Head-to-head · BIM Software
Archicad vs Trimble Connect
Archicad leads on 0 checks, Trimble Connect on 2, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 7 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
- Lowest starting priceTrimble Connect · $12.99/user/mo
- Free planonly Trimble Connect
- Free trialboth
Archicad scores higher on our rubric for bim software: 9.2 against 8.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #9.
Trimble Connect offers free plan; Archicad doesn't. Trimble Connect is cheaper to start at $12.99/user/mo against $201/user/mo.
Archicad is the better fit for architectural teams using openBIM. Trimble Connect is the better fit for affordable cloud coordination for project teams.
- Archicad fits best
Architectural teams using openBIM
- Trimble Connect fits best
Affordable cloud coordination for project teams
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Side by side
| Feature | Archicad 9.2/10 Visit ↗ | Trimble Connect 8.5/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.2 | 8.5 |
| Ranking | #2 in BIM Software | #9 in BIM Software |
| Best for | Architectural teams using openBIM | Affordable cloud coordination for project teams |
| Pricing model | Paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | $201/user/mo | $12.99/user/mo (best) |
| Free plan | — | ✓ (best) |
| Free trial | 30 days | 30 days |
| Free trial length | 30 days | 30 days |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS | Web, Windows |
| Support | Email, Phone, Tickets, Community, Docs | Email, Tickets, Community, Docs |
| Integrations | 7 integrations | 7 integrations |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Archicad 5/5 · Trimble Connect 5/5 | ||
| IFC support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cloud collaboration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Clash detection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Quantity takeoff | ✓ | ✓ |
| API access | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Discipline coverage | Multi-discipline | Multi-discipline |
| Mobile access | Viewer | Viewer |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | Archicad is a building information modeling platform for architects, designers, engineers, and other AEC professionals. It brings together parametric architectural modeling, coordinated construction documentation, quantity takeoffs,… Read the review → |
Trimble Connect is a cloud-based common data environment for architecture, engineering, construction, geospatial, and related project teams. It centralizes project files and model data, supports 2D and 3D viewing, and provides comments,… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Archicad — where it wins
- Supports IFC, BCF, and IDS openBIM workflows
- Combines modeling, documentation, takeoffs, and clash detection
- BIMcloud enables real-time teamwork across Windows and macOS
Where it doesn't
- No free commercial plan
- Commercial pricing starts at $201 per user per month annually
- Mobile access is limited to model viewing through BIMx
Trimble Connect — where it wins
- Free plan plus a $12.99/user/month Business tier
- 2D and 3D viewing, annotations, clash sets, IFC, and mobile access
- REST API and integrations with Trimble, SketchUp, and other tools
Where it doesn't
- Primarily a common data environment rather than a BIM authoring platform
- Advanced BIM tools require Business Premium or higher plans
- Plan families use different monthly and annual pricing structures
- Archicad9.2/10 · 30-day trial
A broad architectural BIM platform with strong openBIM and teamwork capabilities.
Visit ArchicadFull verdict → - Trimble Connect8.5/10 · Free plan · 30-day trial
A capable common data environment with model coordination, clash detection, and API access.
Try Trimble ConnectFull verdict →
More comparisons
All BIM software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update