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Head-to-head · Architectural CAD Software

Allplan vs Chief Architect

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks side by side
Higher score Allplan #3 in Architectural CAD Software 9.1/10 14-day trial Free trial✓ 1 of 6 features Visit Allplan
Chief Architect #8 in Architectural CAD Software 8.6/10 Paid ✓ 0 of 6 features Try Chief Architect

Allplan leads on 0 checks, Chief Architect on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreAllplan · 9.1/10
  • Free trialonly Allplan
  • Most featuresAllplan · 1 of 6

Allplan scores higher on our rubric for architectural cad software: 9.1 against 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #8.

Allplan is the better fit for teams spanning architecture, structure, and civil. Chief Architect is the better fit for residential designers producing construction plans.

  • Allplan fits best

    Teams spanning architecture, structure, and civil

  • Chief Architect fits best

    Residential designers producing construction plans

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Allplan 9.1/10 Visit ↗ Chief Architect 8.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.1 8.6
Ranking #3 in Architectural CAD Software #8 in Architectural CAD Software
Best for Teams spanning architecture, structure, and civil Residential designers producing construction plans
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price $140/user/mo $1,995/yr
Free plan — —
Free trial 14 days —
Deployment Cloud, Desktop, Mobile Desktop
Platforms Web, Windows, iOS Windows, macOS
Support Email, Community, Docs Docs
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Allplan 1/6 · Chief Architect 0/6
BIM support Not checked yet Not checked yet
Parametric modeling Not checked yet Not checked yet
Integrated rendering Not checked yet Not checked yet
IFC interoperability Not checked yet Not checked yet
Site/terrain tools Not checked yet Not checked yet
Quantity takeoff ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Specs
Deployment model Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Connects architectural, structural, and civil workflows with IFC exchange.
  • Coordinates models and detects clashes through cloud collaboration in BIMPLUS.
  • Supports takeoffs, costing, detailing, and Python API or visual scripting.
  • Generates 3D models as walls, windows, and doors are drawn
  • Creates construction drawings, elevations, sections, and CAD details
  • Combines multi-floor design with schedules and cost-estimating tools
Cons
  • Annual plans start at $140 per user per month.
  • Full BIM modeling starts at the $241 Concept plan.
  • Mobile access is viewer-focused rather than full editing.
  • Annual access starts at $1,995, with no free plan
  • Desktop software is limited to Windows and macOS
  • The trial disables saving, printing, exporting, and virtual tours
Our verdict

Allplan brings 2D drafting and 3D BIM modeling together for architecture, structural engineering, civil engineering, infrastructure, and construction work. Its scope runs from concept design and documentation to detailed modeling, quantity…

Read the review →

Chief Architect is desktop architectural design software for home builders, remodelers, architects, and interior designers working on residential and light-commercial projects. Its focus is coordinated planning: drawing walls, windows, and…

Read the review →
  1. AllplanArchitectural CAD Software 9.114-day trial
  2. Chief ArchitectArchitectural CAD Software 8.6Paid

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Allplan — where it wins

    • Connects architectural, structural, and civil workflows with IFC exchange.
    • Coordinates models and detects clashes through cloud collaboration in BIMPLUS.
    • Supports takeoffs, costing, detailing, and Python API or visual scripting.

    Where it doesn't

    • Annual plans start at $140 per user per month.
    • Full BIM modeling starts at the $241 Concept plan.
    • Mobile access is viewer-focused rather than full editing.

  • Chief Architect — where it wins

    • Generates 3D models as walls, windows, and doors are drawn
    • Creates construction drawings, elevations, sections, and CAD details
    • Combines multi-floor design with schedules and cost-estimating tools

    Where it doesn't

    • Annual access starts at $1,995, with no free plan
    • Desktop software is limited to Windows and macOS
    • The trial disables saving, printing, exporting, and virtual tours

More comparisons

All architectural CAD software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update