Head-to-head · Architectural Design Software
Archicad vs Allplan
Archicad leads on 0 checks, Allplan on 1, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreArchicad · 9.3/10
- Lowest starting priceAllplan · $140/user/mo
- Free trialboth
Archicad scores higher on our rubric for architectural design software: 9.3 against 9.1 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #3.
Allplan is cheaper to start at $140/user/mo against $201/user/mo.
Archicad is the better fit for architectural teams needing mature OpenBIM collaboration. Allplan is the better fit for multidiscipline firms needing BIM and cost workflows.
- Archicad fits best
Architectural teams needing mature OpenBIM collaboration
- Allplan fits best
Multidiscipline firms needing BIM and cost workflows
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 | Archicad 9.3/10 Visit ↗ | Allplan 9.1/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.3 | 9.1 |
| Ranking | #2 in Architectural Design Software | #3 in Architectural Design Software |
| Best for | Architectural teams needing mature OpenBIM collaboration | Multidiscipline firms needing BIM and cost workflows |
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | $201/user/mo | $140/user/mo (best) |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | 30 days | 14 days |
| Free trial length | 30 days | 14 days · no card needed |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS | Web, Windows, iOS |
| Support | Email, Phone, Tickets, Community, Docs | Email, Community, Docs |
| Integrations | 7 integrations | 7 integrations |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Archicad 1/5 · Allplan 1/5 | ||
| BIM authoring | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Parametric modeling | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Construction documents | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Rendering tools | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| IFC support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Platform | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Project limit | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
| Our verdict | Archicad is a building information modeling platform from Graphisoft for architects, designers, engineers, and other AEC professionals. It combines parametric architectural modeling with construction documentation, coordinated drawings,… Read the review → |
Allplan is BIM software for architecture, structural and civil engineering, infrastructure, fabrication and construction workflows. It supports design and documentation from early concepts through detailed modeling, quantity takeoff,… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Archicad — where it wins
- OpenBIM support across IFC, BCF, and IDS
- BIMcloud enables real-time teamwork and coordinated workflows
- Combines modeling, documentation, takeoffs, and clash detection
Where it doesn't
- Commercial access is paid, with no general free plan
- Mobile access is limited to model viewing through BIMx
- Higher collaboration capabilities cost more than the entry tier
Allplan — where it wins
- Covers architectural, structural and civil engineering workflows
- Combines BIMPLUS collaboration with IFC interoperability and clash detection
- Includes quantity takeoff, costing, scripting and detailing tools
Where it doesn't
- Annual-billed plans range from $140 to $404 per user per month
- The Basic plan focuses on drafting, basic 3D modeling and collaboration
- Mobile access is provided as a viewer rather than a full modeling workspace
- Archicad9.3/10 · 30-day trial
A mature OpenBIM platform for architectural teams that need modeling, documentation, and teamwork.
Visit ArchicadFull verdict → - Allplan9.1/10 · 14-day trial
A broad BIM suite for firms coordinating architecture, engineering, construction and cost workflows.
Visit AllplanFull verdict →
More comparisons
- Autodesk Revit vs Archicad
- Autodesk Revit vs Allplan
- Archicad vs Vectorworks Architect
- Archicad vs OpenBuildings Designer
- Archicad vs BricsCAD BIM
- Archicad vs Snaptrude
- Archicad vs Edificius
- Allplan vs Vectorworks Architect
All architectural design software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update