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Inventor is cheaper than SOLIDWORKS Design Standard on the vendors’ listed US annual prices: Autodesk lists Inventor at $2,585 per user per year, compared with $2,820 for SOLIDWORKS Design Standard—a $235 difference. But the lower price is only decisive if Inventor and that SOLIDWORKS tier meet the same needs. SOLIDWORKS Professional and Premium cost more, and license terms, required features, location, and deployment can change the comparison.
How much does Inventor cost per year?
Autodesk’s US purchase page lists Inventor at $2,585 per user per year. It also lists monthly access at $320 and a three-year term at $7,755. Autodesk directs occasional users to Flex for day-based access. These are US-dollar vendor prices checked in 2026, not a complete estimate of ownership costs. Autodesk Inventor pricing and product details
Regional price matters
Autodesk’s Canadian page lists Inventor at CA$3,575 per year. Use the price in the buyer’s region rather than treating the US list price as global. Taxes and reseller terms may also affect the amount paid. Autodesk Canada Inventor page
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How much does SOLIDWORKS cost?
SOLIDWORKS lists three Design tiers at different annual and quarterly prices. The vendor identifies its listed amounts as US single-user prices excluding local taxes, and advises buyers to check the relevant local cart.
#1 Best Overall
- POWERFUL FOR CREATIVITY - The Dell Precision 7000 series, positioned at the apex of the Precision lineup, surpasses the 3000 and 5000 series and aligns closely with the evolving direction of the Dell Pro Max series. This top-tier 7680 feature the NVIDIA RTX 2000 Ada 8GB GPU to deliver robust performance for professionals in design, architecture, photography, video editing, and engineering
- HIGH PERFORMANCE - Powered by Intel Core i7-13850HX vPro Processor for superior efficiency and speed, 32GB DDR5 CAMM RAM and 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD for seamless multitasking and fast storage. CAMM was designed specifically to overcome the performance limits of SODIMM while reducing both Z height and routing traces on the PCB to ultimately allow for laptops with both faster RAM and thinner profiles
- CRISP DISPLAY - 16" FHD+ (1920 x 1200) Anti-Glare 45% NTSC display delivers crisp visuals, supported by the ability to connect 4 external monitors via HDMI, USB-C and Thunderbolt ports at 4K (3840x2160) @60Hz (without docking station). 1080p FHD RGB webcam for crystal-clear video calls
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY - Equipped with 2x Thunderbolt 4, USB-C, 2x USB-A, HDMI, Ethernet (RJ-45), and an audio combo jack. With Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 for fast wireless connectivity and broad peripheral compatibility, plus a numeric keypad for faster and more efficient number entry
- OPERATING SYSTEM - Windows 11 Pro 64‑bit, with AI‑powered Copilot, offers intelligent assistance to streamline complex professional workflows, enhance productivity, and support advanced multitasking across demanding applications. Built for workstation‑class computing, it delivers enterprise‑grade security and IT manageability
| Package | Annual price | Quarterly price |
|---|---|---|
| Design Standard | $2,820 | $846 |
| Design Professional | $3,456 | $1,038 |
| Design Premium | $4,716 | $1,416 |
These are vendor-published prices checked in 2026. They are not directly interchangeable with Inventor’s monthly or three-year prices; compare matching terms and rights. SOLIDWORKS Design packages SOLIDWORKS pricing and licensing FAQ
Which is cheaper at the same annual term?
Against SOLIDWORKS Design Standard, Inventor is $235 less per user per year at the listed US annual prices: $2,585 versus $2,820. That is a comparison of entry-tier annual list prices—not proof that Inventor will cost less for a particular team or project. If the required SOLIDWORKS capabilities are in Professional or Premium, the relevant annual comparison is $3,456 or $4,716, respectively. The higher tier may also include features the buyer needs, so a price-only comparison can misstate value.
Rank #2
- POWERFUL FOR CREATIVITY - The Dell Precision 7000 series, positioned at the apex of the Precision lineup, surpasses the 3000 and 5000 series and aligns closely with the evolving direction of the Dell Pro Max series. This top-tier 7680 features the NVIDIA RTX 2000 Ada 8GB GPU to deliver robust performance for professionals in design, architecture, photography, video editing, and engineering. Furthermore, the series' intelligent design for data science leverages AI to optimize system performance for key applications, enabling accelerated workflow efficiency
- HIGH PERFORMANCE - Powered by Intel Core i7-13850HX vPro Processor for superior efficiency and speed, 64GB DDR5 CAMM RAM and 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD for seamless multitasking and fast storage. CAMM was designed specifically to overcome the performance limits of SODIMM while reducing both Z height and routing traces on the PCB to ultimately allow for laptops with both faster RAM and thinner profiles
- CRISP DISPLAY - 16" FHD+ (1920 x 1200) Anti-Glare 45% NTSC display delivers crisp visuals, supported by the ability to connect 4 external monitors via HDMI, USB-C and Thunderbolt ports at 4K (3840x2160) @60Hz (without docking station). 1080p FHD RGB webcam for crystal-clear video calls
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY - Equipped with 2x Thunderbolt 4, USB-C, 2x USB-A, HDMI, Ethernet (RJ-45), and an Audio combo jack. With Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, ensuring fast wireless connectivity and compatibility with a wide range of peripherals. A full-size keyboard with a dedicated numeric keypad boosts productivity.
