Whether you’re prototyping a new product or scaling up for mass production, understanding how much it costs to order a custom PCB is a crucial step. In 2025, prices vary more than ever based on materials, layers, country of manufacture, and complexity. This guide gives you a transparent look into actual PCB pricing, factors that drive costs, and tips to get the most value—plus real USD-based examples to help you plan your next project.
1. Key Factors That Influence Custom PCB Pricing
Several technical and logistical aspects determine how much you’ll pay for a custom PCB. Here’s a breakdown of the most critical cost drivers:
PCB Layer Count
The number of copper layers directly impacts complexity and cost. A single-layer PCB is simple and cheap—perfect for LED drivers or basic circuits. A 4-layer PCB, however, adds inner routing layers, requiring more lamination steps and higher-end equipment.
- Single-layer (1L): from $10 for 10pcs
- Double-layer (2L): from $18–$28
- Multilayer (4L, 6L, 8L+): ranges from $50–$200+ depending on stackup and specs
Material Selection
The most common material is FR4, offering good performance at a low cost. However, if you’re designing for high-power LEDs or RF circuits, you may need Aluminum, Rogers, or PTFE—which can be 2x to 5x more expensive.
- FR4 (standard): lowest cost, most widely used
- Aluminum: 30–50% more expensive than FR4
- Rogers 4350B/PTFE: premium material, starting at $80 per batch
Board Size and Shape
Pricing is usually calculated per square centimeter. A small 50x50mm board is far cheaper than a 150x200mm one. Irregular shapes or internal cutouts can also raise manufacturing complexity.
Surface Finish
The finish protects the copper and ensures solderability. The cheapest is HASL, but high-reliability applications often require ENIG, immersion silver, or even OSP.
- HASL: included in base price
- ENIG: adds $10–$30 per batch
- Immersion Silver: mid-range, cleaner soldering, around $15–$25 extra
Copper Thickness
Standard is 1oz, but for power circuits or automotive PCBs, 2oz or 3oz copper may be needed. Every ounce added can increase the cost by 15–40%.
Tolerances and Features
Smaller trace widths, tighter hole tolerances, and BGA pads demand advanced equipment and more testing—raising both manufacturing and QC costs.
Quantity and Lead Time
Low-volume prototypes (10–50 pcs) cost more per unit due to setup costs. Large batches (500–1,000 pcs) significantly reduce unit price. Likewise, standard production time (7–10 days) is much cheaper than expedited service (24–48 hours), which can double the cost.
2. Global Custom PCB Pricing Comparison (2025)
In 2025, PCB pricing can vary significantly depending on the country of manufacture due to labor costs, material availability, and production scale.
In Shenzhen, China, you can order 10pcs of a 2-layer 100x100mm PCB for as low as $18–$25, thanks to efficient supply chains, advanced automation, and high production volume. Many PCB factories also offer free tooling and fast turnaround times, making China the global leader in low-cost PCB manufacturing.
In contrast, the United States and Germany have much higher labor and overhead costs. The same 2-layer PCB might cost $80–$120 in the US, and $70–$110 in Germany. While these options offer strong IP protection and localized support, they are often cost-prohibitive for startups or small-batch prototyping.
India has emerged as a mid-range option. With improving infrastructure and relatively low labor costs, Indian manufacturers can offer competitive pricing in the $30–$50 range for small prototype runs. However, production capability and turnaround speed may not yet match that of Chinese suppliers.
For most cost-sensitive and time-critical projects, China remains the top choice—especially cities like Shenzhen with fully developed PCB ecosystems.
3. Real Price Examples for Different PCB Types
Here are real 2025 price points from KingSunPCB for standard custom PCB types:
- Single-layer FR4 PCB (100x100mm, 10pcs, HASL): $12 – $15
- Double-layer FR4 PCB (100x100mm, 10pcs, ENIG): $20 – $28
- 4-layer ENIG PCB (100x100mm, 10pcs): $55 – $70
- Aluminum PCB for LED Lighting (100x100mm, 20pcs): $30 – $40
- Rogers 4350B RF PCB (50x50mm, 2-layer, 10pcs): $80 – $100
- HDI PCB with BGA Pads (50x50mm, 4-layer, 10pcs): $90 – $130
These prices are for standard specs and do not include shipping. Add-ons like impedance control, via-in-pad, and advanced testing may increase total cost by 20–50%.
When budgeting, don’t forget about these less-visible fees:
- Setup/Tooling Fees: May apply for new designs ($20–$50), but some suppliers waive these
- Expedited Manufacturing: Rush services can double base cost
- Shipping: Express courier (DHL, FedEx) may cost $20–$60 depending on destination
- Taxes and Duties: VAT or import tax may apply in Europe, Canada, etc.
- Testing Costs: Electrical testing ($10–$20 per batch), X-ray for BGA, AOI, etc.
5. Regional Supply Chain and Pricing Impact
Geopolitical shifts, natural disasters, or raw material shortages can influence PCB prices dramatically. For example:
- China’s stable local supply chain keeps laminate and copper foil prices relatively consistent.
- Europe and North America often rely on imported materials, which can cause delays and price hikes.
- Shipping disruptions, like those seen during the COVID pandemic, can impact delivery costs more than manufacturing costs.
Working with manufacturers who offer end-to-end sourcing and local inventory can help mitigate these risks.
6. How to Save Money When Ordering Custom PCBs
Cutting costs doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. Here are smart ways to reduce your PCB spend:
- Use standard stackups and specs
- Avoid over-engineering: unnecessary layers or expensive finishes
- Combine multiple designs in one panel
- Plan ahead: longer lead times are cheaper
- Order higher volumes when possible to reduce unit price
- Choose a factory-direct supplier to eliminate broker markup
7. Why Choose KingSunPCB for Custom PCB Orders
KingSunPCB, located in Shenzhen, offers:
- Factory-direct pricing with no middlemen
- Free DFM checks and instant online quotes
- Fast lead times with options from 24h to 10 days
- Full service from prototype to production
- English-speaking support team for smooth communication
Example: Double-layer FR4 PCB, ENIG, 100x100mm, 10pcs = $25 + shipping
Want a custom quote? Visit www.kingsunpcb.com or email us directly with your Gerber files.
8. Conclusion
In 2025, custom PCB pricing ranges from $12 to over $130, depending on material, complexity, and order size. China, especially Shenzhen, remains the go-to destination for cost-effective, fast, and high-quality PCB production. By understanding the real cost drivers and optimizing your design, you can get the most value without sacrificing quality.
Need help with your next PCB project? Contact KingSunPCB for expert support and a fast quote.