Software · head to head
Fusion 360 vs SolidWorks
SolidWorks
Software
3D CAD design software for engineers and designers
- From
- $3300/year
- Rated
- -
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; SolidWorks windows-only software with no native macOS or Linux support
- They diverge on capability: Fusion 360 covers 3D CAD modeling, SolidWorks covers 3D solid modeling.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Fusion 360 and SolidWorks actually diverge.
| Attribute | Fusion 360 | SolidWorks |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free | $3300/year |
| Pricing model | freemium | Unknown |
| Free tier | Yes | No |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS | Windows |
| Founded | 1982 | 1993 |
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
- CAM programming
- PCB design
- Cloud collaboration
- Autodesk ecosystem
- Manufacturing partners
- PLM systems
- Cloud security
Only in SolidWorks
- 3D solid modeling
- Assembly design
- Technical drawings
- Rendering
- PDM systems
- CAM software
- PLM platforms
- Enterprise security
Both cover
- Simulation
- ERP systems
- Access controls
- Version control
- Design reviews
- Windows support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Fusion 360
- Product design
- Prototyping
- Manufacturingnot SolidWorks
- 3D printingnot SolidWorks
- Simulationnot SolidWorks
SolidWorks
- Product design
- Engineering analysisnot Fusion 360
- Manufacturing documentationnot Fusion 360
- Prototyping
- Quality controlnot Fusion 360
Both are used for product design, prototyping, on those jobs the choice comes down to price and fit rather than capability.
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
SolidWorks
- Windows-only software with no native macOS or Linux support
- High perpetual licensing costs compared to cloud-based competitors like Fusion 360
- Performance can degrade with very large assemblies containing thousands of parts
- Requires separate licensing for advanced simulation features in Professional and Premium editions
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
SolidWorks
$3300/year- Standard$846/year
- Parametric modeling
- Assemblies and drawings
- Basic analysis
- Professional$4995/year (approx)
- Advanced simulation
- Surfacing tools
- Sheet metal design
- Premium$7100/year (approx)
- All Professional features
- Reverse engineering
- Advanced analysis
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 cam programming.
Choose SolidWorks if
- You need 3d solid modeling.
- You work on Windows.
- You also want assembly design.
Questions people ask
- Is Fusion 360 or SolidWorks better?
- Neither clearly leads. Fusion 360 starts at Free and SolidWorks at $3300/year, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Fusion 360 or SolidWorks?
- Fusion 360 has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Fusion 360 and $3300/year for SolidWorks.
- Does Fusion 360 or SolidWorks run on more platforms?
- Fusion 360 runs on Web, Windows, macOS. SolidWorks runs on Windows.
- Can I use Fusion 360 for free?
- Yes. Fusion 360 has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. SolidWorks starts at $3300/year.
- What is Fusion 360 best used for?
- Fusion 360 is most often used for product design, prototyping, manufacturing, 3d printing. Of those, manufacturing and 3d printing are not what SolidWorks is typically brought in for.
- What can Fusion 360 do that SolidWorks cannot?
- Fusion 360 covers 3D CAD modeling, CAM programming, PCB design, Cloud collaboration. SolidWorks covers 3D solid modeling, Assembly design, Technical drawings, Rendering. Both handle Simulation, ERP systems, Access controls, Version control.
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.
SourceSolidWorks: What is the cost of SolidWorks?
SolidWorks pricing varies by license type. Standard Edition costs approximately $846 on average, while Professional and Premium editions are priced higher depending on reseller and licensing model. Costs typically range from $3,300 to $7,100 depending on features and add-ons.
SourceFusion 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.
SourceSolidWorks: What editions of SolidWorks are available?
SolidWorks offers three main editions: Standard (essential CAD with parametric modeling and assemblies), Professional (adds advanced simulation and surfacing), and Premium (comprehensive engineering suite with reverse engineering and complex analysis).
SourceFusion 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.
SourceSolidWorks: Does SolidWorks run on macOS?
SolidWorks is primarily a Windows-only application. While macOS users can run it via virtual machines or Boot Camp, native macOS support is not available.
SourceSolidWorks: What AI capabilities does SolidWorks 2026 include?
SolidWorks 2026 integrates native AI assistants LEO and AURA directly into the interface. These AI features provide design assistance and automation for tasks like optimization and feature creation.
SourceSolidWorks: Can I create assemblies and complex 3D models in SolidWorks?
Yes. SolidWorks includes unlimited assembly capabilities, parametric modeling for complex designs, detailing and drawing tools, and built-in analysis for stress simulation and dynamic motion.
Source