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Construction · head to head

ArchiCAD vs Chief Architect

ArchiCAD logo

ArchiCAD

Construction

BIM software for architects

From
$177/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Chief Architect logo

Chief Architect

Construction

Professional home design and construction software

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Chief Architect has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: ArchiCAD available on Windows and macOS only, no native Linux support; Chief Architect no free tier after trial
  • They diverge on capability: ArchiCAD covers BIM modeling, Chief Architect covers 2D and 3D design.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which ArchiCAD and Chief Architect actually diverge.

Attributes where ArchiCAD and Chief Architect differ
AttributeArchiCADChief Architect
Starting price$177/monthFree
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWindows, macOSWindows, Mac
Founded19821991

Identical on both: pricing model (subscription), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Construction).

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 ArchiCAD

  • BIM modeling
  • Design tools
  • Documentation
  • Energy analysis
  • IFC support
  • Teamwork collaboration
  • Library parts
  • Lumion

Only in Chief Architect

  • 2D and 3D design
  • Floor plan creation
  • Construction documentation
  • Material lists
  • Revit
  • SketchUp
  • CAD
  • Google Drive

Both cover

  • Rendering
  • Windows support

What people use each for

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

ArchiCAD

  • Architectural design with BIM capabilitiesnot Chief Architect
  • Real-time team collaboration via BIMcloudnot Chief Architect
  • Automated documentation generation from design changesnot Chief Architect
  • Mixed Windows and macOS team environmentsnot Chief Architect

Chief Architect

  • Home design and architectural planningnot ArchiCAD
  • Kitchen and bathroom designnot ArchiCAD
  • Interior design and remodelingnot ArchiCAD
  • Professional building designnot ArchiCAD

Where each one falls short

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

ArchiCAD

  • Available on Windows and macOS only, no native Linux support
  • Subscription-only licensing model with no perpetual licence option
  • Studio tier does not include MEP Designer - requires Collaborate tier at $208/month

Chief Architect

  • No free tier after trial
  • Monthly subscription at $229/month is significantly higher than annual equivalent ($166.25/month)
  • Trial download available but duration and features not specified
  • No mention of team or multi-user plans

Pricing, plan by plan

ArchiCAD

$177/month
  • Archicad Studio$177/month
    • Archicad Windows & macOS
    • BIMx Pro
    • BIMcloud Basic
  • Archicad Collaborate$208/month
    • Archicad Windows & macOS
    • MEP Designer
    • BIMx Pro

Chief Architect

Free
  • Monthly Subscription$229/month
    • Software upgrades
    • Premium catalog downloads
    • Priority technical support
  • Annual Subscription$1995/year
    • 27% savings vs monthly
    • All monthly benefits included
  • Legacy License Upgrade$995/year
    • 50% discount first year
    • Then $1,995/year
    • For existing Chief Architect users

Which should you pick?

Choose ArchiCAD if

  • You need bim modeling.
  • You work on Windows, macOS.
  • You also want design tools.
ArchiCAD review

Choose Chief Architect if

  • You need 2d and 3d design.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Mac.
  • You also want floor plan creation.
Chief Architect review

Questions people ask

Is ArchiCAD or Chief Architect better?
Neither clearly leads. ArchiCAD starts at $177/month and Chief Architect at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, ArchiCAD or Chief Architect?
Chief Architect has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $177/month for ArchiCAD and Free for Chief Architect.
Does ArchiCAD or Chief Architect run on more platforms?
ArchiCAD runs on Windows, macOS. Chief Architect runs on Windows, Mac.
Can I use Chief Architect for free?
Yes. Chief Architect has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. ArchiCAD starts at $177/month.
What is ArchiCAD best used for?
ArchiCAD is most often used for architectural design with bim capabilities, real-time team collaboration via bimcloud, automated documentation generation from design changes, mixed windows and macos team environments. Of those, architectural design with bim capabilities and real-time team collaboration via bimcloud are not what Chief Architect is typically brought in for.
What can ArchiCAD do that Chief Architect cannot?
ArchiCAD covers BIM modeling, Design tools, Documentation, Energy analysis. Chief Architect covers 2D and 3D design, Floor plan creation, Construction documentation, Material lists. Both handle Rendering, Windows support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

ArchiCAD: What is the cost of Archicad's subscription plans?

Archicad Studio starts at $177/month or $2,123 upfront annually. Archicad Collaborate, the most popular tier, is $208/month or $2,497 upfront annually. Both include local and cloud teamworking capabilities.

Source
Chief Architect: How much does Chief Architect cost?

Chief Architect costs $229/month on a monthly subscription, or $1,995/year ($166.25/month equivalent) for annual billing, representing a 27% discount.

Source
ArchiCAD: What is the difference between Archicad Studio and Archicad Collaborate?

Studio includes architectural modeling and BIMcloud Basic for local teamwork. Collaborate adds MEP Designer for MEP modeling and BIMcloud SaaS for cloud-based global teamwork, and costs $31 more per month.

Source
Chief Architect: Is there a free trial available?

Yes, a free trial download is available for prospective customers to evaluate Chief Architect before purchase.

Source
ArchiCAD: Is Archicad free for students?

Yes, Archicad offers free educational licenses for students, educators, and academic institutions. Archicad Studio is available free for 30 days as a trial.

Source
Chief Architect: Is there a discount for existing Chief Architect license holders?

Yes, legacy license holders can upgrade to an annual subscription for $995 the first year (50% discount), then $1,995/year thereafter.

Source
Chief Architect: What is included in the subscription?

Chief Architect subscription includes software upgrades, premium catalog downloads for design assets, and priority technical support.

Source
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