Softwr

Construction & Architecture · head to head

Procore vs SolidWorks

Procore logo

Procore

Construction & Architecture

All-in-one construction management platform

From
On request
Rated
-
SolidWorks logo

SolidWorks

Manufacturing

3D CAD design software for engineers and designers

From
$3300/year
Rated
-

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Procore pricing based on Annual Construction Volume (ACV) requires custom quote—no fixed public pricing available; SolidWorks windows-only software with no native macOS or Linux support
  • They diverge on capability: Procore covers Project management, SolidWorks covers 3D solid modeling.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Procore and SolidWorks actually diverge.

Attributes where Procore and SolidWorks differ
AttributeProcoreSolidWorks
Starting priceOn request$3300/year
Pricing modelsubscriptionUnknown
PlatformsWeb, iOS, AndroidWindows
CategoryConstruction & ArchitectureManufacturing
Founded20021993

Identical on both: free tier (No), 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 Procore

  • Project management
  • Quality & safety
  • Financial management
  • Resource management
  • Document control
  • QuickBooks
  • Sage
  • Microsoft 365

Only in SolidWorks

  • 3D solid modeling
  • Assembly design
  • Technical drawings
  • Simulation
  • Rendering
  • PDM systems
  • ERP systems
  • CAM software

Both cover

  • Audit trails

What people use each for

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

Procore

  • Construction project management and collaborationnot SolidWorks
  • Field productivity and site communicationnot SolidWorks
  • Quality and safety managementnot SolidWorks
  • Financial and accounting management for constructionnot SolidWorks

SolidWorks

  • Product designnot Procore
  • Engineering analysisnot Procore
  • Manufacturing documentationnot Procore
  • Prototypingnot Procore
  • Quality controlnot Procore

Where each one falls short

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

Procore

  • Pricing based on Annual Construction Volume (ACV) requires custom quote—no fixed public pricing available
  • Field Productivity product uses FTE (Full-Time Equivalent) pricing model rather than standard ACV, adding complexity to cost estimation
  • Requires direct sales contact for pricing; not available for self-service selection

SolidWorks

  • Windows-only software with no native macOS or Linux support
  • High perpetual licensing costs compared to cloud-based competitors like Fusion 360
  • Performance can degrade with very large assemblies containing thousands of parts
  • Requires separate licensing for advanced simulation features in Professional and Premium editions

Pricing, plan by plan

Procore

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the Procore review.

SolidWorks

$3300/year
  • Standard$846/year
    • Parametric modeling
    • Assemblies and drawings
    • Basic analysis
  • Professional$4995/year (approx)
    • Advanced simulation
    • Surfacing tools
    • Sheet metal design
  • Premium$7100/year (approx)
    • All Professional features
    • Reverse engineering
    • Advanced analysis

Which should you pick?

Choose Procore if

  • You need project management.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android.
  • You also want quality & safety.

Choose SolidWorks if

  • You need 3d solid modeling.
  • You work on Windows.
  • You also want assembly design.

Questions people ask

Is Procore or SolidWorks better?
Neither clearly leads. Procore starts at On request and SolidWorks at $3300/year, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Procore or SolidWorks?
Procore starts at On request and SolidWorks at $3300/year.
Does Procore or SolidWorks run on more platforms?
Procore runs on Web, iOS, Android. SolidWorks runs on Windows.
What is Procore best used for?
Procore is most often used for construction project management and collaboration, field productivity and site communication, quality and safety management, financial and accounting management for construction. Of those, construction project management and collaboration and field productivity and site communication are not what SolidWorks is typically brought in for.
What can Procore do that SolidWorks cannot?
Procore covers Project management, Quality & safety, Financial management, Resource management. SolidWorks covers 3D solid modeling, Assembly design, Technical drawings, Simulation. Both handle Audit trails.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

SolidWorks: What is the cost of SolidWorks?

SolidWorks pricing varies by license type. Standard Edition costs approximately $846 on average, while Professional and Premium editions are priced higher depending on reseller and licensing model. Costs typically range from $3,300 to $7,100 depending on features and add-ons.

Source
SolidWorks: What editions of SolidWorks are available?

SolidWorks offers three main editions: Standard (essential CAD with parametric modeling and assemblies), Professional (adds advanced simulation and surfacing), and Premium (comprehensive engineering suite with reverse engineering and complex analysis).

Source
SolidWorks: Does SolidWorks run on macOS?

SolidWorks is primarily a Windows-only application. While macOS users can run it via virtual machines or Boot Camp, native macOS support is not available.

Source
SolidWorks: What AI capabilities does SolidWorks 2026 include?

SolidWorks 2026 integrates native AI assistants LEO and AURA directly into the interface. These AI features provide design assistance and automation for tasks like optimization and feature creation.

Source
SolidWorks: Can I create assemblies and complex 3D models in SolidWorks?

Yes. SolidWorks includes unlimited assembly capabilities, parametric modeling for complex designs, detailing and drawing tools, and built-in analysis for stress simulation and dynamic motion.

Source

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