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3D & CAD · head to head

BricsCAD vs Solid Edge

BricsCAD logo

BricsCAD

3D & CAD

DWG-based CAD platform

From
$29/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Solid Edge logo

Solid Edge

3D & CAD

Next-generation 3D CAD with synchronous technology

From
$1/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: BricsCAD the Lite edition has no 3D modelling, surveying or point cloud support; Solid Edge candidate list contains only one genuine competitor (Siemens NX from same vendor); very limited competing options in the provided list
  • They diverge on capability: BricsCAD covers DWG native, Solid Edge covers Synchronous technology.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which BricsCAD and Solid Edge actually diverge.

Attributes where BricsCAD and Solid Edge differ
AttributeBricsCADSolid Edge
Starting price$29/month$1/month
Pricing modelone-timeUnknown
PlatformsWindows, MacOS, LinuxWindows
Founded20021995

Identical on both: free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (3D & CAD).

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 BricsCAD

  • DWG native
  • 2D drafting
  • 3D modeling
  • BIM
  • Mechanical
  • LISP support
  • AutoCAD compatible
  • Revit IFC

Only in Solid Edge

  • Synchronous technology
  • Parametric modeling
  • Simulation
  • Rendering
  • Technical publications
  • Additive manufacturing
  • Teamcenter PLM
  • CAM Express

Both cover

  • Sheet metal
  • License management
  • Windows support

What people use each for

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

BricsCAD

  • 2D drafting as a DWG native alternative to AutoCADnot Solid Edge
  • 3D mechanical design and assembly modellingnot Solid Edge
  • BIM modelling and construction documentationnot Solid Edge

Solid Edge

  • Product designnot BricsCAD
  • Sheet metal designnot BricsCAD
  • Technical documentationnot BricsCAD

Where each one falls short

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

BricsCAD

  • The Lite edition has no 3D modelling, surveying or point cloud support
  • Lite is sold as a network licence only with a 5 seat minimum
  • Mechanical excludes BIM tools and BIM excludes mechanical and surveying tools, so cross discipline work needs Ultimate at 1,176 euro
  • Importing 3D geometry and PMI from other CAD systems requires the Communicator add on at 294 euro per year
  • Network licences require the customer to run their own licence server
  • Maintenance is included for the first year only and renewal is a separate annual charge on perpetual licences
  • Listed prices exclude local taxes
  • Bricsys now trades as Octave and the product site has moved to bricscad.octave.com

Solid Edge

  • Candidate list contains only one genuine competitor (Siemens NX from same vendor); very limited competing options in the provided list
  • Cloud-only platform with no traditional desktop licensing option; requires constant internet connectivity
  • Limited third-party plugin ecosystem compared to standalone CAD tools
  • Advanced simulation and generative design features require separate subscriptions, increasing total cost
  • Smaller user community compared to AutoCAD or other mainstream CAD platforms

Pricing, plan by plan

BricsCAD

$29/month
  • Lite$550/month
    • 2D drafting
  • Pro$875/month
    • 2D + 3D
  • Ultimate$1575/month
    • All features

Solid Edge

$1/month

No published plan breakdown. See the Solid Edge review.

Which should you pick?

Choose BricsCAD if

  • You need dwg native.
  • You work on Windows, MacOS, Linux.
  • You also want 2d drafting.
BricsCAD review

Choose Solid Edge if

  • You need synchronous technology.
  • You work on Windows.
  • You also want parametric modeling.
Solid Edge review

Questions people ask

Is BricsCAD or Solid Edge better?
Neither clearly leads. BricsCAD starts at $29/month and Solid Edge at $1/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, BricsCAD or Solid Edge?
BricsCAD starts at $29/month and Solid Edge at $1/month.
Does BricsCAD or Solid Edge run on more platforms?
BricsCAD runs on Windows, MacOS, Linux. Solid Edge runs on Windows.
What is BricsCAD best used for?
BricsCAD is most often used for 2d drafting as a dwg native alternative to autocad, 3d mechanical design and assembly modelling, bim modelling and construction documentation. Of those, 2d drafting as a dwg native alternative to autocad and 3d mechanical design and assembly modelling are not what Solid Edge is typically brought in for.
What can BricsCAD do that Solid Edge cannot?
BricsCAD covers DWG native, 2D drafting, 3D modeling, BIM. Solid Edge covers Synchronous technology, Parametric modeling, Simulation, Rendering. Both handle Sheet metal, License management, Windows support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Solid Edge: What is Solid Edge's pricing model?

Solid Edge uses a flexible, usage-based subscription model. New customers can get their first month for $1 and cancel anytime, with pay-as-you-go pricing for additional capabilities without complex upgrades or procurement delays.

Source
Solid Edge: What platforms does Solid Edge run on?

Solid Edge is a cloud-based 3D CAD software accessed through the Designcenter platform. It supports web browsers and can be accessed from any device with cloud synchronization.

Source
Solid Edge: What are Solid Edge's core CAD features?

Solid Edge includes part and assembly design, automated drawings, basic animation, rendering, comprehensive sheet metal design, model-based definition (MBD), and simulation tools. Advanced features like generative design and AI-powered drawing creation are available as add-ons.

Source
Solid Edge: Does Solid Edge support augmented reality?

Yes, Solid Edge allows designers to review designs in augmented reality (AR) on phones and tablets. Users can view, measure, and markup CAD files on any device.

Source
Solid Edge: How does Solid Edge integrate with other Siemens products?

Designcenter Solid Edge has out-of-the-box integrations with Teamcenter and Teamcenter X for lifecycle management. CAM XaaS products work with Solid Edge, and it provides secure data management and seamless integration with third-party applications.

Source
Solid Edge: What are the key differences between Solid Edge and Siemens NX?

Solid Edge is Siemens' mid-range 3D CAD solution positioned for smaller teams and general mechanical design. Siemens NX is the advanced PLM system for complex manufacturing and enterprise design workflows.

Source
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