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3D & CAD · head to head

FreeCAD vs Fusion 360

FreeCAD logo

FreeCAD

3D & CAD

Open-source parametric 3D CAD modeler

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Fusion 360 logo

Fusion 360

Manufacturing

Cloud-based 3D CAD, CAM, and CAE platform

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: FreeCAD no vendor support or professional services available; community-driven support only; Fusion 360 requires paid subscription for professional use
  • They diverge on capability: FreeCAD covers Parametric modeling, Fusion 360 covers 3D CAD modeling.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which FreeCAD and Fusion 360 actually diverge.

Attributes where FreeCAD and Fusion 360 differ
AttributeFreeCADFusion 360
Pricing modelopen-sourcefreemium
PlatformsWindows, macOS, LinuxWeb, Windows, macOS
Category3D & CADManufacturing
Founded20021982

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), 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 FreeCAD

  • Parametric modeling
  • Part design
  • Assembly
  • Drafting
  • FEM simulation
  • Path/CAM
  • Architecture
  • BIM

Only in Fusion 360

  • 3D CAD modeling
  • Simulation
  • CAM programming
  • PCB design
  • Cloud collaboration
  • Autodesk ecosystem
  • Manufacturing partners
  • PLM systems

Both cover

  • Windows support

What people use each for

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

FreeCAD

  • Mechanical engineering designnot Fusion 360
  • Architectural modellingnot Fusion 360
  • Product design and prototypingnot Fusion 360
  • CAM/CNC path generationnot Fusion 360

Fusion 360

  • Product designnot FreeCAD
  • Prototypingnot FreeCAD
  • Manufacturingnot FreeCAD
  • 3D printingnot FreeCAD
  • Simulationnot FreeCAD

Where each one falls short

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

FreeCAD

  • No vendor support or professional services available; community-driven support only
  • Requires users to self-host and maintain the software; no cloud version available

Fusion 360

  • Requires paid subscription for professional use
  • Cloud-based, requires internet connection
  • Free tier limited to students and educators

Pricing, plan by plan

FreeCAD

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the FreeCAD review.

Fusion 360

Free
  • Personal UseFree
    • Non-commercial use
    • Basic CAD tools
    • Cloud storage
  • Commercial$70/month
    • Full CAD/CAM/CAE
    • Simulation
    • Rendering

Which should you pick?

Choose FreeCAD if

  • You need parametric modeling.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux.
  • You also want part design.
FreeCAD review

Choose Fusion 360 if

  • You need 3d cad modeling.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Windows, macOS.
  • You also want simulation.
Fusion 360 review

Questions people ask

Is FreeCAD or Fusion 360 better?
Neither clearly leads. FreeCAD starts at Free and Fusion 360 at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, FreeCAD or Fusion 360?
FreeCAD starts at Free and Fusion 360 at Free.
Does FreeCAD or Fusion 360 run on more platforms?
FreeCAD runs on Windows, macOS, Linux. Fusion 360 runs on Web, Windows, macOS.
Can I use FreeCAD for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is FreeCAD best used for?
FreeCAD is most often used for mechanical engineering design, architectural modelling, product design and prototyping, cam/cnc path generation. Of those, mechanical engineering design and architectural modelling are not what Fusion 360 is typically brought in for.
What can FreeCAD do that Fusion 360 cannot?
FreeCAD covers Parametric modeling, Part design, Assembly, Drafting. Fusion 360 covers 3D CAD modeling, Simulation, CAM programming, PCB design. Both handle Windows support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Fusion 360: Is Fusion 360 free?

Fusion 360 is free for students, educators, and academic institutions with full features. It offers a 30-day free trial for all users, and a limited personal-use license for hobbyists and makers.

Source
Fusion 360: How much does Fusion 360 cost for professionals?

Fusion 360 professional subscriptions start at $85/month, $680/year, or $2,040 for a 3-year commitment. Startups that qualify can get a discount starting at $150.

Source
Fusion 360: Does Fusion 360 support 3D modeling, CAD, and CAM?

Yes. Fusion 360 is a cloud-based platform that integrates 3D modeling, CAD, CAM, CAE (simulation), and PCB design in one software.

Source
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