Software · head to head
AutoCAD vs SolidWorks
SolidWorks
Software
3D CAD design software for engineers and designers
- From
- $3300/year
- Rated
- -
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%; SolidWorks windows-only software with no native macOS or Linux support
- They diverge on capability: AutoCAD covers 2D and 3D CAD, SolidWorks covers 3D solid modeling.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which AutoCAD and SolidWorks actually diverge.
| Attribute | AutoCAD | SolidWorks |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $2095/year | $3300/year |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Web | Windows |
| Founded | 1982 | 1993 |
Identical on both: pricing model (Unknown), 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
- Revit
- 3ds Max
Only in SolidWorks
- 3D solid modeling
- Assembly design
- Technical drawings
- Simulation
- Rendering
- PDM systems
- ERP systems
- CAM software
Both cover
- Enterprise security
- Access controls
- Windows support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
AutoCAD
- Architectural drawingsnot SolidWorks
- Engineering designnot SolidWorks
- Technical documentationnot SolidWorks
- Construction plansnot SolidWorks
SolidWorks
- Product designnot AutoCAD
- Engineering analysisnot AutoCAD
- Manufacturing documentationnot AutoCAD
- Prototypingnot AutoCAD
- Quality controlnot 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
SolidWorks
- Windows-only software with no native macOS or Linux support
- High perpetual licensing costs compared to cloud-based competitors like Fusion 360
- Performance can degrade with very large assemblies containing thousands of parts
- Requires separate licensing for advanced simulation features in Professional and Premium editions
Pricing, plan by plan
AutoCAD
$2095/yearNo published plan breakdown. See the AutoCAD review.
SolidWorks
$3300/year- Standard$846/year
- Parametric modeling
- Assemblies and drawings
- Basic analysis
- Professional$4995/year (approx)
- Advanced simulation
- Surfacing tools
- Sheet metal design
- Premium$7100/year (approx)
- All Professional features
- Reverse engineering
- Advanced analysis
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 SolidWorks if
- You need 3d solid modeling.
- You work on Windows.
- You also want assembly design.
Questions people ask
- Is AutoCAD or SolidWorks better?
- Neither clearly leads. AutoCAD starts at $2095/year and SolidWorks at $3300/year, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, AutoCAD or SolidWorks?
- AutoCAD starts at $2095/year and SolidWorks at $3300/year.
- Does AutoCAD or SolidWorks run on more platforms?
- AutoCAD runs on Windows, macOS, Web. SolidWorks 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 SolidWorks is typically brought in for.
- What can AutoCAD do that SolidWorks cannot?
- AutoCAD covers 2D and 3D CAD, Technical drawing, Precision modeling, Documentation tools. SolidWorks covers 3D solid modeling, Assembly design, Technical drawings, Simulation. Both handle Enterprise security, 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.
SourceSolidWorks: What is the cost of SolidWorks?
SolidWorks pricing varies by license type. Standard Edition costs approximately $846 on average, while Professional and Premium editions are priced higher depending on reseller and licensing model. Costs typically range from $3,300 to $7,100 depending on features and add-ons.
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.
SolidWorks: What editions of SolidWorks are available?
SolidWorks offers three main editions: Standard (essential CAD with parametric modeling and assemblies), Professional (adds advanced simulation and surfacing), and Premium (comprehensive engineering suite with reverse engineering and complex analysis).
SourceSolidWorks: Does SolidWorks run on macOS?
SolidWorks is primarily a Windows-only application. While macOS users can run it via virtual machines or Boot Camp, native macOS support is not available.
SourceSolidWorks: What AI capabilities does SolidWorks 2026 include?
SolidWorks 2026 integrates native AI assistants LEO and AURA directly into the interface. These AI features provide design assistance and automation for tasks like optimization and feature creation.
SourceSolidWorks: Can I create assemblies and complex 3D models in SolidWorks?
Yes. SolidWorks includes unlimited assembly capabilities, parametric modeling for complex designs, detailing and drawing tools, and built-in analysis for stress simulation and dynamic motion.
Source