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Construction & Architecture · head to head

Navisworks vs SketchUp Pro

Navisworks logo

Navisworks

Construction & Architecture

Project review software for construction professionals

From
$145/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
SketchUp Pro logo

SketchUp Pro

Construction & Architecture

3D design and modeling software for architects and designers

From
$33.25/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Navisworks sold in two named editions, Navisworks Simulate and Navisworks Manage, each licensed for install on up to 3 computers per subscription (Internet Archive capture, 7 January 2023); SketchUp Pro sketchUp Pro is a tier within SketchUp; see SketchUp entry for full comparison
  • They diverge on capability: Navisworks covers Clash detection, SketchUp Pro covers 3D modeling.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Navisworks and SketchUp Pro actually diverge.

Attributes where Navisworks and SketchUp Pro differ
AttributeNavisworksSketchUp Pro
Starting price$145/month$33.25/month
PlatformsWindowsWindows, macOS, Web, iPad
Founded19822000

Identical on both: pricing model (subscription), free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Construction & Architecture).

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 Navisworks

  • Clash detection
  • 4D scheduling
  • Model aggregation
  • Quantification
  • BIM 360
  • 3ds Max
  • Civil 3D
  • Data encryption

Only in SketchUp Pro

  • 3D modeling
  • Documentation
  • Cloud collaboration
  • Layout integration
  • LayOut
  • Google Earth
  • SSL encryption
  • Data backup

Both cover

  • Visualization
  • Revit
  • AutoCAD
  • Windows support

What people use each for

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

Navisworks

  • Clash detectionnot SketchUp Pro
  • Construction sequencingnot SketchUp Pro
  • Project coordinationnot SketchUp Pro
  • Cost analysisnot SketchUp Pro

SketchUp Pro

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

Where each one falls short

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

Navisworks

  • Sold in two named editions, Navisworks Simulate and Navisworks Manage, each licensed for install on up to 3 computers per subscription (Internet Archive capture, 7 January 2023)

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

Navisworks

$145/month
  • Navisworks Manage$145/month
    • Clash detection
    • 4D simulation
    • Model aggregation
  • Navisworks Simulate$100/month
    • 4D simulation
    • Model aggregation
    • Rendering

SketchUp Pro

$33.25/month

No published plan breakdown. See the SketchUp Pro review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Navisworks if

  • You need clash detection.
  • You work on Windows.
  • You also want 4d scheduling.
Navisworks review

Choose SketchUp Pro if

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

Questions people ask

Is Navisworks or SketchUp Pro better?
Neither clearly leads. Navisworks starts at $145/month 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, Navisworks or SketchUp Pro?
Navisworks starts at $145/month and SketchUp Pro at $33.25/month.
Does Navisworks or SketchUp Pro run on more platforms?
Navisworks runs on Windows. SketchUp Pro runs on Windows, macOS, Web, iPad.
What is Navisworks best used for?
Navisworks is most often used for clash detection, construction sequencing, project coordination, cost analysis. Of those, clash detection and construction sequencing are not what SketchUp Pro is typically brought in for.
What can Navisworks do that SketchUp Pro cannot?
Navisworks covers Clash detection, 4D scheduling, Model aggregation, Quantification. SketchUp Pro covers 3D modeling, Documentation, Cloud collaboration, Layout integration. Both handle Visualization, Revit, AutoCAD, Windows support.
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