- OPERATING SYSTEM - Windows 11 Pro 64‑bit, with AI‑powered Copilot, offers intelligent assistance to streamline complex professional workflows, enhance productivity, and support advanced multitasking across demanding applications. Built for workstation‑class computing, it delivers enterprise‑grade security and IT manageability
Do not multiply or compare these figures as if every term were equivalent. Autodesk lists monthly, annual, three-year, and Flex access; SOLIDWORKS lists quarterly and annual offers, and says resellers can discuss flexible options, including perpetual licensing. Confirm the exact term, renewal conditions, license rights, and quote before budgeting.
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Do the products include the same capabilities?
Both products target mechanical CAD work, but their package boundaries and vendor-described feature sets are not identical. Autodesk describes Inventor as software for 3D modeling, simulation, visualization, and documentation. Its product materials highlight multi-CAD translation and native DWG drawings. Autodesk’s July 2026 overview also discusses parametric modeling, large assemblies, sheet metal, frame and weldment design, tube, pipe and harness modeling, production drawings, simulation, and iLogic automation. These are vendor capability descriptions, not independent evidence that Inventor is faster or better than SOLIDWORKS. Autodesk Inventor product page Autodesk’s July 2026 Inventor overview
Rank #3
- Dell Precision 3561 Laptop 15.6" Non-Touch Screen
- Intel Core i7 11th Gen i7-11800H Eight-Core Processor 2.3GHz (4.6GHz With Turbo Boost)
- 512GB SSD Hard Drive & 32GB RAM Memory
- 1920x1080 FHD resolution Non-Touch with an integrated Yes and an Nvidia T1200 Graphics Card
- Wireless Wifi & Bluetooth. Windows11 Pro
SOLIDWORKS lists part and assembly modeling, 2D drawings, specialized tools such as weldments, molds and sheet metal, design checks, simulation options, and manufacturing-related features. Which features are included depends on the Design tier. Check the current package matrix against the actual requirements rather than assuming every listed capability is in Standard. The 2026 subscription datasheet says all three Design tiers on active subscription include SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard; it also describes Cloud Services for sharing and markup, storage and revision management, and change control. Verify which services apply to the specific license being purchased. SOLIDWORKS Design package matrix SOLIDWORKS 2026 subscription datasheet
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How do licensing and deployment differ?
Inventor
Autodesk says Inventor runs on Microsoft Windows and subscribers can install and use the current version and three previous versions. A subscription can be installed on up to three computers or devices, but the named user may use it on one computer at a time. Autodesk Inventor product details
Rank #4
- UNOPENED RETAIL PACKAGING, sold as configured by Lenovo. Includes one year of Courier or Carry-in Lenovo Warranty. Add up to 5 years of Lenovo Premier Onsite Support Plus when you register your computer with Lenovo.
- The ThinkPad P16s Gen 4 is a compact mobile workstation powered by an AMD Ryzen AI 7 PRO 350 processor, offering premium AI performance and real-time workload optimization. It also features a numeric keypad to boost productivity and an extended battery life for all-day power.
- With 32 GB DDR5-5600MT memory and a 1 TB SSD, the Copilot+ mobile workstation's dedicated AI-driven neural processing unit enhances productivity by automating tasks, optimizing workflows, and delivering top-tier performance.
- Plenty of connectivity: 1x USB-A (USB 5Gbps / USB 3.2 Gen 1); 1x USB-A (USB 5Gbps / USB 3.2 Gen 1), Always On; 2x USB-C (Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 40Gbps), with PD 3.0 and DisplayPort 1.4; 1x HDMI 2.1, up to 4K/60Hz; 1x Headphone / microphone combo jack (3.5mm); 1x Ethernet (RJ-45); and 1x Security keyhole.
- The mobile workstation is a visual splendor, whether editing designs or creating content, the OLED touchscreen display is excellent for any project. Equipped with high speed WiFi 7 and a 5MP RGB+IR camera with premium mics.
SOLIDWORKS Design
SOLIDWORKS describes a named-user single-user license that provides access across multiple devices and cloud connection, as well as a device license that can be machine-locked or network floating, with cloud capabilities activated as needed. The vendor says the two options provide the same 3D CAD functions and interface; the stated difference is in purchase, deployment, and cloud connection. Confirm the option’s terms and included services for the quote you receive. SOLIDWORKS Design licensing options
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How to compare the real cost for your team
List the requirements first, then request comparable quotes. A feature that forces an upgrade, a different license model, or a local tax treatment can outweigh the $235 entry-tier annual price gap.
- Identify required features. Write down the simulation, manufacturing, rendering, electrical, or other specialized capabilities your workflow needs. Confirm which SOLIDWORKS tier includes each one and what Inventor subscription or add-on is required.
- Match the term and license rights. Compare the same time horizon, user count, and access pattern. Distinguish quarterly, monthly, annual, and multi-year subscriptions from any perpetual offer, and clarify renewal and use conditions.
- Check deployment and collaboration. Account for operating-system requirements, number of devices, named-user rules, machine-locked or floating access, and the cloud collaboration services the team expects to use.
- Test representative work. Evaluate the same parts, assemblies, drawings, file exchange, automation, and manufacturing handoffs in both products. The cited vendor sources do not provide a controlled head-to-head performance benchmark.
- Get regional quotes. Compare local currency, applicable taxes, reseller terms, and support arrangements. Published list prices do not establish training, migration, hardware, implementation, or productivity costs.
Which CAD software is better for your workflow?
There is no supported basis here for declaring either product categorically better. The vendors describe overlapping mechanical-design workflows, but their materials are not an independent comparison of performance or productivity. The useful decision is whether each product supports your actual files, process, required features, and deployment model at a price and term you can accept. Test representative projects before committing, and compare quotes for the specific packages and rights you need.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
