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Head-to-head · 3D CAD Software

SOLIDWORKS vs Autodesk Fusion

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 1 check side by side
Higher score SOLIDWORKS #3 in 3D CAD Software 9.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 4 features Visit SOLIDWORKS
Autodesk Fusion #4 in 3D CAD Software 9.1/10 Free plan · 30-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 0 of 4 features Visit Fusion

SOLIDWORKS leads on 0 checks, Autodesk Fusion 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 scoreSOLIDWORKS · 9.2/10
  • Free planboth
  • Free trialonly Autodesk Fusion

SOLIDWORKS scores higher on our rubric for 3d cad software: 9.2 against 9.1 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #4.

SOLIDWORKS is the better fit for established teams needing full mechanical CAD. Autodesk Fusion is the better fit for broad mechanical design and manufacturing workflows.

  • SOLIDWORKS fits best

    Established teams needing full mechanical CAD

  • Autodesk Fusion fits best

    Broad mechanical design and manufacturing workflows

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 SOLIDWORKS 9.2/10 Visit ↗ Autodesk Fusion 9.1/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 9.1
Ranking #3 in 3D CAD Software #4 in 3D CAD Software
Best for Established teams needing full mechanical CAD Broad mechanical design and manufacturing workflows
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price $2,820/device/yr $57/user/mo
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — 30 days
Deployment Cloud, Desktop, Browser extension Desktop, Cloud
Platforms Windows, Web Windows, macOS, Web
Integrations 2 integrations 1 integrations
Features SOLIDWORKS 0/4 · Autodesk Fusion 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
  • 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
  • Combines CAD, CAM, PCB, rendering, simulation, and collaboration
  • Supports parametric, direct, surface, mesh, and freeform modeling
  • Includes Windows, macOS, and web access with cloud data management
Cons
  • 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
  • The personal-use plan has limited functionality
  • Personal use is restricted to hobbyist, non-commercial projects
  • The published $57 entry price uses annual billing
Our verdict

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 →

Autodesk Fusion is an integrated platform for product design, engineering, electronics, manufacturing, and data management. It is aimed at mechanical engineers, product designers, machinists, CNC programmers, electronics engineers,…

Read the review →
  1. SOLIDWORKS3D CAD Software 9.2Free plan
  2. Autodesk Fusion3D CAD Software 9.1Free plan · 30-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • 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

  • Autodesk Fusion — where it wins

    • Combines CAD, CAM, PCB, rendering, simulation, and collaboration
    • Supports parametric, direct, surface, mesh, and freeform modeling
    • Includes Windows, macOS, and web access with cloud data management

    Where it doesn't

    • The personal-use plan has limited functionality
    • Personal use is restricted to hobbyist, non-commercial projects
    • The published $57 entry price uses annual billing
  • SOLIDWORKS9.2/10 · Free plan

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

    Visit SOLIDWORKSFull verdict →
  • Autodesk Fusion9.1/10 · Free plan · 30-day trial

    A broad CAD-to-manufacturing platform with strong value across design and production workflows.

    Visit FusionFull 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