Softwr

Construction & Architecture · head to head

ArchiCAD vs SketchUp Pro

ArchiCAD logo

ArchiCAD

Construction & Architecture

BIM software for architects

From
$177/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
SketchUp Pro logo

SketchUp Pro

Construction & Architecture

3D design and modeling software for architects and designers

From
$33.25/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: ArchiCAD available on Windows and macOS only, no native Linux support; SketchUp Pro sketchUp Pro is a tier within SketchUp; see SketchUp entry for full comparison
  • They diverge on capability: ArchiCAD covers BIM modeling, SketchUp Pro covers 3D modeling.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which ArchiCAD and SketchUp Pro actually diverge.

Attributes where ArchiCAD and SketchUp Pro differ
AttributeArchiCADSketchUp Pro
Starting price$177/month$33.25/month
PlatformsWindows, macOSWindows, macOS, Web, iPad
Founded19822000

Identical on both: pricing model (subscription), free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Construction & Architecture).

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
  • Rendering
  • Energy analysis
  • IFC support
  • Teamwork collaboration
  • Library parts
  • Lumion

Only in SketchUp Pro

  • 3D modeling
  • Visualization
  • Cloud collaboration
  • Layout integration
  • Revit
  • AutoCAD
  • LayOut
  • Google Earth

Both cover

  • Documentation
  • Windows support

What people use each for

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

ArchiCAD

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

SketchUp Pro

  • 3D professional design and modellingnot ArchiCAD
  • Architectural documentation with LayOutnot ArchiCAD
  • Access to 1000+ extensions librarynot 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

SketchUp Pro

  • SketchUp Pro is a tier within SketchUp; see SketchUp entry for full comparison
  • No separate product—this is the Pro annual subscription tier at £33.25/month

Pricing, plan by plan

ArchiCAD

$177/month

No published plan breakdown. See the ArchiCAD review.

SketchUp Pro

$33.25/month

No published plan breakdown. See the SketchUp Pro 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 SketchUp Pro if

  • You need 3d modeling.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Web, iPad.
  • You also want visualization.
SketchUp Pro review

Questions people ask

Is ArchiCAD or SketchUp Pro better?
Neither clearly leads. ArchiCAD starts at $177/month and SketchUp Pro at $33.25/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, ArchiCAD or SketchUp Pro?
ArchiCAD starts at $177/month and SketchUp Pro at $33.25/month.
Does ArchiCAD or SketchUp Pro run on more platforms?
ArchiCAD runs on Windows, macOS. SketchUp Pro runs on Windows, macOS, Web, iPad.
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 SketchUp Pro is typically brought in for.
What can ArchiCAD do that SketchUp Pro cannot?
ArchiCAD covers BIM modeling, Design tools, Rendering, Energy analysis. SketchUp Pro covers 3D modeling, Visualization, Cloud collaboration, Layout integration. Both handle Documentation, Windows support.
ShareXLinkedInRedditWhatsAppEmail

Related pages

More on ArchiCAD

More on SketchUp Pro

Keep looking

Other head to heads