Suggestions appear as you type. Use the up and down arrows to choose one and Enter to open it.

This page's audience our own tag's counts — open to see them
–Visits
–Page views
–Clicks to vendors
–Time on page
–Reading now
Clicks to vendors, by tool
  • –
Top countries
  • –
Devices
  • –

– · visits, page views and clicks counted by our own tag, which counts more than our checked analytics; every figure rounded down · how we count

Head-to-head · 3D CAD Software

CATIA vs SOLIDWORKS

  • 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
SOLIDWORKS #3 in 3D CAD Software 9.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 4 features Visit SOLIDWORKS

CATIA leads on 0 checks, SOLIDWORKS 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 SOLIDWORKS
  • Most featuresCATIA · 4 of 4

CATIA scores higher on our rubric for 3d cad software: 9.3 against 9.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #3.

CATIA is the better fit for enterprise engineering and advanced product design. SOLIDWORKS is the better fit for established teams needing full mechanical CAD.

  • CATIA fits best

    Enterprise engineering and advanced product design

  • SOLIDWORKS fits best

    Established teams needing full mechanical CAD

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 ↗ SOLIDWORKS 9.2/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.3 9.2
Ranking #2 in 3D CAD Software #3 in 3D CAD Software
Best for Enterprise engineering and advanced product design Established teams needing full mechanical CAD
Pricing model Paid Free plan + paid
Starting price Pricing on request $2,820/device/yr
Free plan Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Desktop, Browser extension Cloud, Desktop, Browser extension
Platforms Web, Windows Windows, Web
Support Community Docs
Integrations 2 integrations 2 integrations
Built for Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features CATIA 4/4 · SOLIDWORKS 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
  • Covers parts, assemblies, drawings, sheet metal, weldments, molds, and structures
  • Includes simulation, motion analysis, rendering, and manufacturing documentation
  • Offers web and Windows access with cloud collaboration and revision management
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
  • The annual entry price is high for smaller teams and individual professionals
  • Advanced routing and analysis require the Premium tier
  • Commercial access is paid, while free access is documented for students
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 →

SOLIDWORKS is 3D CAD and product development software for engineers, designers, and technology professionals. It supports parametric part, assembly, and 2D drawing modeling, with specialized tools for sheet metal, weldments, molds, and…

Read the review →
  1. CATIA3D CAD Software 9.3Pricing on request
  2. SOLIDWORKS3D CAD Software 9.2Free plan

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

  • SOLIDWORKS — where it wins

    • Covers parts, assemblies, drawings, sheet metal, weldments, molds, and structures
    • Includes simulation, motion analysis, rendering, and manufacturing documentation
    • Offers web and Windows access with cloud collaboration and revision management

    Where it doesn't

    • The annual entry price is high for smaller teams and individual professionals
    • Advanced routing and analysis require the Premium tier
    • Commercial access is paid, while free access is documented for students
  • CATIA9.3/10 · Pricing on request

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

    Visit CATIAFull verdict →
  • SOLIDWORKS9.2/10 · Free plan

    Full mechanical CAD with broad design, manufacturing, simulation, and collaboration tools.

    Visit SOLIDWORKSFull 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