SMT vs THT: What's the Difference, and Which to Use
Surface-mount versus through-hole — the differences, the overlap, and mixed-technology practice.
What This Guide Covers
SMT vs THT — the questions we get asked most, answered the way our production team answers them.
- SMT vs THT side by side
- THT insertion and wave soldering
- Selective and hand soldering
- Mixed-technology boards in one line
Questions & Answers
What is THT assembly? When should it be used?
THT (Through-Hole Technology) inserts component leads through PCB holes and solders them. THT provides stronger mechanical fixation and is commonly used for connectors, large components, transformers, and boards that need strong mechanical support.
What is the difference between SMT and THT? Which is better?
SMT parts are soldered on the board surface and suit high density and automated placement; THT parts connect through holes and give stronger mechanical fixation. There is no absolute “better” — the choice depends on component type, mechanical strength, space, thermal design, electrical performance, reliability, cost, and production method.
What is THT insertion?
Inserting through-hole component leads into PCB holes; manual, semi-automatic, or automatic depending on the product and volume.
What is wave soldering?
Wave soldering forms large numbers of through-hole joints by flowing a wave of molten solder across the bottom of the PCB, suitable for products meeting the relevant process conditions.
What is selective soldering?
Selective soldering uses a localized solder nozzle to solder specific through-hole joints — suited to mixed-technology boards that cannot or should not be wave-soldered as a whole.
What is hand soldering?
An operator soldering with an iron or similar tool; commonly used for prototypes, small batches, rework, or certain special components. Volume products require controlled personnel, tools, and process.
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