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Head-to-head · 3D CAD Software

Onshape vs Solid Edge

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 1 check side by side
Higher score Onshape #7 in 3D CAD Software 8.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 4 features Visit Onshape
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

Onshape leads on 0 checks, Solid Edge on 0, and 1 is 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 scoreOnshape · 8.9/10
  • Free planboth
  • Free trialonly Solid Edge

Onshape scores higher on our rubric for 3d cad software: 8.9 against 8.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #7 and #8.

Onshape is the better fit for cloud-first collaborative engineering teams. Solid Edge is the better fit for mechanical design with broad manufacturing features.

  • Onshape fits best

    Cloud-first collaborative engineering teams

  • 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 Onshape 8.9/10 Visit ↗ Solid Edge 8.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.9 8.8
Ranking #7 in 3D CAD Software #8 in 3D CAD Software
Best for Cloud-first collaborative engineering teams Mechanical design with broad manufacturing features
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price $1,500/user/yr Free plan · 30-day trial
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — 30 days
Deployment Cloud, Mobile Cloud, Desktop
Platforms Web, iOS, Android Web, Windows
Support Tickets, Community, Docs Community, Docs
Integrations 50+ integrations 8 integrations
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Onshape 0/4 · Solid Edge 0/4
Assembly design Not checked yet Not checked yet
Sheet-metal tools Not checked yet Not checked yet
Surface modeling Not checked yet Not checked yet
Cloud collaboration Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Modeling method Not checked yet Not checked yet
Supported platforms Not checked yet Not checked yet
File import and export Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Real-time collaboration, commenting and version control
  • Parametric, assembly, surfacing and mixed modeling
  • Web, iOS, Android, REST API and App Store access
  • 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
  • Free Plan is limited to non-commercial use and public documents
  • Standard Plan starts at $1,500 per user per year
  • Simulation, CAM and rendering begin on the Professional Plan
  • Commercial package pricing is not stated.
  • The primary commercial application is installed on Windows.
  • Free editions include eligibility or noncommercial restrictions.
Our verdict

Onshape is a cloud-native 3D CAD and product data management platform for product design teams, individual professionals, educators and manufacturers. It combines parametric part and assembly modeling with drawings, surfacing, mixed…

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. Onshape3D CAD Software 8.9Free plan
  2. Solid Edge3D CAD Software 8.8Free plan · 30-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Onshape — where it wins

    • Real-time collaboration, commenting and version control
    • Parametric, assembly, surfacing and mixed modeling
    • Web, iOS, Android, REST API and App Store access

    Where it doesn't

    • Free Plan is limited to non-commercial use and public documents
    • Standard Plan starts at $1,500 per user per year
    • Simulation, CAM and rendering begin on the Professional Plan

  • 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.
  • Onshape8.9/10 · Free plan

    A cloud-first CAD suite with strong collaboration, versioning and engineering depth.

    Visit OnshapeFull 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