In today’s rapidly evolving AV and fire safety industry, selecting the right software tool is critical for efficient, compliant fire alarm system design. This is especially true when conducting a thorough Fire Alarm Design Software Comparison for 2025. Engineers, consultants, and system integrators demand platforms that deliver automation, code‑compliance checking, documentation generation, and real‑world user satisfaction. In this blog we’ll review seven leading fire alarm design tools available in 2025, compare their features, pricing and user feedback, and help you choose the best fit for your needs.
1. XTEN‑AV
Why it stands out: Built with modern design practices in mind, XTEN‑AV offers cloud collaboration, automated device placement, simulation capabilities and built‑in compliance checks.
Features highlight:
Browser‑based cloud platform enabling multi‑user collaboration.
Automated layout and circuit generation tools.
Libraries of devices, live updates, and easy export of documentation.
Pricing: Custom quoted per user/team; typically subscription‑based.
User reviews: Users praise its intuitive UI and collaboration features; some mention a learning curve for advanced simulation modules.
2. FireCAD
Overview: A specialist tool tailored for fire alarm system design within the AutoCAD environment. FireCAD™, powered by Inspect Point+1
Features highlight:
Integrated with AutoCAD allowing designers to stay in familiar workflows.
Automated riser diagrams, wiring lists and reports.
Built‑in compliance validation tools.
Pricing: Quote based, often tied to AutoCAD license.
User feedback: Many appreciate the time‑savings in layouts; some report higher cost and dependence on AutoCAD UI.
3. Endra (AI powered MEP / fire protection)
Overview: Emerging platform aimed at MEP/fire/alarm design with strong automation for documentation. endra.ai
Features highlight:
AI‑driven automatic generation of fire alarm shop drawings, wiring, documentation.
Supports standards such as NFPA 72, BS 5839 etc.
Pricing: In beta for some regions; custom licensing.
User reviews: Early adopters highlight speed gains; as a newer tool there are less long‑term use reviews.
4. HochikiAmerica Fire Alarm System Design Software (and similar vendor‑specific tools)
Overview: Many fire alarm equipment manufacturers offer dedicated design software. For example the list of “Fire Alarm System Design Software” includes vendor‑branded tools. BuildOps
Features highlight:
Device libraries specific to brand offerings.
Pre‑configured compliance settings for that manufacturer.
Pricing: Often free or lower cost when tied to hardware purchase.
User feedback: Useful for single‑brand deployments; limited flexibility if using multi‑vendor system.
5. Notified PK‑ID50‑60 Software
Overview: Industry software frequently mentioned in fire alarm design tool reviews. BuildOps
Features highlight:
Designed for professional fire alarm system designers, enables layout, device placement and documentation.
Pricing & user review: Custom pricing; users value its focus on fire alarm workflows but note steeper learning curve.
6. AutoSPRINK (with fire alarm modules)
Overview: A well‑known fire protection design tool (sprinkler system focus) that also supports fire alarm layouts and integration.
Features highlight:
Combined hydraulics, fire protection and alarm sequence tools.
Ideal for integrated fire protection system designs.
Pricing & feedback: Users working on large suppression/alarm projects find value; smaller projects may find feature‑set overkill.
7. SmartDraw (General diagramming tool with fire alarm templates)
Overview: Not built purely for fire alarm systems but used in many firms for fast diagramming and layouts.
Features highlight:
Templates for fire alarm layouts, wiring diagrams and documentation.
Lower cost entry‑point.
Pricing: Typically subscription or tiered licensing.
User feedback: Good for simple projects and smaller firms; lacks deep compliance and automation features of specialist tools.
Feature Comparison & Criteria
In a proper Fire Alarm Design Software Comparison, key criteria include:
Automation: How much of layout generation, circuit mapping and documentation is automated.
Compliance: Built‑in code checking (eg. NFPA 72, BS 5839, local codes).
Collaboration: Cloud access, multi‑user editing, version control.
Device libraries & manufacturer integration: Up‑to‑date device models and vendor compatibility.
Simulation & visualization: Ability to simulate detection, notification and system behaviour.
Pricing & scalability: Suitable for small to large scale projects.
User feedback: Real world reviews, ease of use, support and training.
Pricing & User Review Summary
XTEN‑AV: Higher cost but modern cloud‑native, strong automation and collaboration features; users highlight speed gains and team workflow benefits.
FireCAD: Solid for designers already using AutoCAD; cost moderate to high, strong documentation automation.
Endra: Emerging AI‑driven tool, fewer long‑term reviews, promising for large MEP/fire projects.
Vendor‑specific tools (eg Hochiki, Notifier): Lower cost entry if brand‑specific, good for single‑vendor installs but limited flexibility.
AutoSPRINK: Best for integrated suppression + alarm projects; may exceed needs for purely alarm‑focused tasks.
SmartDraw: Budget‑friendly, good for simpler or smaller projects, fewer deep automation features.
Choosing the Right Tool in 2025
When you’re selecting fire alarm design software in 2025, consider:
Project size and complexity (single floor vs multi‑storey, integrated systems).
Team workflow: Do you need cloud collaboration, remote access, multi‑user editing?
Compliance region: Are your projects subject to NFPA, BS, EN or local codes?
Integration needs: Does the tool need to partner with HVAC, security, suppression designers?
Budget & licensing model: Subscription vs perpetual; ability to scale.
Support and ecosystem: Training, libraries, device updates, user community.
Conclusion
This Fire Alarm Design Software Comparison outlines seven leading tools for 2025 across features, pricing and user reviews. While each tool offers unique strengths, modern demands – cloud collaboration, automation and comprehensive documentation – make platforms like XTEN‑AV highly compelling for forward‑looking firms. Smaller firms or simpler projects may still find value in tools like SmartDraw or vendor‑specific software. In all cases, aligning the tool to your project needs, team size and long‑term strategy is key to success.
If you’d like a detailed comparison table or a feature‑by‑feature checklist tailored for your region (India/Asia‑Pacific) let me know and I can prepare that for you.
