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Software · head to head

OnShape vs IronCAD

OnShape logo

OnShape

Software

Full-cloud 3D CAD platform

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
IronCAD logo

IronCAD

Software

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

From
$3500/one-time
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only OnShape has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: OnShape the free plan is non commercial only and makes every document publicly accessible, so nothing designed on it can be kept private; IronCAD pricing for all five IronCAD products (IronCAD, Draft, Inovate, Compose, Mechanical) is gated behind Request a Quote or Contact Sales, with no figures published
  • They diverge on capability: OnShape covers Cloud-native CAD, IronCAD covers Hybrid parametric/direct modeling.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which OnShape and IronCAD actually diverge.

Attributes where OnShape and IronCAD differ
AttributeOnShapeIronCAD
Starting priceFree$3500/one-time
Pricing modelsubscriptionone-time
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWeb, IOS, AndroidWindows
Founded20121998

Identical on both: 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 OnShape

  • Cloud-native CAD
  • Real-time collaboration
  • Version control
  • Part studios
  • Assemblies
  • Drawings
  • FeatureScript
  • Mobile access

Only in IronCAD

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

What people use each for

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

OnShape

  • Cloud based parametric CAD without local workstation installsnot IronCAD
  • Collaborative mechanical design with version history and shared documentsnot IronCAD

IronCAD

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

Where each one falls short

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

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

IronCAD

  • Pricing for all five IronCAD products (IronCAD, Draft, Inovate, Compose, Mechanical) is gated behind Request a Quote or Contact Sales, with no figures published

Pricing, plan by plan

OnShape

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Limited features
    • Public documents
  • Standard$1500/month
    • Private documents
    • Full features
  • Professional$2100/month
    • Advanced simulation
    • Enterprise features

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

Which should you pick?

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.
OnShape review

Choose IronCAD if

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

Questions people ask

Is OnShape or IronCAD better?
Neither clearly leads. OnShape starts at Free and IronCAD at $3500/one-time, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, OnShape or IronCAD?
OnShape has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for OnShape and $3500/one-time for IronCAD.
Does OnShape or IronCAD run on more platforms?
OnShape runs on Web, IOS, Android. IronCAD runs on Windows.
Can I use OnShape for free?
Yes. OnShape has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. IronCAD starts at $3500/one-time.
What is OnShape best used for?
OnShape is most often used for cloud based parametric cad without local workstation installs, collaborative mechanical design with version history and shared documents. Of those, cloud based parametric cad without local workstation installs and collaborative mechanical design with version history and shared documents are not what IronCAD is typically brought in for.
What can OnShape do that IronCAD cannot?
OnShape covers Cloud-native CAD, Real-time collaboration, Version control, Part studios. IronCAD covers Hybrid parametric/direct modeling, Drag-and-drop design, Multi-body assemblies, Sheet metal tools.
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