CAD · head to head
V-Ray vs OnShape
The short version
- Only OnShape has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
- Each has a real cost: V-Ray licences are subscription only with no perpetual option listed for any product; OnShape the free plan is non commercial only and makes every document publicly accessible, so nothing designed on it can be kept private
- They diverge on capability: V-Ray covers Ray tracing, OnShape covers Cloud-native CAD.
- Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which V-Ray and OnShape actually diverge.
Identical on both: pricing model (subscription), 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 V-Ray
- Ray tracing
- Global illumination
- GPU rendering
- CPU rendering
- Materials
- Lighting
- VR output
- Scene intelligence
Only in OnShape
- Cloud-native CAD
- Real-time collaboration
- Version control
- Part studios
- Assemblies
- Drawings
- FeatureScript
- Mobile access
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
V-Ray
- Photorealistic rendering for architecture and product visualisationnot OnShape
- Real time and ray traced rendering inside CAD and 3D applicationsnot OnShape
OnShape
- Cloud based parametric CAD without local workstation installsnot V-Ray
- Collaborative mechanical design with version history and shared documentsnot V-Ray
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
V-Ray
- Licences are subscription only with no perpetual option listed for any product
- Subscription terms renew automatically
- Cloud rendering runs on separately purchased credits, with the Pro tier at $25.30 a month for 1,000
- Enterprise pricing requires contacting sales
OnShape
- The free plan is non commercial only and makes every document publicly accessible, so nothing designed on it can be kept private
- The Standard plan is $1,500 per user per year and Professional $2,500
- Simulation, rendering, CAM and advanced PDM all require the Professional plan
- SSO, analytics and advanced administration are Enterprise only with no published price
Pricing, plan by plan
V-Ray
$29/month- V-Ray Solo$60/month
- 1 workstation
- 5 render nodes
- V-Ray Premium$80/month
- Multiple apps
- Cloud credits
OnShape
Free- FreeFree
- Limited features
- Public documents
- Standard$1500/month
- Private documents
- Full features
- Professional$2100/month
- Advanced simulation
- Enterprise features
Which should you pick?
Choose V-Ray if
- You need ray tracing.
- You work on Windows, MacOS, Linux.
- You also want global illumination.
Choose OnShape if
- You need cloud-native cad.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Web, IOS, Android.
- You also want real-time collaboration.
Questions people ask
- Is V-Ray or OnShape better?
- Neither clearly leads. V-Ray starts at $29/month and OnShape at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, V-Ray or OnShape?
- OnShape has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $29/month for V-Ray and Free for OnShape.
- Does V-Ray or OnShape run on more platforms?
- V-Ray runs on Windows, MacOS, Linux. OnShape runs on Web, IOS, Android.
- Can I use OnShape for free?
- Yes. OnShape has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. V-Ray starts at $29/month.
- What is V-Ray best used for?
- V-Ray is most often used for photorealistic rendering for architecture and product visualisation, real time and ray traced rendering inside cad and 3d applications. Of those, photorealistic rendering for architecture and product visualisation and real time and ray traced rendering inside cad and 3d applications are not what OnShape is typically brought in for.
- What can V-Ray do that OnShape cannot?
- V-Ray covers Ray tracing, Global illumination, GPU rendering, CPU rendering. OnShape covers Cloud-native CAD, Real-time collaboration, Version control, Part studios.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
V-Ray: What is included in Chaos software subscriptions?
All Chaos subscriptions include free support, access to a large community of professionals, continuous updates, and a 14-day money-back guarantee. Annual subscriptions save 45% versus monthly billing. Use of AI credits voids the refund right.
SourceOnShape: How much does Onshape cost?
Onshape Standard is $1,500 per user per year and Professional is $2,500 per user per year, both billed annually. Enterprise is quoted by sales. A free plan exists for non-commercial use.
SourceV-Ray: Does Chaos offer enterprise pricing?
Yes, Chaos provides enterprise pricing plans for teams with more than 10 licenses. Enterprise customers should contact the Chaos sales team directly for custom pricing quotes tailored to their specific needs.
SourceOnShape: Is the free version of Onshape usable for commercial work?
No. Onshape states the free plan is for non-commercial use only, and every document created on it is publicly accessible. Private storage requires the Standard plan at $1,500 per user per year.
SourceOnShape: What does Onshape Professional add over Standard?
Professional adds company managed data, release management, advanced PDM, simulation, rendering, ECAD to MCAD exchange and CAM, for $2,500 per user per year against $1,500 for Standard.
SourceOnShape: Can I try Onshape Professional for free?
Onshape states that qualified professionals can try Onshape Professional free for up to 6 months through its Discovery Program, with no credit card required.
SourceRelated pages
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