Softwr

Software · head to head

Lumion vs SolidWorks

Lumion logo

Lumion

Software

Architectural visualization made easy

From
$29/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
SolidWorks logo

SolidWorks

Software

3D CAD design software for engineers and designers

From
$3300/year
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Lumion enterprise tier is priced by quote only, labelled Let's talk in the vendor's own pricing data, alongside otherwise self-serve tiers with published dollar and pound figures; SolidWorks windows-only software with no native macOS or Linux support
  • They diverge on capability: Lumion covers Real-time rendering, SolidWorks covers 3D solid modeling.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Lumion and SolidWorks actually diverge.

Attributes where Lumion and SolidWorks differ
AttributeLumionSolidWorks
Starting price$29/month$3300/year
Pricing modelsubscriptionUnknown
Founded19981993

Identical on both: free tier (No), platforms (Windows), 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 Lumion

  • Real-time rendering
  • Content library
  • Effects
  • Video animation
  • VR export
  • LiveSync
  • Revit
  • SketchUp

Only in SolidWorks

  • 3D solid modeling
  • Assembly design
  • Technical drawings
  • Simulation
  • Rendering
  • PDM systems
  • ERP systems
  • CAM software

Both cover

  • Windows support

What people use each for

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

Lumion

  • Architectural visualizationnot SolidWorks
  • Client presentationsnot SolidWorks

SolidWorks

  • Product designnot Lumion
  • Engineering analysisnot Lumion
  • Manufacturing documentationnot Lumion
  • Prototypingnot Lumion
  • Quality controlnot Lumion

Where each one falls short

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

Lumion

  • Enterprise tier is priced by quote only, labelled Let's talk in the vendor's own pricing data, alongside otherwise self-serve tiers with published dollar and pound figures

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

Lumion

$29/month
  • Standard$1499/month
    • Core features
  • Pro$2999/month
    • Full features
    • More content

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 Lumion if

  • You need real-time rendering.
  • You work on Windows.
  • You also want content library.
Lumion review

Choose SolidWorks if

  • You need 3d solid modeling.
  • You work on Windows.
  • You also want assembly design.
SolidWorks review

Questions people ask

Is Lumion or SolidWorks better?
Neither clearly leads. Lumion starts at $29/month and SolidWorks at $3300/year, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Lumion or SolidWorks?
Lumion starts at $29/month and SolidWorks at $3300/year.
Does Lumion or SolidWorks run on more platforms?
Both run on Windows, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
What is Lumion best used for?
Lumion is most often used for architectural visualization, client presentations. Of those, architectural visualization and client presentations are not what SolidWorks is typically brought in for.
What can Lumion do that SolidWorks cannot?
Lumion covers Real-time rendering, Content library, Effects, Video animation. SolidWorks covers 3D solid modeling, Assembly design, Technical drawings, Simulation. Both handle Windows support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

SolidWorks: 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.

Source
SolidWorks: 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).

Source
SolidWorks: 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.

Source
SolidWorks: 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.

Source
SolidWorks: 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
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