Softwr

CAD · head to head

OnShape vs Spline

OnShape logo

OnShape

CAD

Full-cloud 3D CAD platform

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Spline logo

Spline

Design

3D design tool for the web

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • 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; Spline aI generation features produce inconsistent and often distorted results, failing at basic depth perception tasks
  • They diverge on capability: OnShape covers Cloud-native CAD, Spline covers 3D modeling.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which OnShape and Spline actually diverge.

Attributes where OnShape and Spline differ
AttributeOnShapeSpline
Pricing modelsubscriptionfreemium
PlatformsWeb, IOS, AndroidWeb, iOS, Android, visionOS
CategoryCADDesign
Founded20122020

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated).

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
  • Version control
  • Part studios
  • Assemblies
  • Drawings
  • FeatureScript
  • Mobile access
  • Arena PLM

Only in Spline

  • 3D modeling
  • Animations
  • Interactions
  • Code export
  • React
  • Next.js
  • Webflow
  • Framer

Both cover

  • Real-time collaboration
  • Web support

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 Spline
  • Collaborative mechanical design with version history and shared documentsnot Spline

Spline

  • Web 3D experiencesnot OnShape
  • Interactive prototypesnot OnShape
  • Product visualizationnot 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

Spline

  • AI generation features produce inconsistent and often distorted results, failing at basic depth perception tasks
  • Limited to simpler designs - not suitable for high-poly, detailed production models
  • Performance degrades with complex scenes containing many objects and materials
  • Limited non-Apple platform coverage compared to cross-platform design tools
  • Tutorials are either too fast for beginners or too basic for advanced users

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

Spline

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Unlimited projects
    • Basic exports
    • Community support
  • Pro$9/month
    • Advanced exports
    • Custom domains
    • Password protection
  • Team$19/month
    • Team collaboration
    • Version control
    • Admin controls

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 version control.
OnShape review

Choose Spline if

  • You need 3d modeling.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android, visionOS.
  • You also want animations.
Spline review

Questions people ask

Is OnShape or Spline better?
Neither clearly leads. OnShape starts at Free and Spline at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, OnShape or Spline?
OnShape starts at Free and Spline at Free.
Does OnShape or Spline run on more platforms?
OnShape runs on Web, IOS, Android. Spline runs on Web, iOS, Android, visionOS.
Can I use OnShape for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
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 Spline is typically brought in for.
What can OnShape do that Spline cannot?
OnShape covers Cloud-native CAD, Version control, Part studios, Assemblies. Spline covers 3D modeling, Animations, Interactions, Code export. Both handle Real-time collaboration, Web support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

OnShape: 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.

Source
Spline: What is Spline's pricing?

Spline offers a Free plan with watermarked web exports, Starter at $12/month (billed annually) removing watermarks, Professional at $20/month with unlimited projects, and Enterprise with custom pricing. Viewers are unlimited on all plans.

Source
OnShape: 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.

Source
Spline: Can Spline export 3D models to other tools?

Spline's export/import format support is more limited compared to traditional 3D tools like Blender. It focuses on web-first exports and native app code generation.

Source
OnShape: 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.

Source
OnShape: 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.

Source
Share

Related pages

More on OnShape

More on Spline

Keep looking

Other head to heads