3D & CAD · head to head
Solid Edge vs BricsCAD
Solid Edge
3D & CAD
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; BricsCAD the Lite edition has no 3D modelling, surveying or point cloud support
- They diverge on capability: Solid Edge covers Synchronous technology, BricsCAD covers DWG native.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Solid Edge and BricsCAD actually diverge.
| Attribute | Solid Edge | BricsCAD |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $1/month | $29/month |
| Pricing model | Unknown | one-time |
| Platforms | Windows | Windows, MacOS, Linux |
| Founded | 1995 | 2002 |
Identical on both: free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (3D & 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 Solid Edge
- Synchronous technology
- Parametric modeling
- Simulation
- Rendering
- Technical publications
- Additive manufacturing
- Teamcenter PLM
- CAM Express
Only in BricsCAD
- DWG native
- 2D drafting
- 3D modeling
- BIM
- Mechanical
- LISP support
- AutoCAD compatible
- Revit IFC
Both cover
- Sheet metal
- License management
- Windows support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Solid Edge
- Product designnot BricsCAD
- Sheet metal designnot BricsCAD
- Technical documentationnot BricsCAD
BricsCAD
- 2D drafting as a DWG native alternative to AutoCADnot Solid Edge
- 3D mechanical design and assembly modellingnot Solid Edge
- BIM modelling and construction documentationnot 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
BricsCAD
- The Lite edition has no 3D modelling, surveying or point cloud support
- Lite is sold as a network licence only with a 5 seat minimum
- Mechanical excludes BIM tools and BIM excludes mechanical and surveying tools, so cross discipline work needs Ultimate at 1,176 euro
- Importing 3D geometry and PMI from other CAD systems requires the Communicator add on at 294 euro per year
- Network licences require the customer to run their own licence server
- Maintenance is included for the first year only and renewal is a separate annual charge on perpetual licences
- Listed prices exclude local taxes
- Bricsys now trades as Octave and the product site has moved to bricscad.octave.com
Pricing, plan by plan
Solid Edge
$1/monthNo published plan breakdown. See the Solid Edge review.
BricsCAD
$29/month- Lite$550/month
- 2D drafting
- Pro$875/month
- 2D + 3D
- Ultimate$1575/month
- All features
Which should you pick?
Choose Solid Edge if
- You need synchronous technology.
- You work on Windows.
- You also want parametric modeling.
Choose BricsCAD if
- You need dwg native.
- You work on Windows, MacOS, Linux.
- You also want 2d drafting.
Questions people ask
- Is Solid Edge or BricsCAD better?
- Neither clearly leads. Solid Edge starts at $1/month and BricsCAD at $29/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Solid Edge or BricsCAD?
- Solid Edge starts at $1/month and BricsCAD at $29/month.
- Does Solid Edge or BricsCAD run on more platforms?
- Solid Edge runs on Windows. BricsCAD 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 BricsCAD is typically brought in for.
- What can Solid Edge do that BricsCAD cannot?
- Solid Edge covers Synchronous technology, Parametric modeling, Simulation, Rendering. BricsCAD covers DWG native, 2D drafting, 3D modeling, BIM. Both handle Sheet metal, 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