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Head-to-head · Engineering Design Software

AutoCAD vs SOLIDWORKS

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 1 check side by side
Higher score AutoCAD #2 in Engineering Design Software 9.3/10 Paid ✓ 0 of 2 features Visit Autodesk
SOLIDWORKS #4 in Engineering Design Software 9.1/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 2 features Visit SOLIDWORKS

AutoCAD leads on 0 checks, SOLIDWORKS on 1, and 0 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreAutoCAD · 9.3/10
  • Free planonly SOLIDWORKS

AutoCAD scores higher on our rubric for engineering design software: 9.3 against 9.1 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #4.

SOLIDWORKS offers free plan; AutoCAD doesn't.

AutoCAD is the better fit for broad 2D/3D drafting across engineering teams. SOLIDWORKS is the better fit for collaborative mechanical product development.

  • AutoCAD fits best

    Broad 2D/3D drafting across engineering teams

  • SOLIDWORKS fits best

    Collaborative mechanical product development

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Side by side

Feature AutoCAD 9.3/10 Visit ↗ SOLIDWORKS 9.1/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.3 9.1
Ranking #2 in Engineering Design Software #4 in Engineering Design Software
Best for Broad 2D/3D drafting across engineering teams Collaborative mechanical product development
Pricing model Paid Free plan + paid
Starting price — $2,820/device/yr
Free plan — ✓ (best)
Free trial — —
Money-back guarantee 30 days 15 days
Deployment Cloud, Desktop, Mobile Cloud, Desktop, Browser extension
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android Windows, Web
Support Live chat, Community, Docs Docs
Integrations 6 integrations 2 integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features AutoCAD 0/2 · SOLIDWORKS 0/2
Simulation tools Not checked yet Not checked yet
Real-time collaboration Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Design discipline Not checked yet Not checked yet
Design dimensions Not checked yet Not checked yet
Deployment Not checked yet Not checked yet
Supported file formats Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Native DWG workflows with DXF export and PDF underlay snapping
  • Seven specialized toolsets across desktop, web, and mobile applications
  • Parametric constraints, batch publishing, and APIs for customization
  • Parametric parts, assemblies and drawings support detailed mechanical design.
  • Cloud tools support collaboration and file and revision management.
  • Motion, rendering, sculpting and manufacturing preparation span multiple workflows.
Cons
  • There is no free plan
  • Desktop use requires periodic internet verification
  • Pricing and availability can vary by region
  • Annual single-user plans start at $2,820 before local taxes.
  • The free Design Standard edition is limited to qualified students.
  • The listed desktop requirements specify Windows.
Our verdict

AutoCAD is Autodesk’s computer-aided design software for creating, editing, documenting, and sharing precise 2D and 3D drawings. It is aimed at architects, engineers, designers, construction professionals, project managers, students, and…

Read the review →

SOLIDWORKS is a 3D CAD product family for engineers, designers and product development teams working on mechanical products. Its core design capabilities include parametric modeling, parts, assemblies and 2D drawings, with dimensions that…

Read the review →
  1. AutoCADEngineering Design Software 9.3Paid
  2. SOLIDWORKSEngineering Design Software 9.1Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • AutoCAD — where it wins

    • Native DWG workflows with DXF export and PDF underlay snapping
    • Seven specialized toolsets across desktop, web, and mobile applications
    • Parametric constraints, batch publishing, and APIs for customization

    Where it doesn't

    • There is no free plan
    • Desktop use requires periodic internet verification
    • Pricing and availability can vary by region

  • SOLIDWORKS — where it wins

    • Parametric parts, assemblies and drawings support detailed mechanical design.
    • Cloud tools support collaboration and file and revision management.
    • Motion, rendering, sculpting and manufacturing preparation span multiple workflows.

    Where it doesn't

    • Annual single-user plans start at $2,820 before local taxes.
    • The free Design Standard edition is limited to qualified students.
    • The listed desktop requirements specify Windows.

More comparisons

All engineering design software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update