SOLIDWORKS vs Fusion with PowerShape

SSOLIDWORKS8.9Visit Fusion with PowerShape8.5Visit

Higher score S SOLIDWORKS #5 in Computer-Aided Design & Manufacturing Software 8.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 3 features Visit SOLIDWORKS

vs

Fusion with PowerShape #8 in Computer-Aided Design & Manufacturing Software 8.5/10 Pricing on request · 30-day trial Free trial✓ 0 of 3 features Visit Autodesk

• SOLIDWORKS fits best

  Mechanical design teams working across parts and assemblies

• Fusion with PowerShape fits best

  Toolmakers designing electrodes and mold cavities

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Side by side

Feature	SSOLIDWORKS 8.9/10 Visit ↗	Fusion with PowerShape 8.5/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	8.9	8.5
Ranking	#5 in Computer-Aided Design & Manufacturing Software	#8 in Computer-Aided Design & Manufacturing Software
Best for	Mechanical design teams working across parts and assemblies	Toolmakers designing electrodes and mold cavities
Pricing model	Free plan + paid	Paid
Starting price	$2,820/device/yr	Pricing on request · 30-day trial
Free plan	✓ (best)	—
Free trial	—	30 days
Deployment	Cloud, Desktop, Browser extension	Desktop
Platforms	Windows, Web	Windows
Integrations	2 integrations	5 integrations
Features SOLIDWORKS 0/3 · Fusion with PowerShape 0/3
2D CAD	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
3D CAD	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
CAM toolpaths	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Specs
Free-plan model limit	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Supported platforms	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Our review
Pros	Parametric modeling links dimensions to geometry and design changes Combines parts, assemblies, drawings, motion studies, and rendering Cloud Services adds file and revision management and design collaboration	Combines surface, solid, mesh, and direct modeling workflows Repairs imported CAD and supports core-and-cavity splitting Links with PowerMill, FeatureCAM, and Autodesk collaboration tools
Cons	The $2,820 annual starting plan may be a substantial cost for individuals The free Design Standard edition is limited to qualified students Desktop software is specified for Windows	Runs on Windows 10 and Windows 11 only No free plan is available Commercial access uses a contact-sales pricing model
Our verdict	Engineers, designers, and product development teams can use SOLIDWORKS for mechanical design that spans parts, assemblies, and 2D drawings. Its parametric 3D modeling uses dimensions to drive geometry and carry design changes through a… Read the review →	Fusion with PowerShape is Autodesk manufacturing CAD software for manufacturers, manufacturing engineers, and CNC operators. It brings surface, solid, and mesh modeling into one workspace for preparing molds, dies, tools, electrodes, and… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• SOLIDWORKS — where it wins

  • Parametric modeling links dimensions to geometry and design changes
  • Combines parts, assemblies, drawings, motion studies, and rendering
  • Cloud Services adds file and revision management and design collaboration

  Where it doesn't

  • The $2,820 annual starting plan may be a substantial cost for individuals
  • The free Design Standard edition is limited to qualified students
  • Desktop software is specified for Windows

• Fusion with PowerShape — where it wins

  • Combines surface, solid, mesh, and direct modeling workflows
  • Repairs imported CAD and supports core-and-cavity splitting
  • Links with PowerMill, FeatureCAM, and Autodesk collaboration tools

  Where it doesn't

  • Runs on Windows 10 and Windows 11 only
  • No free plan is available
  • Commercial access uses a contact-sales pricing model

• SSOLIDWORKS8.9/10 · Free plan

  Broad mechanical design tools, with annual plans starting at $2,820 per user.

  Visit SOLIDWORKSFull verdict →
• Fusion with PowerShape8.5/10 · Pricing on request · 30-day trial

  A focused hybrid CAD workspace for tooling, electrodes, molds, and complex CNC parts.

  Visit AutodeskFull verdict →