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Construction · head to head

ArchiCAD vs Levelset

ArchiCAD logo

ArchiCAD

Construction

BIM software for architects

From
$177/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Levelset logo

Levelset

Construction

Lien rights and payment management for contractors and suppliers

From
$59/mo
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: ArchiCAD available on Windows and macOS only, no native Linux support; Levelset pricing not fully transparent on main pricing page
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which ArchiCAD and Levelset actually diverge.

Attributes where ArchiCAD and Levelset differ
AttributeArchiCADLevelset
Starting price$177/month$59/mo
Pricing modelsubscriptionusage-based
PlatformsWindows, macOSWeb
Founded1982Unknown

Identical on both: free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Construction).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in ArchiCAD

  • BIM modeling
  • Design tools
  • Documentation
  • Rendering
  • Energy analysis
  • IFC support
  • Teamwork collaboration
  • Library parts

Only in Levelset

Nothing recorded that ArchiCAD does not also cover.

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

ArchiCAD

  • Architectural design with BIM capabilitiesnot Levelset
  • Real-time team collaboration via BIMcloudnot Levelset
  • Automated documentation generation from design changesnot Levelset
  • Mixed Windows and macOS team environmentsnot Levelset

Levelset

  • Securing payments through mechanics lien managementnot ArchiCAD
  • Automating lien waiver workflows and pay applicationsnot ArchiCAD
  • Monitoring contractor payment history and risknot ArchiCAD
  • Filing state-specific preliminary notices and liensnot ArchiCAD

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

ArchiCAD

  • Available on Windows and macOS only, no native Linux support
  • Subscription-only licensing model with no perpetual licence option
  • Studio tier does not include MEP Designer - requires Collaborate tier at $208/month

Levelset

  • Pricing not fully transparent on main pricing page
  • Subscription cost for lien filing not detailed
  • Multiple service tiers require separate quotes

Pricing, plan by plan

ArchiCAD

$177/month
  • Archicad Studio$177/month
    • Archicad Windows & macOS
    • BIMx Pro
    • BIMcloud Basic
  • Archicad Collaborate$208/month
    • Archicad Windows & macOS
    • MEP Designer
    • BIMx Pro

Levelset

$59/mo

No published plan breakdown. See the Levelset review.

Which should you pick?

Choose ArchiCAD if

  • You need bim modeling.
  • You work on Windows, macOS.
  • You also want design tools.
ArchiCAD review

Choose Levelset if

Nothing in the data separates Levelset from ArchiCAD on the points above - pick on price and on how each one feels to use.

Levelset review

Questions people ask

Is ArchiCAD or Levelset better?
Neither clearly leads. ArchiCAD starts at $177/month and Levelset at $59/mo, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, ArchiCAD or Levelset?
ArchiCAD starts at $177/month and Levelset at $59/mo.
Does ArchiCAD or Levelset run on more platforms?
ArchiCAD runs on Windows, macOS. Levelset runs on Web.
What is ArchiCAD best used for?
ArchiCAD is most often used for architectural design with bim capabilities, real-time team collaboration via bimcloud, automated documentation generation from design changes, mixed windows and macos team environments. Of those, architectural design with bim capabilities and real-time team collaboration via bimcloud are not what Levelset is typically brought in for.
What can ArchiCAD do that Levelset cannot?
ArchiCAD covers BIM modeling, Design tools, Documentation, Rendering.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

ArchiCAD: What is the cost of Archicad's subscription plans?

Archicad Studio starts at $177/month or $2,123 upfront annually. Archicad Collaborate, the most popular tier, is $208/month or $2,497 upfront annually. Both include local and cloud teamworking capabilities.

Source
Levelset: How much does Levelset cost?

Levelset charges $59 per recipient for Send a Demand or Send a Notice. Filing a lien requires a subscription with pricing not listed on the main pricing page.

Source
ArchiCAD: What is the difference between Archicad Studio and Archicad Collaborate?

Studio includes architectural modeling and BIMcloud Basic for local teamwork. Collaborate adds MEP Designer for MEP modeling and BIMcloud SaaS for cloud-based global teamwork, and costs $31 more per month.

Source
Levelset: What does Levelset's basic service cover?

For $59 per recipient, Levelset covers sending a demand or a notice. The service includes access to their platform for lien rights management and waiver solutions.

Source
ArchiCAD: Is Archicad free for students?

Yes, Archicad offers free educational licenses for students, educators, and academic institutions. Archicad Studio is available free for 30 days as a trial.

Source
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