Architecture · head to head
AutoCAD vs Fusion 360
AutoCAD
Architecture
Computer-aided design and drafting software
- From
- $2095/year
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Only Fusion 360 has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
- Each has a real cost: AutoCAD expensive subscription model with annual price increases of 5-8% and multi-year commitment premiums of 8-18%; Fusion 360 requires paid subscription for professional use
- They diverge on capability: AutoCAD covers 2D and 3D CAD, Fusion 360 covers 3D CAD modeling.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which AutoCAD and Fusion 360 actually diverge.
| Attribute | AutoCAD | Fusion 360 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $2095/year | Free |
| Pricing model | Unknown | freemium |
| Free tier | No | Yes |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Web | Web, Windows, macOS |
| Category | Architecture | Manufacturing |
Identical on both: 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
- Microsoft Office
- Revit
- 3ds Max
- Enterprise security
Only in Fusion 360
- 3D CAD modeling
- Simulation
- CAM programming
- PCB design
- Cloud collaboration
- Manufacturing partners
- PLM systems
- ERP systems
Both cover
- Autodesk ecosystem
- Data encryption
- Access controls
- Windows support
- Macos support
- Web support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
AutoCAD
- Architectural drawingsnot Fusion 360
- Engineering designnot Fusion 360
- Technical documentationnot Fusion 360
- Construction plansnot Fusion 360
Fusion 360
- Product designnot AutoCAD
- Prototypingnot AutoCAD
- Manufacturingnot AutoCAD
- 3D printingnot AutoCAD
- Simulationnot 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
Fusion 360
- Requires paid subscription for professional use
- Cloud-based, requires internet connection
- Free tier limited to students and educators
Pricing, plan by plan
AutoCAD
$2095/yearNo published plan breakdown. See the AutoCAD review.
Fusion 360
Free- Personal UseFree
- Non-commercial use
- Basic CAD tools
- Cloud storage
- Commercial$70/month
- Full CAD/CAM/CAE
- Simulation
- Rendering
Which should you pick?
Choose AutoCAD if
- You need 2d and 3d cad.
- You work on Windows, macOS, Web.
- You also want technical drawing.
Choose Fusion 360 if
- You need 3d cad modeling.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Web, Windows, macOS.
- You also want simulation.
Questions people ask
- Is AutoCAD or Fusion 360 better?
- Neither clearly leads. AutoCAD starts at $2095/year and Fusion 360 at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, AutoCAD or Fusion 360?
- Fusion 360 has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $2095/year for AutoCAD and Free for Fusion 360.
- Does AutoCAD or Fusion 360 run on more platforms?
- AutoCAD runs on Windows, macOS, Web. Fusion 360 runs on Web, Windows, macOS.
- Can I use Fusion 360 for free?
- Yes. Fusion 360 has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. AutoCAD starts at $2095/year.
- 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 Fusion 360 is typically brought in for.
- What can AutoCAD do that Fusion 360 cannot?
- AutoCAD covers 2D and 3D CAD, Technical drawing, Precision modeling, Documentation tools. Fusion 360 covers 3D CAD modeling, Simulation, CAM programming, PCB design. Both handle Autodesk ecosystem, Data encryption, Access controls, 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.
SourceFusion 360: Is Fusion 360 free?
Fusion 360 is free for students, educators, and academic institutions with full features. It offers a 30-day free trial for all users, and a limited personal-use license for hobbyists and makers.
SourceAutoCAD: 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.
Fusion 360: How much does Fusion 360 cost for professionals?
Fusion 360 professional subscriptions start at $85/month, $680/year, or $2,040 for a 3-year commitment. Startups that qualify can get a discount starting at $150.
SourceFusion 360: Does Fusion 360 support 3D modeling, CAD, and CAM?
Yes. Fusion 360 is a cloud-based platform that integrates 3D modeling, CAD, CAM, CAE (simulation), and PCB design in one software.
Source