Softwr

Software · head to head

Autodesk Revit vs SketchUp

Autodesk Revit logo

Autodesk Revit

Software

BIM software for architects and engineers

From
$29/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
SketchUp logo

SketchUp

Software

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: 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).; SketchUp studio tier limited to Windows only; not available for macOS or Linux
  • They diverge on capability: Autodesk Revit covers BIM modeling, SketchUp covers 3D modeling.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Autodesk Revit and SketchUp differ
AttributeAutodesk RevitSketchUp
Starting price$29/monthFree
Pricing modelsubscriptionfreemium
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWindowsWeb, iPad, Windows, macOS (Pro only)
Founded19821978

Identical on both: 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 Autodesk Revit

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

Only in SketchUp

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

Both cover

  • Rendering
  • Windows support

What people use each for

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

Autodesk Revit

  • Building designnot SketchUp
  • Construction documentationnot SketchUp
  • BIM coordinationnot SketchUp

SketchUp

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

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal 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).

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

Autodesk Revit

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

SketchUp

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the SketchUp review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Autodesk Revit if

  • You need bim modeling.
  • You work on Windows.
  • You also want parametric components.
Autodesk Revit 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 Autodesk Revit or SketchUp better?
Neither clearly leads. Autodesk Revit starts at $29/month and SketchUp at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Autodesk Revit or SketchUp?
SketchUp has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $29/month for Autodesk Revit and Free for SketchUp.
Does Autodesk Revit or SketchUp run on more platforms?
Autodesk Revit runs on Windows. 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. Autodesk Revit starts at $29/month.
What is Autodesk Revit best used for?
Autodesk Revit is most often used for building design, construction documentation, bim coordination. Of those, building design and construction documentation are not what SketchUp is typically brought in for.
What can Autodesk Revit do that SketchUp cannot?
Autodesk Revit covers BIM modeling, Parametric components, Collaboration, Documentation. SketchUp covers 3D modeling, 2D documentation, Animation, Extension warehouse. Both handle Rendering, Windows support.
ShareXLinkedInRedditWhatsAppEmail

Related pages

More on Autodesk Revit

More on SketchUp

Keep looking

Other head to heads