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Head-to-head · 3D CAD Software

Siemens NX vs CATIA

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 checks side by side
Higher score Siemens NX #1 in 3D CAD Software 9.4/10 Pricing on request · 30-day trial Free trial✓ 4 of 4 features Visit Siemens NX
CATIA #2 in 3D CAD Software 9.3/10 Pricing on request ✓ 4 of 4 features Visit CATIA

Siemens NX leads on 0 checks, CATIA 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 scoreSiemens NX · 9.4/10
  • Free trialonly Siemens NX

Siemens NX scores higher on our rubric for 3d cad software: 9.4 against 9.3 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #2.

On modeling method, Siemens NX gives you Hybrid where CATIA offers Parametric.

Siemens NX is the better fit for large industrial engineering organizations. CATIA is the better fit for enterprise engineering and advanced product design.

  • Siemens NX fits best

    Large industrial engineering organizations

  • CATIA fits best

    Enterprise engineering and advanced product design

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Side by side

Feature Siemens NX 9.4/10 Visit ↗ CATIA 9.3/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.4 9.3
Ranking #1 in 3D CAD Software #2 in 3D CAD Software
Best for Large industrial engineering organizations Enterprise engineering and advanced product design
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price Pricing on request · 30-day trial Pricing on request
Free plan — Not checked yet
Free trial 30 days —
Deployment Cloud, Self-hosted Cloud, Desktop, Browser extension
Platforms Windows, Web Web, Windows
Integrations 1 integrations 2 integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Siemens NX 4/4 · CATIA 4/4
Assembly design ✓ ✓
Sheet-metal tools ✓ ✓
Surface modeling ✓ ✓
Cloud collaboration ✓ ✓
Specs
Modeling method Hybrid Parametric
Supported platforms Windows desktop; NX X Design is cloud SaaS and supports browser-based access Web browser applications on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform; Windows for CATIA V5 sheet-metal software.
File import and export IGES, STEP AP203, STEP AP214, DXF/DWG, STL, 3MF; NX X data exchange also lists JT, Solid Edge and SolidWorks open STEP import and export; DXF, STL, VRML and IGES are listed as supported by other CATIA V5 products.
Our review
Pros
  • Combines parametric, synchronous, assembly, sheet-metal, and surface modeling
  • Supports Teamcenter, Siemens Xcelerator, and Live Share collaboration
  • Runs across web, Windows, and Linux with broad CAD translation support
  • Generative, parametric, direct, solid, and surface modeling
  • Sheet-metal, assembly, motion, drawings, simulation, and PLM integration
  • 3DEXPERIENCE collaboration with broad format support
Cons
  • Paid product with no free plan
  • Feature depth may exceed the needs of smaller design teams
  • AI capabilities are limited to higher-tier or add-on offerings
  • 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
Our verdict

Siemens NX is 3D CAD software for mechanical product development, with tools for feature-based parametric modeling, synchronous direct modeling, assemblies, sheet metal, freeform surfaces, drafting, and product validation. It is aimed at…

Read the review →

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 →
  1. Siemens NX3D CAD Software 9.4Pricing on request · 30-day trial
  2. CATIA3D CAD Software 9.3Pricing on request

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Siemens NX — where it wins

    • Combines parametric, synchronous, assembly, sheet-metal, and surface modeling
    • Supports Teamcenter, Siemens Xcelerator, and Live Share collaboration
    • Runs across web, Windows, and Linux with broad CAD translation support

    Where it doesn't

    • Paid product with no free plan
    • Feature depth may exceed the needs of smaller design teams
    • AI capabilities are limited to higher-tier or add-on offerings

  • 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
  • Siemens NX9.4/10 · Pricing on request · 30-day trial

    Deep hybrid CAD with Teamcenter integration for large engineering organizations.

    Visit Siemens NXFull verdict →
  • CATIA9.3/10 · Pricing on request

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

    Visit CATIAFull 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