Guides / Basics
SMT vs through-hole: when to use which
Surface-mount dominates modern boards — but through-hole still earns its place. How to choose.
Almost every modern board is mostly surface-mount, but through-hole hasn't disappeared. Knowing when to reach for each keeps your board manufacturable and mechanically sound.
Why SMT wins by default
Surface-mount parts are smaller, cheaper, available in far more variety, and machine-placeable — which is why most packages are SMD. Higher density, and no drilled hole for every lead.
Where through-hole still fits
- ·Connectors and jacks that take mechanical stress
- ·High-power parts with big leads and heatsinks (TO-220)
- ·Prototyping and learning — easy to solder and rework
- ·Parts only sold in through-hole packages
Mixed boards
Many boards mix both: SMD for the density, through-hole for connectors and power. Through-hole parts can even be reflow-soldered ("pin-in-paste"), or added by hand after the SMT reflow.
Whatever the mix, the SMT side still needs a clean placement job — that's what the converter prepares.
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