Best circuit simulator

[Xephera Geeb]

I'm fairly new to electronics and have been trying out a couple free online circuit simulators, but I've found the few that I could all had problems with them.

I want to buy a simulator, or find a useful online one, but I don't know where to find good free simulators, or which simulator are good to buy. Could anyone recommend me what simulators are good?

Thanks

 

[Gryd3]

I'm learning LT Spice, and it's doing well so far for me.
A couple regulars on here are familiar with it.

 

[abuhafss]

No doubt about LT Spice. After some practice you would find it quite easy and helpful.
Being newbie to electronics, you might also find the following 2 helpful:

1) Paul Falstad's Java based online simulator at www.falstad.com/circuit
2) Yenka at www.yenka.com

 

[LvW]

I want to buy a simulator, or find a useful online one, but I don't know where to find good free simulators, or which simulator are good to buy. Could anyone recommend me what simulators are good?

What is a "good" simulator? (What is a "good" amplifier?). I think, such a question cannot be answered.
When you are looking for a circuit simulator you should - at first - clarify:
*What is the main purpose of such a simulation program?
*Simulation in the time or frequency domain (Transient or AC response) ?
*Or just DC?
*Do you need some morte advanced simulation features (FOURIER, Monte Carlo,..)?

According to my experience, one of the most important selection criterion is how to handle/operate the program (how to select and place parts; how to specify the various simulator options,...).
With respect to these points I do NOT like, for example, LTSpice. My favorite program is PSpice.

 

[Harald Kapp]

In the ressources section you'll find some tips on using LTSPICE.

 

[Xephera Geeb]

Thank you everyone for your opinions! I think I will be using LT Spice, as an overwhelming majority said that it was the way to go, and seems to definitely be the most popular simulator.

 

[Harald Kapp]

seems to definitely be the most popular simulator.

...if only because it's free