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Architecture · head to head

AutoCAD vs Autodesk Revit

AutoCAD logo

AutoCAD

Architecture

Computer-aided design and drafting software

From
$2095/year
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Autodesk Revit logo

Autodesk Revit

Construction & Architecture

BIM software for architects and engineers

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%; Autodesk Revit autodesk Revit single-user commercial subscription is $2,910 USD per year ($365/month), with a 3-year term totaling $8,730, per Autodesk's own checkout pricing data embedded in the site (archived subscribe page, 2023).
  • They diverge on capability: AutoCAD covers 2D and 3D CAD, Autodesk Revit covers BIM modeling.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which AutoCAD and Autodesk Revit actually diverge.

Attributes where AutoCAD and Autodesk Revit differ
AttributeAutoCADAutodesk Revit
Starting price$2095/year$29/month
Pricing modelUnknownsubscription
PlatformsWindows, macOS, WebWindows
CategoryArchitectureConstruction & Architecture

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 Autodesk Revit

  • BIM modeling
  • Parametric components
  • Collaboration
  • Documentation
  • Rendering
  • Structural analysis
  • MEP design
  • Cloud worksharing

Both cover

  • Windows support

What people use each for

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

AutoCAD

  • Architectural drawingsnot Autodesk Revit
  • Engineering designnot Autodesk Revit
  • Technical documentationnot Autodesk Revit
  • Construction plansnot Autodesk Revit

Autodesk Revit

  • Building designnot AutoCAD
  • Construction documentationnot AutoCAD
  • BIM coordinationnot 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

Autodesk Revit

  • Autodesk Revit single-user commercial subscription is $2,910 USD per year ($365/month), with a 3-year term totaling $8,730, per Autodesk's own checkout pricing data embedded in the site (archived subscribe page, 2023).

Pricing, plan by plan

AutoCAD

$2095/year

No published plan breakdown. See the AutoCAD review.

Autodesk Revit

$29/month
  • Revit$2545/month
    • Full BIM capabilities
    • Collaboration tools
  • AEC Collection$2975/month
    • Revit + AutoCAD + Civil 3D + 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 Autodesk Revit if

  • You need bim modeling.
  • You work on Windows.
  • You also want parametric components.
Autodesk Revit review

Questions people ask

Is AutoCAD or Autodesk Revit better?
Neither clearly leads. AutoCAD starts at $2095/year and Autodesk Revit at $29/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, AutoCAD or Autodesk Revit?
AutoCAD starts at $2095/year and Autodesk Revit at $29/month.
Does AutoCAD or Autodesk Revit run on more platforms?
AutoCAD runs on Windows, macOS, Web. Autodesk Revit 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 Autodesk Revit is typically brought in for.
What can AutoCAD do that Autodesk Revit cannot?
AutoCAD covers 2D and 3D CAD, Technical drawing, Precision modeling, Documentation tools. Autodesk Revit covers BIM modeling, Parametric components, Collaboration, Documentation. 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
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.

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