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 · Diy Makers

SelfCAD vs Microsoft MakeCode for micro:bit

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks side by side
Higher score SelfCAD #5 in Diy Makers 7.9/10 Free plan · 10-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 0 of 3 features Visit SelfCAD
Microsoft MakeCode for micro:bit #7 in Diy Makers 7.5/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 3 features Visit MakeCode

SelfCAD leads on 0 checks, Microsoft MakeCode for micro:bit on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreSelfCAD · 7.9/10
  • Free planboth
  • Free trialonly SelfCAD
  • Most featuresMicrosoft MakeCode for micro:bit · 1 of 3

SelfCAD scores higher on our rubric for diy makers: 7.9 against 7.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #5 and #7.

SelfCAD is the better fit for makers who want modeling through print preparation. Microsoft MakeCode for micro:bit is the better fit for making programs and projects with micro:bit.

  • SelfCAD fits best

    Makers who want modeling through print preparation

  • Microsoft MakeCode for micro:bit fits best

    Making programs and projects with micro:bit

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 SelfCAD 7.9/10 Visit ↗ Microsoft MakeCode for micro:bit 7.5/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 7.9 7.5
Ranking #5 in Diy Makers #7 in Diy Makers
Best for Makers who want modeling through print preparation Making programs and projects with micro:bit
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free
Starting price $139.99/user/yr Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial 10 days —
Deployment Cloud, Desktop Cloud, Desktop
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, Linux Web, Windows
Support Email, Community, Docs Docs
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market Solo, Small business
Features SelfCAD 0/3 · Microsoft MakeCode for micro:bit 1/3
Project templates Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Commercial use Not checked yet Not checked yet
Team collaboration Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Customization depth Not checked yet Advanced
Export formats Not checked yet HEX
Platforms Not checked yet Web browser; Windows app
Our review
Pros
  • Combines modeling, sculpting, animation, rendering, and slicing
  • Built-in slicer generates G-code and includes mesh repair
  • Available on web, Windows, macOS, and Linux
  • Move between block-based code and JavaScript, or write in Python.
  • Simulate and compile programs in the browser before transferring them.
  • Send programs over WebUSB or download them as .hex files.
Cons
  • Free plan limits access to tools and basic modeling
  • Pro monthly costs more than the annual equivalent rate
  • Perpetual license requires a $599 one-time payment
  • The editor is focused on micro:bit rather than broader hardware projects.
  • Direct WebUSB transfer requires a compatible browser and connection.
  • Offline work starts only after the editor has loaded.
Our verdict

SelfCAD brings 3D modeling, sculpting, rendering, animation, and 3D-print preparation into a single product. It is aimed at beginners, students, hobbyists, freelance designers, and professional users who want to create or modify models and…

Read the review →

Microsoft MakeCode for micro:bit is a free programming environment for making programs and interactive hardware projects with the BBC micro:bit. It suits learners and makers who want a guided place to start, with block-based programming,…

Read the review →
  1. SelfCADDiy Makers 7.9Free plan · 10-day trial
  2. Microsoft MakeCode for micro:bitDiy Makers 7.5Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • SelfCAD — where it wins

    • Combines modeling, sculpting, animation, rendering, and slicing
    • Built-in slicer generates G-code and includes mesh repair
    • Available on web, Windows, macOS, and Linux

    Where it doesn't

    • Free plan limits access to tools and basic modeling
    • Pro monthly costs more than the annual equivalent rate
    • Perpetual license requires a $599 one-time payment

  • Microsoft MakeCode for micro:bit — where it wins

    • Move between block-based code and JavaScript, or write in Python.
    • Simulate and compile programs in the browser before transferring them.
    • Send programs over WebUSB or download them as .hex files.

    Where it doesn't

    • The editor is focused on micro:bit rather than broader hardware projects.
    • Direct WebUSB transfer requires a compatible browser and connection.
    • Offline work starts only after the editor has loaded.
  • SelfCAD7.9/10 · Free plan · 10-day trial

    A broad 3D creation and printing toolkit with free access and paid upgrades.

    Visit SelfCADFull verdict →
  • Microsoft MakeCode for micro:bit7.5/10 · Free plan

    A free, focused micro:bit editor with blocks, JavaScript, Python, and browser simulation.

    Visit MakeCodeFull verdict →

More comparisons

All diy makers comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update