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Construction · head to head

ArchiCAD vs Vectorworks

ArchiCAD logo

ArchiCAD

Construction

BIM software for architects

From
$177/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Vectorworks logo

Vectorworks

CAD

Design software for the AEC industry

From
$29/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: ArchiCAD available on Windows and macOS only, no native Linux support; Vectorworks pricing not visible on homepage; no rate disclosure in cached vendor content
  • They diverge on capability: ArchiCAD covers Design tools, Vectorworks covers 2D/3D design.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which ArchiCAD and Vectorworks actually diverge.

Attributes where ArchiCAD and Vectorworks differ
AttributeArchiCADVectorworks
Starting price$177/month$29/month
CategoryConstructionCAD
Founded19821985

Identical on both: pricing model (subscription), free tier (No), platforms (Windows, macOS), user rating (Not yet rated).

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

  • Design tools
  • Energy analysis
  • IFC support
  • Teamwork collaboration
  • Library parts
  • Solibri
  • dRofus
  • BIMcloud security

Only in Vectorworks

  • 2D/3D design
  • GIS integration
  • Entertainment design
  • Landscape tools
  • Cinema 4D
  • Excel
  • Cloud collaboration

Both cover

  • BIM modeling
  • Documentation
  • Rendering
  • Lumion
  • Twinmotion
  • License management
  • Windows support
  • MacOS support

What people use each for

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

ArchiCAD

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

Vectorworks

  • BIM (Building Information Modeling) design for architecture and constructionnot ArchiCAD
  • 3D landscape design and site planning with terrain modelingnot ArchiCAD
  • Stage lighting and event production design softwarenot ArchiCAD
  • CAD architectural drawing and technical documentationnot ArchiCAD
  • 2D/3D drafting for interior design and kitchen/bath layoutsnot 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

Vectorworks

  • Pricing not visible on homepage; no rate disclosure in cached vendor content

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

Vectorworks

$29/month
  • Architect$2495/month
    • BIM
    • Architecture tools
  • Landmark$2495/month
    • Landscape design
    • GIS
  • Design Suite$3295/month
    • All modules combined

Which should you pick?

Choose ArchiCAD if

  • You need design tools.
  • You work on Windows, macOS.
  • You also want energy analysis.
ArchiCAD review

Choose Vectorworks if

  • You need 2d/3d design.
  • You work on Windows, MacOS.
  • You also want gis integration.
Vectorworks review

Questions people ask

Is ArchiCAD or Vectorworks better?
Neither clearly leads. ArchiCAD starts at $177/month and Vectorworks at $29/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, ArchiCAD or Vectorworks?
ArchiCAD starts at $177/month and Vectorworks at $29/month.
Does ArchiCAD or Vectorworks run on more platforms?
ArchiCAD runs on Windows, macOS. Vectorworks runs on Windows, MacOS.
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 Vectorworks is typically brought in for.
What can ArchiCAD do that Vectorworks cannot?
ArchiCAD covers Design tools, Energy analysis, IFC support, Teamwork collaboration. Vectorworks covers 2D/3D design, GIS integration, Entertainment design, Landscape tools. Both handle BIM modeling, Documentation, Rendering, Lumion.

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
Vectorworks: How much does Vectorworks cost?

Vectorworks pricing is not displayed on its homepage. The vendor directs users to contact a distributor or reseller for subscription rates.

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
Vectorworks: Does Vectorworks offer a free trial?

Vectorworks directs potential users to contact a distributor to inquire about trial versions. Trial availability is not mentioned on the website.

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
Vectorworks: What is the cost of Vectorworks training and education?

Vectorworks University offers customizable training through online seminars, regional classes, and onsite sessions, but pricing is not published on the website.

Source
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