Siemens NX vs SOLIDWORKS

Siemens NX9.4Visit SSOLIDWORKS9.2Visit

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

vs

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

• Siemens NX fits best

  Large industrial engineering organizations

• SOLIDWORKS fits best

  Established teams needing full mechanical CAD

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Side by side

Feature	Siemens NX 9.4/10 Visit ↗	SSOLIDWORKS 9.2/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.4	9.2
Ranking	#1 in 3D CAD Software	#3 in 3D CAD Software
Best for	Large industrial engineering organizations	Established teams needing full mechanical CAD
Pricing model	Paid	Free plan + paid
Starting price	Pricing on request · 30-day trial	$2,820/device/yr
Free plan	—	✓ (best)
Free trial	30 days	—
Deployment	Cloud, Self-hosted	Cloud, Desktop, Browser extension
Platforms	Windows, Web	Windows, Web
Integrations	1 integrations	2 integrations
Built for	Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Siemens NX 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	Hybrid	Not checked yet
Supported platforms	Windows desktop; NX X Design is cloud SaaS and supports browser-based access	Not checked yet
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	Not checked yet
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	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	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	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	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 →	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 →

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

• 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

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

  Deep hybrid CAD with Teamcenter integration for large engineering organizations.

  Visit Siemens NXFull verdict →
• SSOLIDWORKS9.2/10 · Free plan

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

  Visit SOLIDWORKSFull verdict →