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CAD · head to head

IronCAD vs SolveSpace

IronCAD logo

IronCAD

CAD

Innovative 3D design software with drag-and-drop simplicity

From
$3500/one-time
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
S

SolveSpace

CAD

Open source parametric CAD with a constraint solver in a few megabytes

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only SolveSpace has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: IronCAD pricing page not found; SolveSpace the in-house geometry kernel fails on complex boolean operations and fillets, and the failure is sometimes silent bad geometry rather than an error message, so models must be checked before export or manufacture.
  • They diverge on capability: IronCAD covers Hybrid parametric/direct modeling, SolveSpace covers Constraint solver.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 1 September 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which IronCAD and SolveSpace actually diverge.

Attributes where IronCAD and SolveSpace differ
AttributeIronCADSolveSpace
Starting price$3500/one-timeFree
Pricing modelone-timeOpen source, no licence fee
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWindowsWindows, macOS, Linux
Founded1998Unknown

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (CAD).

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 IronCAD

  • Hybrid parametric/direct modeling
  • Drag-and-drop design
  • Multi-body assemblies
  • Sheet metal tools
  • 2D drafting
  • STEP
  • IGES
  • Parasolid

Only in SolveSpace

  • Constraint solver
  • Solid modelling
  • Assemblies
  • Export formats
  • Cross-platform
  • Small footprint

What people use each for

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

IronCAD

  • Product developmentnot SolveSpace
  • Machine designnot SolveSpace
  • Tooling designnot SolveSpace
  • Rapid prototypingnot SolveSpace

SolveSpace

  • Designing 3D printed parts on a machine that cannot run mainstream CADnot IronCAD
  • Teaching constraint-based parametric modelling without buying licences for a classroomnot IronCAD
  • Checking that a mechanical linkage moves as intended before cutting metalnot IronCAD
  • Producing dimensionally accurate STEP or STL output from a small open source toolchainnot IronCAD

Where each one falls short

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

IronCAD

  • pricing page not found

SolveSpace

  • The in-house geometry kernel fails on complex boolean operations and fillets, and the failure is sometimes silent bad geometry rather than an error message, so models must be checked before export or manufacture.
  • There is no proper drawing and dimensioning workflow, so manufacturing documentation has to be produced in another application.
  • Development is volunteer-led and intermittent; long gaps between releases are normal and there is no support contract available at any price.
  • Assembly-level import of external CAD is very limited, so it does not fit a supply chain that exchanges native or assembly-level models with suppliers.
  • The interface follows its own conventions rather than mainstream CAD ones, so existing SolidWorks or Fusion users spend time unlearning habits for a tool with a lower ceiling.

Pricing, plan by plan

IronCAD

$3500/one-time
  • IronCAD Design Collaboration Suite$3500/one-time
    • Full parametric and direct modeling
    • Drag-and-drop design
    • Multi-format CAD import/export
  • IronCAD Ultimate$6000/one-time
    • All Design Suite features
    • Advanced simulation
    • Rendering tools

SolveSpace

Free
  • SolveSpaceFree
    • Full application under the GPL
    • No seat limit
    • Windows, macOS and Linux builds

Which should you pick?

Choose IronCAD if

  • You need hybrid parametric/direct modeling.
  • You work on Windows.
  • You also want drag-and-drop design.
IronCAD review

Choose SolveSpace if

  • You need constraint solver.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux.
  • You also want solid modelling.
SolveSpace review

Questions people ask

Is IronCAD or SolveSpace better?
Neither clearly leads. IronCAD starts at $3500/one-time and SolveSpace at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, IronCAD or SolveSpace?
SolveSpace has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $3500/one-time for IronCAD and Free for SolveSpace.
Does IronCAD or SolveSpace run on more platforms?
IronCAD runs on Windows. SolveSpace runs on Windows, macOS, Linux.
Can I use SolveSpace for free?
Yes. SolveSpace has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. IronCAD starts at $3500/one-time.
What is IronCAD best used for?
IronCAD is most often used for product development, machine design, tooling design, rapid prototyping. Of those, product development and machine design are not what SolveSpace is typically brought in for.
What can IronCAD do that SolveSpace cannot?
IronCAD covers Hybrid parametric/direct modeling, Drag-and-drop design, Multi-body assemblies, Sheet metal tools. SolveSpace covers Constraint solver, Solid modelling, Assemblies, Export formats.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

IronCAD: Where can I find IronCAD pricing?

IronCAD's pricing page is not available. Contact IronCAD directly through their website for CAD software licensing and pricing information.

Source
SolveSpace: Is it really free for commercial work?

Yes. It is released under the GPL with no licence fee and no seat limit. Support is community only.

SolveSpace: Can it replace Fusion 360 or SolidWorks?

No. It handles parts and simple assemblies well. Complex geometry, drawings and supply chain interoperability are outside its range.

SolveSpace: What hardware does it need?

Very little. It runs on old laptops and small Linux machines where mainstream CAD will not start.

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