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CAD · head to head

Rhino 3D vs Solid Edge

Rhino 3D logo

Rhino 3D

CAD

3D computer graphics and CAD application

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Solid Edge logo

Solid Edge

CAD

Next-generation 3D CAD with synchronous technology

From
$1/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Rhino 3D has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Rhino 3D windows-only for certain features including 3D digitizing hardware support; Solid Edge candidate list contains only one genuine competitor (Siemens NX from same vendor); very limited competing options in the provided list
  • They diverge on capability: Rhino 3D covers NURBS modeling, Solid Edge covers Synchronous technology.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Rhino 3D and Solid Edge actually diverge.

Attributes where Rhino 3D and Solid Edge differ
AttributeRhino 3DSolid Edge
Starting priceFree$1/month
Pricing modelone-timeUnknown
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWindows, Mac, iOSWindows
Founded19801995

Identical on both: 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 Rhino 3D

  • NURBS modeling
  • Surface modeling
  • 3D visualization
  • Grasshopper
  • Grasshopper
  • KeyShot
  • V-Ray
  • CAM software

Only in Solid Edge

  • Synchronous technology
  • Parametric modeling
  • Sheet metal
  • Simulation
  • Technical publications
  • Additive manufacturing
  • Teamcenter PLM
  • CAM Express

Both cover

  • Rendering
  • License management
  • Windows support

What people use each for

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

Rhino 3D

  • NURBS-based 3D modelling for product design and engineeringnot Solid Edge
  • Precision engineering and prototyping (aerospace, automotive, jewellery)not Solid Edge
  • Generative design with Grasshopper visual programmingnot Solid Edge
  • Mesh editing and point cloud processingnot Solid Edge

Solid Edge

  • Product designnot Rhino 3D
  • Sheet metal designnot Rhino 3D
  • Technical documentationnot Rhino 3D

Where each one falls short

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

Rhino 3D

  • Windows-only for certain features including 3D digitizing hardware support
  • Performance depends on hardware capabilities; complex projects require better equipment
  • Pre-release/Work-in-Progress builds may contain bugs and are not production ready

Solid Edge

  • Candidate list contains only one genuine competitor (Siemens NX from same vendor); very limited competing options in the provided list
  • Cloud-only platform with no traditional desktop licensing option; requires constant internet connectivity
  • Limited third-party plugin ecosystem compared to standalone CAD tools
  • Advanced simulation and generative design features require separate subscriptions, increasing total cost
  • Smaller user community compared to AutoCAD or other mainstream CAD platforms

Pricing, plan by plan

Rhino 3D

Free
  • EvaluationFree
    • 90-day trial
    • All features included
    • No credit card required
  • Student License$195/mo
    • Perpetual license
    • Support included
    • Service releases
  • Commercial License$995/mo
    • Perpetual license
    • Support included
    • Service releases
  • Student Upgrade$95/mo
    • Perpetual license
    • Requires prior license key
    • Support included

Solid Edge

$1/month

No published plan breakdown. See the Solid Edge review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Rhino 3D if

  • You need nurbs modeling.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Mac, iOS.
  • You also want surface modeling.
Rhino 3D review

Choose Solid Edge if

  • You need synchronous technology.
  • You work on Windows.
  • You also want parametric modeling.
Solid Edge review

Questions people ask

Is Rhino 3D or Solid Edge better?
Neither clearly leads. Rhino 3D starts at Free and Solid Edge at $1/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Rhino 3D or Solid Edge?
Rhino 3D has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Rhino 3D and $1/month for Solid Edge.
Does Rhino 3D or Solid Edge run on more platforms?
Rhino 3D runs on Windows, Mac, iOS. Solid Edge runs on Windows.
Can I use Rhino 3D for free?
Yes. Rhino 3D has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Solid Edge starts at $1/month.
What is Rhino 3D best used for?
Rhino 3D is most often used for nurbs-based 3d modelling for product design and engineering, precision engineering and prototyping (aerospace, automotive, jewellery), generative design with grasshopper visual programming, mesh editing and point cloud processing. Of those, nurbs-based 3d modelling for product design and engineering and precision engineering and prototyping (aerospace, automotive, jewellery) are not what Solid Edge is typically brought in for.
What can Rhino 3D do that Solid Edge cannot?
Rhino 3D covers NURBS modeling, Surface modeling, 3D visualization, Grasshopper. Solid Edge covers Synchronous technology, Parametric modeling, Sheet metal, Simulation. Both handle Rendering, License management, Windows support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Rhino 3D: How much does Rhino 3D cost?

Student licenses cost EUR 195, commercial licenses cost EUR 995. Both are perpetual one-time purchases. Upgrades from prior versions cost EUR 95 for students and EUR 595 for commercial users.

Source
Solid Edge: What is Solid Edge's pricing model?

Solid Edge uses a flexible, usage-based subscription model. New customers can get their first month for $1 and cancel anytime, with pay-as-you-go pricing for additional capabilities without complex upgrades or procurement delays.

Source
Rhino 3D: Is there a free trial?

Yes, a 90-day evaluation license is available free with no credit card required. Full features are included and commercial use is allowed.

Source
Solid Edge: What platforms does Solid Edge run on?

Solid Edge is a cloud-based 3D CAD software accessed through the Designcenter platform. It supports web browsers and can be accessed from any device with cloud synchronization.

Source
Rhino 3D: Can Rhino 3D licenses be shared across multiple users?

Commercial versions support floating licenses that can be shared. Student licenses are limited to single-user perpetual licenses. All licenses include support and service releases.

Source
Solid Edge: What are Solid Edge's core CAD features?

Solid Edge includes part and assembly design, automated drawings, basic animation, rendering, comprehensive sheet metal design, model-based definition (MBD), and simulation tools. Advanced features like generative design and AI-powered drawing creation are available as add-ons.

Source
Solid Edge: Does Solid Edge support augmented reality?

Yes, Solid Edge allows designers to review designs in augmented reality (AR) on phones and tablets. Users can view, measure, and markup CAD files on any device.

Source
Solid Edge: How does Solid Edge integrate with other Siemens products?

Designcenter Solid Edge has out-of-the-box integrations with Teamcenter and Teamcenter X for lifecycle management. CAM XaaS products work with Solid Edge, and it provides secure data management and seamless integration with third-party applications.

Source
Solid Edge: What are the key differences between Solid Edge and Siemens NX?

Solid Edge is Siemens' mid-range 3D CAD solution positioned for smaller teams and general mechanical design. Siemens NX is the advanced PLM system for complex manufacturing and enterprise design workflows.

Source
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