ENIG vs HASL: Choosing a PCB Surface Finish
The surface finish protects your exposed copper pads and determines how well parts solder to them. The two most common choices are lead-free HASL and ENIG — here's how to pick, and you can quote either instantly.
Get an instant quote →Lead-free HASL
Hot Air Solder Leveling coats the pads in solder. It's economical, has excellent solderability, and is a great default for through-hole and larger surface-mount parts. The tradeoff is a slightly uneven surface, which makes it less ideal for very fine-pitch components.
ENIG
Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold plates the copper with nickel and a thin gold layer. It gives a very flat surface — ideal for fine-pitch BGAs and QFNs — plus a long shelf life and good wire-bond compatibility. It costs more than HASL, which is why it's usually reserved for dense or fine-pitch boards.
Quick guide
Choose lead-free HASL for cost-sensitive boards with standard part sizes. Choose ENIG for fine-pitch parts, flatness-critical assembly, or when you need longer shelf life. Note that our tightest 4/4 mil trace/space option requires ENIG.
Frequently asked questions
Is ENIG worth the extra cost?
For fine-pitch BGAs/QFNs and flatness-critical assembly, yes. For standard through-hole and larger SMD parts, lead-free HASL usually solders just as well for less. Quote both finishes to see the exact price difference.
Which finish is better for hand soldering?
Both hand-solder well. ENIG's flat, easy-to-wet surface is slightly more forgiving for fine-pitch work.
Are both finishes RoHS/lead-free?
Yes — we offer lead-free HASL and ENIG, both lead-free finishes.
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