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Software · head to head

Fusion 360 vs SketchUp

Fusion 360 logo

Fusion 360

Software

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

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
SketchUp logo

SketchUp

Software

3D design software for everyone

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Fusion 360 requires paid subscription for professional use; SketchUp studio tier limited to Windows only; not available for macOS or Linux
  • They diverge on capability: Fusion 360 covers 3D CAD modeling, SketchUp covers 3D modeling.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Fusion 360 and SketchUp differ
AttributeFusion 360SketchUp
PlatformsWeb, Windows, macOSWeb, iPad, Windows, macOS (Pro only)
Founded19821978

Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (freemium), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

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 Fusion 360

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

Only in SketchUp

  • 3D modeling
  • 2D documentation
  • Rendering
  • Animation
  • Extension warehouse
  • 3D Warehouse
  • LayOut
  • V-Ray

Both cover

  • Windows support
  • Web support

What people use each for

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

Fusion 360

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

SketchUp

  • 3D architectural design and visualizationnot Fusion 360
  • Product design and prototypingnot Fusion 360
  • Interior design planningnot Fusion 360
  • Real estate visualizationnot Fusion 360

Where each one falls short

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

Fusion 360

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

SketchUp

  • Studio tier limited to Windows only; not available for macOS or Linux
  • Go tier restricted to iPad and web—no desktop application access
  • LayOut (documentation tool) only available in Pro and Studio tiers
  • 1000+ extensions library only available in Pro and Studio; Go has limited extension access

Pricing, plan by plan

Fusion 360

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

SketchUp

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the SketchUp review.

Which should you pick?

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

Choose SketchUp if

  • You need 3d modeling.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, iPad, Windows, macOS (Pro only).
  • You also want 2d documentation.
SketchUp review

Questions people ask

Is Fusion 360 or SketchUp better?
Neither clearly leads. Fusion 360 starts at Free and SketchUp at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Fusion 360 or SketchUp?
Fusion 360 starts at Free and SketchUp at Free.
Does Fusion 360 or SketchUp run on more platforms?
Fusion 360 runs on Web, Windows, macOS. SketchUp runs on Web, iPad, Windows, macOS (Pro only).
Can I use Fusion 360 for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Fusion 360 best used for?
Fusion 360 is most often used for product design, prototyping, manufacturing, 3d printing. Of those, product design and prototyping are not what SketchUp is typically brought in for.
What can Fusion 360 do that SketchUp cannot?
Fusion 360 covers 3D CAD modeling, Simulation, CAM programming, PCB design. SketchUp covers 3D modeling, 2D documentation, Rendering, Animation. Both handle Windows support, Web 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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