Software · head to head
Solid Edge vs Mudbox
Solid Edge
Software
Next-generation 3D CAD with synchronous technology
- From
- $1/month
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Solid Edge candidate list contains only one genuine competitor (Siemens NX from same vendor); very limited competing options in the provided list; Mudbox a Mudbox subscription license may be installed on up to 3 computers (Internet Archive capture, 12 November 2023)
- They diverge on capability: Solid Edge covers Synchronous technology, Mudbox covers Digital sculpting.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Solid Edge and Mudbox actually diverge.
| Attribute | Solid Edge | Mudbox |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $1/month | $29/month |
| Pricing model | Unknown | subscription |
| Platforms | Windows | Windows, MacOS, Linux |
| Founded | 1995 | 1982 |
Identical on both: free tier (No), 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 Solid Edge
- Synchronous technology
- Parametric modeling
- Sheet metal
- Simulation
- Rendering
- Technical publications
- Additive manufacturing
- Teamcenter PLM
Only in Mudbox
- Digital sculpting
- Texture painting
- Retopology
- PTEX support
- Layer system
- Stencils
- Stamps
- GPU tessellation
Both cover
- License management
- Windows support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Solid Edge
- Product designnot Mudbox
- Sheet metal designnot Mudbox
- Technical documentationnot Mudbox
Mudbox
- Character sculptingnot Solid Edge
- Texture creationnot Solid Edge
- Asset detailingnot Solid Edge
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
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
Mudbox
- A Mudbox subscription license may be installed on up to 3 computers (Internet Archive capture, 12 November 2023)
- Sold as monthly, annual or 3-year subscription terms with no perpetual license option offered on the pricing page (Internet Archive capture, 12 November 2023)
Pricing, plan by plan
Solid Edge
$1/monthNo published plan breakdown. See the Solid Edge review.
Mudbox
$29/month- Mudbox$85/month
- Full sculpting
- Texture painting
- M&E Collection$2390/month
- Mudbox + Maya + 3ds Max + more
Which should you pick?
Choose Solid Edge if
- You need synchronous technology.
- You work on Windows.
- You also want parametric modeling.
Choose Mudbox if
- You need digital sculpting.
- You work on Windows, MacOS, Linux.
- You also want texture painting.
Questions people ask
- Is Solid Edge or Mudbox better?
- Neither clearly leads. Solid Edge starts at $1/month and Mudbox at $29/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Solid Edge or Mudbox?
- Solid Edge starts at $1/month and Mudbox at $29/month.
- Does Solid Edge or Mudbox run on more platforms?
- Solid Edge runs on Windows. Mudbox runs on Windows, MacOS, Linux.
- What is Solid Edge best used for?
- Solid Edge is most often used for product design, sheet metal design, technical documentation. Of those, product design and sheet metal design are not what Mudbox is typically brought in for.
- What can Solid Edge do that Mudbox cannot?
- Solid Edge covers Synchronous technology, Parametric modeling, Sheet metal, Simulation. Mudbox covers Digital sculpting, Texture painting, Retopology, PTEX support. Both handle License management, Windows support.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
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.
SourceSolid 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.
SourceSolid 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.
SourceSolid 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.
SourceSolid 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.
SourceSolid 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