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Head-to-head · 3D CAD Software

SOLIDWORKS vs Onshape

  • 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
Onshape #7 in 3D CAD Software 8.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 4 features Visit Onshape

SOLIDWORKS leads on 0 checks, Onshape 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

SOLIDWORKS scores higher on our rubric for 3d cad software: 9.2 against 8.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #7.

SOLIDWORKS is the better fit for established teams needing full mechanical CAD. Onshape is the better fit for cloud-first collaborative engineering teams.

  • SOLIDWORKS fits best

    Established teams needing full mechanical CAD

  • Onshape fits best

    Cloud-first collaborative engineering teams

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Side by side

Feature SOLIDWORKS 9.2/10 Visit ↗ Onshape 8.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 8.9
Ranking #3 in 3D CAD Software #7 in 3D CAD Software
Best for Established teams needing full mechanical CAD Cloud-first collaborative engineering teams
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price $2,820/device/yr $1,500/user/yr
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Desktop, Browser extension Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Windows, Web Web, iOS, Android
Support Docs Tickets, Community, Docs
Integrations 2 integrations 50+ integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features SOLIDWORKS 0/4 · Onshape 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
  • Real-time collaboration, commenting and version control
  • Parametric, assembly, surfacing and mixed modeling
  • Web, iOS, Android, REST API and App Store access
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
  • Free Plan is limited to non-commercial use and public documents
  • Standard Plan starts at $1,500 per user per year
  • Simulation, CAM and rendering begin on the Professional Plan
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 →

Onshape is a cloud-native 3D CAD and product data management platform for product design teams, individual professionals, educators and manufacturers. It combines parametric part and assembly modeling with drawings, surfacing, mixed…

Read the review →
  1. SOLIDWORKS3D CAD Software 9.2Free plan
  2. Onshape3D CAD Software 8.9Free plan

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

  • Onshape — where it wins

    • Real-time collaboration, commenting and version control
    • Parametric, assembly, surfacing and mixed modeling
    • Web, iOS, Android, REST API and App Store access

    Where it doesn't

    • Free Plan is limited to non-commercial use and public documents
    • Standard Plan starts at $1,500 per user per year
    • Simulation, CAM and rendering begin on the Professional Plan

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