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Head-to-head · Engineering Design Software

Autodesk Revit vs SOLIDWORKS

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 1 check side by side
Higher score Autodesk Revit #1 in Engineering Design Software 9.4/10 Paid ✓ 0 of 2 features Visit Autodesk Revit
SOLIDWORKS #4 in Engineering Design Software 9.1/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 2 features Visit SOLIDWORKS

Autodesk Revit 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 scoreAutodesk Revit · 9.4/10
  • Free planonly SOLIDWORKS

Autodesk Revit scores higher on our rubric for engineering design software: 9.4 against 9.1 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #4.

SOLIDWORKS offers free plan; Autodesk Revit doesn't.

Autodesk Revit is the better fit for multidiscipline building design and BIM coordination. SOLIDWORKS is the better fit for collaborative mechanical product development.

  • Autodesk Revit fits best

    Multidiscipline building design and BIM coordination

  • SOLIDWORKS fits best

    Collaborative mechanical product development

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Side by side

Feature Autodesk Revit 9.4/10 Visit ↗ SOLIDWORKS 9.1/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.4 9.1
Ranking #1 in Engineering Design Software #4 in Engineering Design Software
Best for Multidiscipline building design and BIM coordination 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 Cloud, Desktop, Browser extension
Platforms Windows Windows, Web
Support Docs · 24/7 Docs
Integrations 4 integrations 2 integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Autodesk Revit 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
  • Covers architectural, structural, and MEP modeling in one environment
  • Supports IFC exchange, interference checking, and material takeoff schedules
  • API and Autodesk integrations support automation and multidisciplinary coordination
  • 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
  • Runs natively on Windows rather than as a native macOS application
  • Cloud Worksharing requires a separate service subscription
  • No mobile access is provided
  • 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

Autodesk Revit is building information modeling software for architecture, engineering, construction, and building operations workflows. It is aimed at architects, structural and MEP engineers, contractors, fabricators, computational…

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. Autodesk RevitEngineering Design Software 9.4Paid
  2. SOLIDWORKSEngineering Design Software 9.1Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Autodesk Revit — where it wins

    • Covers architectural, structural, and MEP modeling in one environment
    • Supports IFC exchange, interference checking, and material takeoff schedules
    • API and Autodesk integrations support automation and multidisciplinary coordination

    Where it doesn't

    • Runs natively on Windows rather than as a native macOS application
    • Cloud Worksharing requires a separate service subscription
    • No mobile access is provided

  • 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