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Construction · head to head

Navisworks vs Tekla Structures

Navisworks logo

Navisworks

Construction

Project review software for construction professionals

From
$145/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Tekla Structures logo

Tekla Structures

Construction

BIM software for structural engineering and construction

From
$400/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); Tekla Structures no specific pricing published; three subscription options available but require sales contact
  • They diverge on capability: Navisworks covers Clash detection, Tekla Structures covers 3D structural modeling.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Navisworks and Tekla Structures actually diverge.

Attributes where Navisworks and Tekla Structures differ
AttributeNavisworksTekla Structures
Starting price$145/month$400/month
Founded19821978

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

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
  • Visualization
  • BIM 360
  • 3ds Max
  • Civil 3D

Only in Tekla Structures

  • 3D structural modeling
  • Steel detailing
  • Concrete detailing
  • Drawing production
  • Fabrication support
  • Trimble Connect
  • IFC
  • MIS systems

Both cover

  • Revit
  • AutoCAD
  • Data encryption
  • Access controls
  • Audit trails
  • Windows support

What people use each for

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

Navisworks

  • Clash detectionnot Tekla Structures
  • Construction sequencingnot Tekla Structures
  • Project coordinationnot Tekla Structures
  • Cost analysisnot Tekla Structures

Tekla Structures

  • Structural designnot Navisworks
  • Steel detailingnot Navisworks
  • Rebar detailingnot Navisworks
  • Fabrication managementnot 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)

Tekla Structures

  • No specific pricing published; three subscription options available but require sales contact
  • Flexible licensing that adjusts as company develops and grows, but specific rates not disclosed

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

Tekla Structures

$400/month
  • Tekla Structures$400/month
    • 3D modeling
    • Detailing
    • Drawing production
  • EnterpriseFree
    • Multi-user
    • Advanced features
    • Custom configurations

Which should you pick?

Choose Navisworks if

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

Choose Tekla Structures if

  • You need 3d structural modeling.
  • You work on Windows.
  • You also want steel detailing.
Tekla Structures review

Questions people ask

Is Navisworks or Tekla Structures better?
Neither clearly leads. Navisworks starts at $145/month and Tekla Structures at $400/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Navisworks or Tekla Structures?
Navisworks starts at $145/month and Tekla Structures at $400/month.
Does Navisworks or Tekla Structures run on more platforms?
Both run on Windows, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
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 Tekla Structures is typically brought in for.
What can Navisworks do that Tekla Structures cannot?
Navisworks covers Clash detection, 4D scheduling, Model aggregation, Quantification. Tekla Structures covers 3D structural modeling, Steel detailing, Concrete detailing, Drawing production. Both handle Revit, AutoCAD, Data encryption, Access controls.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Tekla Structures: Is there a free trial for Tekla Structures?

Yes, a 30-day free trial is available at https://download.trimble.com/tekla-structures/free-trial

Source
Tekla Structures: What subscription options are available?

Tekla Structures offers three material-independent subscription options designed for specific user needs. Each subscription includes Trimble Connect Business Premium and Tekla Model Sharing collaboration platform. Contact Tekla for specific pricing and plan details.

Source
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