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Head-to-head · 3D CAD Software

SOLIDWORKS vs Solid Edge

  • 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
Solid Edge #8 in 3D CAD Software 8.8/10 Free plan · 30-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 0 of 4 features Visit Solid Edge

SOLIDWORKS leads on 0 checks, Solid Edge 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 Solid Edge

SOLIDWORKS scores higher on our rubric for 3d cad software: 9.2 against 8.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #8.

SOLIDWORKS is the better fit for established teams needing full mechanical CAD. Solid Edge is the better fit for mechanical design with broad manufacturing features.

  • SOLIDWORKS fits best

    Established teams needing full mechanical CAD

  • Solid Edge fits best

    Mechanical design with broad manufacturing features

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 ↗ Solid Edge 8.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 8.8
Ranking #3 in 3D CAD Software #8 in 3D CAD Software
Best for Established teams needing full mechanical CAD Mechanical design with broad manufacturing features
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price $2,820/device/yr Free plan · 30-day trial
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — 30 days
Deployment Cloud, Desktop, Browser extension Cloud, Desktop
Platforms Windows, Web Web, Windows
Support Docs Community, Docs
Integrations 2 integrations 8 integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features SOLIDWORKS 0/4 · Solid Edge 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
  • Synchronous Technology combines parametric and direct modeling.
  • Covers assemblies, sheet metal, weldments, surfaces, motion, and rendering.
  • Supports cloud collaboration, file sharing, and STL/3MF export.
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
  • Commercial package pricing is not stated.
  • The primary commercial application is installed on Windows.
  • Free editions include eligibility or noncommercial restrictions.
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 →

Solid Edge is Siemens Digital Industries Software’s 3D CAD and product-development software for mechanical designers, engineers, manufacturers, startups, students, and makers. Its scope covers part and assembly design, 2D drafting,…

Read the review →
  1. SOLIDWORKS3D CAD Software 9.2Free plan
  2. Solid Edge3D CAD Software 8.8Free 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

  • Solid Edge — where it wins

    • Synchronous Technology combines parametric and direct modeling.
    • Covers assemblies, sheet metal, weldments, surfaces, motion, and rendering.
    • Supports cloud collaboration, file sharing, and STL/3MF export.

    Where it doesn't

    • Commercial package pricing is not stated.
    • The primary commercial application is installed on Windows.
    • Free editions include eligibility or noncommercial restrictions.
  • SOLIDWORKS9.2/10 · Free plan

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

    Visit SOLIDWORKSFull verdict →
  • Solid Edge8.8/10 · Free plan · 30-day trial

    A broad mechanical CAD suite with hybrid modeling, manufacturing tools, and collaboration options.

    Visit Solid EdgeFull 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