Softwr

Software · head to head

Fusion 360 vs SketchUp Pro

Fusion 360 logo

Fusion 360

Software

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

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
SketchUp Pro logo

SketchUp Pro

Software

3D design and modeling software for architects and designers

From
$33.25/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Fusion 360 has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Fusion 360 requires paid subscription for professional use; SketchUp Pro sketchUp Pro is a tier within SketchUp; see SketchUp entry for full comparison
  • They diverge on capability: Fusion 360 covers 3D CAD modeling, SketchUp Pro covers 3D modeling.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Fusion 360 and SketchUp Pro differ
AttributeFusion 360SketchUp Pro
Starting priceFree$33.25/month
Pricing modelfreemiumsubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWeb, Windows, macOSWindows, macOS, Web, iPad
Founded19822000

Identical on both: 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
  • Autodesk ecosystem
  • Manufacturing partners
  • PLM systems
  • ERP systems

Only in SketchUp Pro

  • 3D modeling
  • Visualization
  • Documentation
  • Layout integration
  • Revit
  • AutoCAD
  • LayOut
  • Google Earth

Both cover

  • Cloud collaboration
  • 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 Pro
  • Prototypingnot SketchUp Pro
  • Manufacturingnot SketchUp Pro
  • 3D printingnot SketchUp Pro
  • Simulationnot SketchUp Pro

SketchUp Pro

  • 3D professional design and modellingnot Fusion 360
  • Architectural documentation with LayOutnot Fusion 360
  • Access to 1000+ extensions librarynot 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 Pro

  • SketchUp Pro is a tier within SketchUp; see SketchUp entry for full comparison
  • No separate product—this is the Pro annual subscription tier at £33.25/month

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 Pro

$33.25/month

No published plan breakdown. See the SketchUp Pro 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 Pro if

  • You need 3d modeling.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Web, iPad.
  • You also want visualization.
SketchUp Pro review

Questions people ask

Is Fusion 360 or SketchUp Pro better?
Neither clearly leads. Fusion 360 starts at Free and SketchUp Pro at $33.25/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Fusion 360 or SketchUp Pro?
Fusion 360 has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Fusion 360 and $33.25/month for SketchUp Pro.
Does Fusion 360 or SketchUp Pro run on more platforms?
Fusion 360 runs on Web, Windows, macOS. SketchUp Pro runs on Windows, macOS, Web, iPad.
Can I use Fusion 360 for free?
Yes. Fusion 360 has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. SketchUp Pro starts at $33.25/month.
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 Pro is typically brought in for.
What can Fusion 360 do that SketchUp Pro cannot?
Fusion 360 covers 3D CAD modeling, Simulation, CAM programming, PCB design. SketchUp Pro covers 3D modeling, Visualization, Documentation, Layout integration. Both handle Cloud collaboration, 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
ShareXLinkedInRedditWhatsAppEmail

Related pages

More on Fusion 360

More on SketchUp Pro

Keep looking

Other head to heads