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Construction · head to head

AutoCAD vs Inventor

AutoCAD logo

AutoCAD

Construction

Computer-aided design and drafting software

From
$2095/year
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Inventor logo

Inventor

CAD

Professional-grade 3D mechanical design

From
$29/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: AutoCAD expensive subscription model with annual price increases of 5-8% and multi-year commitment premiums of 8-18%; Inventor pricing shown as template variables on the page, suggesting dynamic or region-specific pricing
  • They diverge on capability: AutoCAD covers 2D and 3D CAD, Inventor covers Parametric modeling.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which AutoCAD and Inventor actually diverge.

Attributes where AutoCAD and Inventor differ
AttributeAutoCADInventor
Starting price$2095/year$29/month
Pricing modelUnknownsubscription
PlatformsWindows, macOS, WebWindows
CategoryConstructionCAD

Identical on both: free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), founded (1982).

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 AutoCAD

  • 2D and 3D CAD
  • Technical drawing
  • Precision modeling
  • Documentation tools
  • Autodesk ecosystem
  • Microsoft Office
  • Revit
  • 3ds Max

Only in Inventor

  • Parametric modeling
  • Assembly design
  • Sheet metal
  • Simulation
  • Rendering
  • Technical documentation
  • Frame generator
  • AutoCAD

Both cover

  • Windows support

What people use each for

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

AutoCAD

  • Architectural drawingsnot Inventor
  • Engineering designnot Inventor
  • Technical documentationnot Inventor
  • Construction plansnot Inventor

Inventor

  • Mechanical designnot AutoCAD
  • Product developmentnot AutoCAD
  • Manufacturing documentationnot AutoCAD

Where each one falls short

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

AutoCAD

  • Expensive subscription model with annual price increases of 5-8% and multi-year commitment premiums of 8-18%
  • Desktop-centric design, limited cloud-native collaboration features
  • No perpetual license option, subscription required for continued use

Inventor

  • Pricing shown as template variables on the page, suggesting dynamic or region-specific pricing
  • No clear pricing information readily available on the overview page

Pricing, plan by plan

AutoCAD

$2095/year

No published plan breakdown. See the AutoCAD review.

Inventor

$29/month
  • Inventor$2085/month
    • Full mechanical design
    • Simulation
    • Documentation
  • Product Design & Manufacturing Collection$2475/month
    • Inventor + AutoCAD + more

Which should you pick?

Choose AutoCAD if

  • You need 2d and 3d cad.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Web.
  • You also want technical drawing.
AutoCAD review

Choose Inventor if

  • You need parametric modeling.
  • You work on Windows.
  • You also want assembly design.
Inventor review

Questions people ask

Is AutoCAD or Inventor better?
Neither clearly leads. AutoCAD starts at $2095/year and Inventor at $29/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, AutoCAD or Inventor?
AutoCAD starts at $2095/year and Inventor at $29/month.
Does AutoCAD or Inventor run on more platforms?
AutoCAD runs on Windows, macOS, Web. Inventor runs on Windows.
What is AutoCAD best used for?
AutoCAD is most often used for architectural drawings, engineering design, technical documentation, construction plans. Of those, architectural drawings and engineering design are not what Inventor is typically brought in for.
What can AutoCAD do that Inventor cannot?
AutoCAD covers 2D and 3D CAD, Technical drawing, Precision modeling, Documentation tools. Inventor covers Parametric modeling, Assembly design, Sheet metal, Simulation. Both handle Windows support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

AutoCAD: What is AutoCAD's subscription pricing?

AutoCAD 2027 costs $2,095 annually for a single Named User subscription, $235 monthly, or $1,865 yearly. AutoCAD LT costs $500 annually. Prices have been increasing 5-8% annually.

Source
Inventor: How much does Autodesk Inventor cost?

Autodesk Inventor pricing is not displayed on the overview page. Monthly and annual subscription options are available, including single-year and multi-year terms. Customers can access pricing through their Autodesk Account or contact sales.

Source
AutoCAD: Is AutoCAD available for free?

AutoCAD is only available through subscription. However, eligible students can get AutoCAD free for one year with a .edu email address through the Autodesk Education License program.

Inventor: Is there a free trial for Autodesk Inventor?

Yes, Autodesk offers a 30-day free trial of Inventor. You can start your project and try the software for free during this period.

Source
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