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BricsCAD vs Tinkercad

BricsCAD logo

BricsCAD

CAD

DWG-based CAD platform

From
$29/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Tinkercad logo

Tinkercad

CAD

Free browser-based 3D design, electronics, and coding tool by Autodesk

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Tinkercad has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: BricsCAD the Lite edition has no 3D modelling, surveying or point cloud support; Tinkercad limited to simple block-based modeling, unsuitable for complex or precise mechanical CAD work.
  • They diverge on capability: BricsCAD covers DWG native, Tinkercad covers Block-Based 3D Modeling.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which BricsCAD and Tinkercad actually diverge.

Attributes where BricsCAD and Tinkercad differ
AttributeBricsCADTinkercad
Starting price$29/monthFree
Pricing modelone-timefree
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWindows, MacOS, Linuxweb
Founded2002Unknown

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (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
  • Sheet metal
  • Mechanical
  • LISP support
  • AutoCAD compatible

Only in Tinkercad

  • Block-Based 3D Modeling
  • Circuit Simulator
  • Codeblocks Programming
  • 3D Printing Export
  • Classroom Management

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 Tinkercad
  • 3D mechanical design and assembly modellingnot Tinkercad
  • BIM modelling and construction documentationnot Tinkercad

Tinkercad

  • Teaching introductory 3D design in classroomsnot BricsCAD
  • Simulating basic electronic circuitsnot BricsCAD
  • Designing simple objects for 3D printingnot BricsCAD
  • Introducing kids to block-based codingnot 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

Tinkercad

  • Limited to simple block-based modeling, unsuitable for complex or precise mechanical CAD work.
  • Lacks advanced surfacing, parametric assembly, and simulation tools found in professional CAD software like Fusion 360.
  • Requires an internet connection since it runs entirely in the browser with no offline desktop app.
  • Export and rendering options are basic compared to dedicated 3D modeling or CAD applications.

Pricing, plan by plan

BricsCAD

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

Tinkercad

Free
  • Free$undefined/mo
    • 3D design
    • Circuits simulation
    • Codeblocks

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 Tinkercad if

  • You need block-based 3d modeling.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on web.
  • You also want circuit simulator.
Tinkercad review

Questions people ask

Is BricsCAD or Tinkercad better?
Neither clearly leads. BricsCAD starts at $29/month and Tinkercad at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, BricsCAD or Tinkercad?
Tinkercad has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $29/month for BricsCAD and Free for Tinkercad.
Does BricsCAD or Tinkercad run on more platforms?
BricsCAD runs on Windows, MacOS, Linux. Tinkercad runs on web.
Can I use Tinkercad for free?
Yes. Tinkercad has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. BricsCAD starts at $29/month.
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 Tinkercad is typically brought in for.
What can BricsCAD do that Tinkercad cannot?
BricsCAD covers DWG native, 2D drafting, 3D modeling, BIM. Tinkercad covers Block-Based 3D Modeling, Circuit Simulator, Codeblocks Programming, 3D Printing Export.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

BricsCAD: Does BricsCAD offer a trial?

Yes, BricsCAD offers a 30-day trial to 'Start designing in BricsCAD today'.

Source
BricsCAD: Is BricsCAD free for any users?

Yes, BricsCAD is available at no cost for students and schools.

Source
BricsCAD: What product tiers does BricsCAD offer?

BricsCAD offers five tiers: Lite (essential 2D CAD), Pro (professional 2D & 3D CAD), Mechanical (2D & 3D mechanical CAD), BIM (2D & 3D building modeling), and Ultimate (integrated 2D & 3D for multiple disciplines). Specific pricing for each tier is not disclosed on the website.

Source
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