, providing immediate feedback on how the circuit behaves. It also includes a built-in code editor similar to the Arduino IDE, complete with a serial monitor for viewing real-time data output.

On the downside, Crumb has a smaller component library compared to professional simulators and lacks sensor integration. Components can’t be repositioned once placed—you’ll need to delete and re-add them, which can be slightly inconvenient. However, its focus on realism and accessibility makes it a refreshing, hands-on way to learn physical computing concepts.

3. Wokwi

In the realm of online simulation, Wokwi (accessible at wokwi.com) has become the community favorite for Arduino users who don’t want to install software. It’s entirely browser-based, meaning anyone can start experimenting instantly—no downloads, no setup, and no hardware required.

Wokwi supports a wide range of boards, including Arduino Uno, Mega, and Nano, as well as ESP32, STM32, and Raspberry Pi Pico. The simulator is split into two main sections: a code editor on the left and a virtual breadboard on the right. Its component library is impressively large, covering everything from displays and sensors to microSD cards and programmable custom chips.

Key features include:

• Real-time simulation for testing code directly in the browser.
• Custom chip creation for defining new virtual components.
• Logic analyzer for recording and downloading pin-level data.
• Cloud saving and sharing with simple project URLs.

Wokwi’s biggest strength is accessibility—it’s free, fast, and user-friendly. However, its simulations sometimes take longer to compile, especially for complex sketches, and certain advanced features like private project storage are limited to paid accounts.

Still, for students, educators, and hobbyists seeking a reliable web-based solution that works seamlessly across devices, Wokwi is hard to beat.

4. Tinkercad Circuits

When it comes to combining education and electronics, Tinkercad Circuits by Autodesk remains a staple in classrooms and maker communities. Known for its clean design and guided tutorials, Tinkercad provides a simplified, highly visual way to design and simulate Arduino projects.

Once users sign up at tinkercad.com, they can jump directly into Circuits mode, where the workspace presents a virtual breadboard, an Arduino Uno R3, and a library of sensors, LEDs, motors, and power sources—even fun ones like potato and lemon batteries.

Programming in Tinkercad can be done in two ways:

• Block-based coding, perfect for beginners who prefer a drag-and-drop approach.
• Text-based Arduino code, compatible with sketches from the official Arduino IDE.

Tinkercad also includes a built-in debugger and a serial monitor, enabling users to step through code execution and inspect variable states in real time. The schematic view automatically converts breadboard layouts into circuit diagrams, helping learners bridge the gap between physical and symbolic representations of electronics.

While the platform only supports the Arduino Uno and may not suit advanced users who need multi-board testing, its emphasis on accessibility, tutorials, and visualization makes it ideal for beginners, teachers, and early prototypers.

5. PICSimLab

For users who want more realism, deeper hardware control, and wider compatibility, PICSimLab offers a powerful and flexible simulation experience. It supports not only Arduino but also other microcontroller families such as PIC and AVR, giving it a professional edge over many hobbyist tools.

PICSimLab’s interface might look a bit more complex, but it’s thoughtfully organized. Users can select from different boards, customize clock speeds, and monitor simulation speed ratios relative to real-time performance. The Modules section lets you attach additional components like Ethernet interfaces, SD cards, and I/O expanders—a level of detail rare among free simulators.

Unlike beginner tools, coding in PICSimLab typically happens externally, using the Arduino IDE or another development environment to generate a hex file. That file is then loaded into the simulator, which can visualize the circuit’s response on connected devices like LCD displays, LEDs, and motors.

The simulator’s debugging tools are extensive. A built-in serial terminal, oscilloscope, and bootloader controls give developers a lab-like environment to observe their firmware in action. The documentation is also well-structured, offering detailed help for every feature.

PICSimLab is especially valuable for intermediate and advanced users—those building custom modules or experimenting with integrated peripherals that require precise timing and signal handling.

6. UNOArduSim

Developed as an educational resource, UNOArduSim (often referred to as UnoSim) emphasizes understanding Arduino code execution rather than visual breadboard layouts. It’s a desktop application that takes a code-first approach to simulation, showing how variables and hardware signals evolve as the sketch runs.

The workspace is divided into three main panes:

• A code pane where you can edit or import sketches.
• A variable pane that displays real-time updates of variable values.
• A lab bench pane showing the Arduino and its connected peripherals.

What makes UNOArduSim special is its step-by-step execution control. You can “step into,” “step over,” or “run to” specific lines of code, or even activate slow-motion mode to study how the microcontroller behaves at each instruction. This helps users understand program flow and timing issues in detail—something visual simulators rarely offer.

However, UNOArduSim supports only a subset of libraries and doesn’t model instruction-level timing perfectly. It’s therefore better suited for learning and debugging small programs rather than replicating complex real-world projects. Nonetheless, for those wanting to deepen their understanding of how the Arduino firmware runs internally, it’s an invaluable tool.

7. Proteus

At the top end of the simulation spectrum lies Proteus, developed by Labcenter Electronics. It’s not just an Arduino simulator—it’s a complete suite for schematic design, PCB layout, and embedded system simulation. Used by engineers and educators worldwide, Proteus offers unparalleled depth and precision, though at a professional price point.

While the full package costs several hundred dollars, users can purchase the Proteus VSM for Arduino module separately for around $300, or experiment with the demo version before committing. Once installed, Proteus presents a powerful schematic editor, vast component library, and integrated design toolchain.

There are two ways to simulate Arduino boards in Proteus:

1. Using the built-in compiler—write or paste Arduino sketches directly in Proteus (after installing the AVR compiler), and simulate them line by line using the built-in debugger.
2. Using external libraries—download and install community-made Arduino libraries that allow you to import compiled hex files and connect components directly to board pins.

Proteus’s debugging capabilities are second to none. Users can set breakpoints, watch variable updates, and employ virtual instruments like oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and signal generators—features that mirror an actual electronics lab. This makes it an indispensable tool for engineers developing professional-grade products.

The steep learning curve and licensing cost make Proteus less suitable for casual users, but for anyone working in embedded systems design or PCB prototyping, it’s an industry-standard platform that can save both time and hardware resources.

Choosing the Right Simulator

With so many simulators available, the “best” one largely depends on your experience level and objectives:

If you’re teaching or just starting out, Tinkercad or SimulIDE provides simplicity and quick results. For hobbyists building IoT projects, Wokwi’s browser interface and ESP32 support are a huge plus. For engineers seeking integration with PCB tools, Proteus and PICSimLab offer the depth needed for serious development.

Final Thoughts

Arduino simulators have transformed how people learn and prototype electronics. What once required a physical kit and a tangle of jumper wires can now be done entirely on-screen, with real-time visualization and debugging at your fingertips. Whether your goal is to teach, experiment, or design professionally, there’s a simulator that fits your workflow perfectly.

From SimulIDE’s simplicity to Proteus’s sophistication, these platforms not only make learning more interactive but also democratize electronics education by removing the need for expensive lab setups. As simulation technology continues to improve, expect future versions to bring even closer integration with cloud-based collaboration, hardware-in-the-loop testing, and AI-assisted circuit optimization.

So whether you’re a student, hobbyist, or engineer, 2025 might just be the perfect time to take your Arduino experiments fully virtual.