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Architecture · head to head

AutoCAD vs SketchUp

AutoCAD logo

AutoCAD

Architecture

Computer-aided design and drafting software

From
$2095/year
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
SketchUp logo

SketchUp

Construction & Architecture

3D design software for everyone

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only SketchUp 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%; SketchUp studio tier limited to Windows only; not available for macOS or Linux
  • They diverge on capability: AutoCAD covers 2D and 3D CAD, SketchUp covers 3D modeling.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which AutoCAD and SketchUp actually diverge.

Attributes where AutoCAD and SketchUp differ
AttributeAutoCADSketchUp
Starting price$2095/yearFree
Pricing modelUnknownfreemium
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWindows, macOS, WebWeb, iPad, Windows, macOS (Pro only)
CategoryArchitectureConstruction & Architecture
Founded19821978

Identical on both: 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 AutoCAD

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

Only in SketchUp

  • 3D modeling
  • 2D documentation
  • Rendering
  • Animation
  • Extension warehouse
  • 3D Warehouse
  • LayOut
  • V-Ray

Both cover

  • Revit
  • Windows support
  • Web support

What people use each for

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

AutoCAD

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

SketchUp

  • 3D architectural design and visualizationnot AutoCAD
  • Product design and prototypingnot AutoCAD
  • Interior design planningnot AutoCAD
  • Real estate visualizationnot 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

SketchUp

  • Studio tier limited to Windows only; not available for macOS or Linux
  • Go tier restricted to iPad and web—no desktop application access
  • LayOut (documentation tool) only available in Pro and Studio tiers
  • 1000+ extensions library only available in Pro and Studio; Go has limited extension access

Pricing, plan by plan

AutoCAD

$2095/year

No published plan breakdown. See the AutoCAD review.

SketchUp

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the SketchUp review.

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 SketchUp if

  • You need 3d modeling.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, iPad, Windows, macOS (Pro only).
  • You also want 2d documentation.
SketchUp review

Questions people ask

Is AutoCAD or SketchUp better?
Neither clearly leads. AutoCAD starts at $2095/year and SketchUp at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, AutoCAD or SketchUp?
SketchUp has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $2095/year for AutoCAD and Free for SketchUp.
Does AutoCAD or SketchUp run on more platforms?
AutoCAD runs on Windows, macOS, Web. SketchUp runs on Web, iPad, Windows, macOS (Pro only).
Can I use SketchUp for free?
Yes. SketchUp 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 SketchUp is typically brought in for.
What can AutoCAD do that SketchUp cannot?
AutoCAD covers 2D and 3D CAD, Technical drawing, Precision modeling, Documentation tools. SketchUp covers 3D modeling, 2D documentation, Rendering, Animation. Both handle Revit, Windows support, Web 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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