Software · head to head
Revit vs SolidWorks
SolidWorks
Software
3D CAD design software for engineers and designers
- From
- $3300/year
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Revit windows-only software with no native macOS support, limiting adoption among Mac-based design teams; SolidWorks windows-only software with no native macOS or Linux support
- They diverge on capability: Revit covers BIM modeling, SolidWorks covers 3D solid modeling.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Revit and SolidWorks actually diverge.
| Attribute | Revit | SolidWorks |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $380/month | $3300/year |
| Founded | 1982 | 1993 |
Identical on both: pricing model (Unknown), free tier (No), platforms (Windows), 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 Revit
- BIM modeling
- Parametric design
- Collaboration
- Documentation
- Analysis
- AutoCAD
- 3ds Max
- Navisworks
Only in SolidWorks
- 3D solid modeling
- Assembly design
- Technical drawings
- Simulation
- Rendering
- PDM systems
- ERP systems
- CAM software
Both cover
- Access controls
- Audit trails
- Windows support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Revit
- Building designnot SolidWorks
- Construction documentationnot SolidWorks
- MEP coordinationnot SolidWorks
- Structural analysisnot SolidWorks
- Project collaborationnot SolidWorks
SolidWorks
- Product designnot Revit
- Engineering analysisnot Revit
- Manufacturing documentationnot Revit
- Prototypingnot Revit
- Quality controlnot Revit
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Revit
- Windows-only software with no native macOS support, limiting adoption among Mac-based design teams
- Heavy computational requirements make it difficult to run on mid-range hardware, creating high infrastructure costs
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
Revit
$380/month- Monthly$380/month
- Full BIM modeling
- 3D visualization
- Collaboration tools
- Annual$2910/year
- Full BIM modeling
- 3D visualization
- Collaboration tools
- Revit LT$70/month
- Basic BIM features
- Reduced capability
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 Revit if
- You need bim modeling.
- You work on Windows.
- You also want parametric design.
Choose SolidWorks if
- You need 3d solid modeling.
- You work on Windows.
- You also want assembly design.
Questions people ask
- Is Revit or SolidWorks better?
- Neither clearly leads. Revit starts at $380/month and SolidWorks at $3300/year, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Revit or SolidWorks?
- Revit starts at $380/month and SolidWorks at $3300/year.
- Does Revit or SolidWorks run on more platforms?
- Both run on Windows, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
- What is Revit best used for?
- Revit is most often used for building design, construction documentation, mep coordination, structural analysis. Of those, building design and construction documentation are not what SolidWorks is typically brought in for.
- What can Revit do that SolidWorks cannot?
- Revit covers BIM modeling, Parametric design, Collaboration, Documentation. SolidWorks covers 3D solid modeling, Assembly design, Technical drawings, Simulation. Both handle Access controls, Audit trails, Windows support.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Revit: What is Revit's pricing model?
Revit 2026 costs $380 per month or $2,910 annually per user. Flex plans start at $300 for 100 tokens (10 days of use over one year). Revit LT costs $70/month for basic BIM features.
SourceSolidWorks: 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.
SourceSolidWorks: 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).
SourceSolidWorks: 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.
SourceSolidWorks: 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.
SourceSolidWorks: 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.
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