Softwr

Construction & Architecture · head to head

Autodesk Revit vs SolidWorks

Autodesk Revit logo

Autodesk Revit

Construction & Architecture

BIM software for architects and engineers

From
$29/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
SolidWorks logo

SolidWorks

Manufacturing

3D CAD design software for engineers and designers

From
$3300/year
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • 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).; SolidWorks windows-only software with no native macOS or Linux support
  • They diverge on capability: Autodesk Revit covers BIM modeling, SolidWorks covers 3D solid modeling.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Autodesk Revit and SolidWorks differ
AttributeAutodesk RevitSolidWorks
Starting price$29/month$3300/year
Pricing modelsubscriptionUnknown
CategoryConstruction & ArchitectureManufacturing
Founded19821993

Identical on both: free tier (No), platforms (Windows), 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 Autodesk Revit

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

Only in SolidWorks

  • 3D solid modeling
  • Assembly design
  • Technical drawings
  • Simulation
  • PDM systems
  • ERP systems
  • CAM software
  • PLM platforms

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 SolidWorks
  • Construction documentationnot SolidWorks
  • BIM coordinationnot SolidWorks

SolidWorks

  • Product designnot Autodesk Revit
  • Engineering analysisnot Autodesk Revit
  • Manufacturing documentationnot Autodesk Revit
  • Prototypingnot Autodesk Revit
  • Quality controlnot 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).

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

Autodesk Revit

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

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 Autodesk Revit if

  • You need bim modeling.
  • You work on Windows.
  • You also want parametric components.
Autodesk Revit review

Choose SolidWorks if

  • You need 3d solid modeling.
  • You work on Windows.
  • You also want assembly design.
SolidWorks review

Questions people ask

Is Autodesk Revit or SolidWorks better?
Neither clearly leads. Autodesk Revit starts at $29/month and SolidWorks at $3300/year, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Autodesk Revit or SolidWorks?
Autodesk Revit starts at $29/month and SolidWorks at $3300/year.
Does Autodesk Revit or SolidWorks run on more platforms?
Both run on Windows, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
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 SolidWorks is typically brought in for.
What can Autodesk Revit do that SolidWorks cannot?
Autodesk Revit covers BIM modeling, Parametric components, Collaboration, Documentation. SolidWorks covers 3D solid modeling, Assembly design, Technical drawings, Simulation. Both handle Rendering, Windows support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

SolidWorks: 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.

Source
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).

Source
SolidWorks: 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.

Source
SolidWorks: 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.

Source
SolidWorks: 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
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