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AutoCAD vs SketchUp Pro

AutoCAD logo

AutoCAD

Software

Computer-aided design and drafting software

From
$2095/year
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
SketchUp Pro logo

SketchUp Pro

Software

3D design and modeling software for architects and designers

From
$33.25/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%; SketchUp Pro sketchUp Pro is a tier within SketchUp; see SketchUp entry for full comparison
  • They diverge on capability: AutoCAD covers 2D and 3D CAD, SketchUp Pro covers 3D modeling.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which AutoCAD and SketchUp Pro actually diverge.

Attributes where AutoCAD and SketchUp Pro differ
AttributeAutoCADSketchUp Pro
Starting price$2095/year$33.25/month
Pricing modelUnknownsubscription
PlatformsWindows, macOS, WebWindows, macOS, Web, iPad
Founded19822000

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

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 Pro

  • 3D modeling
  • Visualization
  • Documentation
  • Cloud collaboration
  • Layout integration
  • AutoCAD
  • LayOut
  • Google Earth

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 Pro
  • Engineering designnot SketchUp Pro
  • Technical documentationnot SketchUp Pro
  • Construction plansnot SketchUp Pro

SketchUp Pro

  • 3D professional design and modellingnot AutoCAD
  • Architectural documentation with LayOutnot AutoCAD
  • Access to 1000+ extensions librarynot 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 Pro

  • SketchUp Pro is a tier within SketchUp; see SketchUp entry for full comparison
  • No separate product—this is the Pro annual subscription tier at £33.25/month

Pricing, plan by plan

AutoCAD

$2095/year

No published plan breakdown. See the AutoCAD review.

SketchUp Pro

$33.25/month

No published plan breakdown. See the SketchUp Pro 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 Pro if

  • You need 3d modeling.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Web, iPad.
  • You also want visualization.
SketchUp Pro review

Questions people ask

Is AutoCAD or SketchUp Pro better?
Neither clearly leads. AutoCAD starts at $2095/year and SketchUp Pro at $33.25/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, AutoCAD or SketchUp Pro?
AutoCAD starts at $2095/year and SketchUp Pro at $33.25/month.
Does AutoCAD or SketchUp Pro run on more platforms?
AutoCAD runs on Windows, macOS, Web. SketchUp Pro runs on Windows, macOS, Web, iPad.
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 Pro is typically brought in for.
What can AutoCAD do that SketchUp Pro cannot?
AutoCAD covers 2D and 3D CAD, Technical drawing, Precision modeling, Documentation tools. SketchUp Pro covers 3D modeling, Visualization, Documentation, Cloud collaboration. 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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Related pages

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