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Head-to-head · 3D CAD Software

CATIA vs Solid Edge

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 checks side by side
Higher score CATIA #2 in 3D CAD Software 9.3/10 Pricing on request ✓ 4 of 4 features Visit CATIA
Solid Edge #8 in 3D CAD Software 8.8/10 Free plan · 30-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 0 of 4 features Visit Solid Edge

CATIA leads on 0 checks, Solid Edge on 0, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreCATIA · 9.3/10
  • Free planonly Solid Edge
  • Free trialonly Solid Edge
  • Most featuresCATIA · 4 of 4

CATIA scores higher on our rubric for 3d cad software: 9.3 against 8.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #8.

CATIA is the better fit for enterprise engineering and advanced product design. Solid Edge is the better fit for mechanical design with broad manufacturing features.

  • CATIA fits best

    Enterprise engineering and advanced product design

  • Solid Edge fits best

    Mechanical design with broad manufacturing features

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 CATIA 9.3/10 Visit ↗ Solid Edge 8.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.3 8.8
Ranking #2 in 3D CAD Software #8 in 3D CAD Software
Best for Enterprise engineering and advanced product design Mechanical design with broad manufacturing features
Pricing model Paid Free plan + paid
Starting price Pricing on request Free plan · 30-day trial
Free plan Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Free trial — 30 days
Deployment Cloud, Desktop, Browser extension Cloud, Desktop
Platforms Web, Windows Web, Windows
Support Community Community, Docs
Integrations 2 integrations 8 integrations
Built for Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features CATIA 4/4 · Solid Edge 0/4
Assembly design ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Sheet-metal tools ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Surface modeling ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Cloud collaboration ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Specs
Modeling method Parametric Not checked yet
Supported platforms Web browser applications on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform; Windows for CATIA V5 sheet-metal software. Not checked yet
File import and export STEP import and export; DXF, STL, VRML and IGES are listed as supported by other CATIA V5 products. Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Generative, parametric, direct, solid, and surface modeling
  • Sheet-metal, assembly, motion, drawings, simulation, and PLM integration
  • 3DEXPERIENCE collaboration with broad format support
  • Synchronous Technology combines parametric and direct modeling.
  • Covers assemblies, sheet metal, weldments, surfaces, motion, and rendering.
  • Supports cloud collaboration, file sharing, and STL/3MF export.
Cons
  • Commercial subscriptions start at $1,961 per user per quarter
  • There is no free plan
  • Its broad scope may exceed the needs of narrow CAD projects
  • Commercial package pricing is not stated.
  • The primary commercial application is installed on Windows.
  • Free editions include eligibility or noncommercial restrictions.
Our verdict

CATIA is 3D CAD and product-engineering software from Dassault Systèmes for designers and engineers developing complex products, assemblies, infrastructure, and multidisciplinary projects. Its capabilities span parametric and generative…

Read the review →

Solid Edge is Siemens Digital Industries Software’s 3D CAD and product-development software for mechanical designers, engineers, manufacturers, startups, students, and makers. Its scope covers part and assembly design, 2D drafting,…

Read the review →
  1. CATIA3D CAD Software 9.3Pricing on request
  2. Solid Edge3D CAD Software 8.8Free plan · 30-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • CATIA — where it wins

    • Generative, parametric, direct, solid, and surface modeling
    • Sheet-metal, assembly, motion, drawings, simulation, and PLM integration
    • 3DEXPERIENCE collaboration with broad format support

    Where it doesn't

    • Commercial subscriptions start at $1,961 per user per quarter
    • There is no free plan
    • Its broad scope may exceed the needs of narrow CAD projects

  • Solid Edge — where it wins

    • Synchronous Technology combines parametric and direct modeling.
    • Covers assemblies, sheet metal, weldments, surfaces, motion, and rendering.
    • Supports cloud collaboration, file sharing, and STL/3MF export.

    Where it doesn't

    • Commercial package pricing is not stated.
    • The primary commercial application is installed on Windows.
    • Free editions include eligibility or noncommercial restrictions.
  • CATIA9.3/10 · Pricing on request

    A deep engineering suite for complex products, with enterprise pricing to match.

    Visit CATIAFull verdict →
  • Solid Edge8.8/10 · Free plan · 30-day trial

    A broad mechanical CAD suite with hybrid modeling, manufacturing tools, and collaboration options.

    Visit Solid EdgeFull verdict →

More comparisons

All 3D CAD software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update