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Head-to-head · Architectural CAD Software

Archicad vs Chief Architect

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks side by side
Higher score Archicad #2 in Architectural CAD Software 9.2/10 30-day trial Free trial✓ 1 of 6 features Visit Graphisoft
Chief Architect #8 in Architectural CAD Software 8.6/10 Paid ✓ 0 of 6 features Try Chief Architect

Archicad 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 scoreArchicad · 9.2/10
  • Free trialonly Archicad
  • Most featuresArchicad · 1 of 6

Archicad scores higher on our rubric for architectural cad software: 9.2 against 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #8.

Archicad is the better fit for architecture teams needing BIM and teamwork. Chief Architect is the better fit for residential designers producing construction plans.

  • Archicad fits best

    Architecture teams needing BIM and teamwork

  • 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 Archicad 9.2/10 Visit ↗ Chief Architect 8.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 8.6
Ranking #2 in Architectural CAD Software #8 in Architectural CAD Software
Best for Architecture teams needing BIM and teamwork Residential designers producing construction plans
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price $201/user/mo $1,995/yr
Free plan — —
Free trial 30 days —
Deployment Cloud, Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows, macOS Windows, macOS
Support Email, Phone, Tickets, Community, Docs Docs
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Archicad 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
  • Combines parametric modeling, coordinated drawings, schedules, and quantity takeoffs.
  • Supports openBIM workflows with IFC, BCF, and IDS.
  • Connects BIMcloud teamwork with visualization tools including Enscape and Twinmotion.
  • 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
  • Commercial access starts at $201 per user per month with annual billing.
  • Archicad runs natively on Windows and macOS; no other desktop platforms are listed.
  • Mobile access is for model viewing through BIMx.
  • 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

Archicad brings architectural modeling, construction documentation, visualization, and collaboration into a BIM environment for architects and other AEC professionals. Its parametric design tools sit alongside coordinated drawings,…

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. ArchicadArchitectural CAD Software 9.230-day trial
  2. Chief ArchitectArchitectural CAD Software 8.6Paid

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Archicad — where it wins

    • Combines parametric modeling, coordinated drawings, schedules, and quantity takeoffs.
    • Supports openBIM workflows with IFC, BCF, and IDS.
    • Connects BIMcloud teamwork with visualization tools including Enscape and Twinmotion.

    Where it doesn't

    • Commercial access starts at $201 per user per month with annual billing.
    • Archicad runs natively on Windows and macOS; no other desktop platforms are listed.
    • Mobile access is for model viewing through BIMx.

  • 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