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Software · head to head

SketchUp Pro vs SolidWorks

SketchUp Pro logo

SketchUp Pro

Software

3D design and modeling software for architects and designers

From
$33.25/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
SolidWorks logo

SolidWorks

Software

3D CAD design software for engineers and designers

From
$3300/year
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: SketchUp Pro sketchUp Pro is a tier within SketchUp; see SketchUp entry for full comparison; SolidWorks windows-only software with no native macOS or Linux support
  • They diverge on capability: SketchUp Pro covers 3D modeling, SolidWorks covers 3D solid modeling.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which SketchUp Pro and SolidWorks actually diverge.

Attributes where SketchUp Pro and SolidWorks differ
AttributeSketchUp ProSolidWorks
Starting price$33.25/month$3300/year
Pricing modelsubscriptionUnknown
PlatformsWindows, macOS, Web, iPadWindows
Founded20001993

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 SketchUp Pro

  • 3D modeling
  • Visualization
  • Documentation
  • Cloud collaboration
  • Layout integration
  • Revit
  • AutoCAD
  • LayOut

Only in SolidWorks

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

Both cover

  • Windows support

What people use each for

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

SketchUp Pro

  • 3D professional design and modellingnot SolidWorks
  • Architectural documentation with LayOutnot SolidWorks
  • Access to 1000+ extensions librarynot SolidWorks

SolidWorks

  • Product designnot SketchUp Pro
  • Engineering analysisnot SketchUp Pro
  • Manufacturing documentationnot SketchUp Pro
  • Prototypingnot SketchUp Pro
  • Quality controlnot SketchUp Pro

Where each one falls short

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

SketchUp Pro

  • SketchUp Pro is a tier within SketchUp; see SketchUp entry for full comparison
  • No separate product—this is the Pro annual subscription tier at £33.25/month

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

SketchUp Pro

$33.25/month

No published plan breakdown. See the SketchUp Pro 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 SketchUp Pro if

  • You need 3d modeling.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Web, iPad.
  • You also want visualization.
SketchUp Pro review

Choose SolidWorks if

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

Questions people ask

Is SketchUp Pro or SolidWorks better?
Neither clearly leads. SketchUp Pro starts at $33.25/month and SolidWorks at $3300/year, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, SketchUp Pro or SolidWorks?
SketchUp Pro starts at $33.25/month and SolidWorks at $3300/year.
Does SketchUp Pro or SolidWorks run on more platforms?
SketchUp Pro runs on Windows, macOS, Web, iPad. SolidWorks runs on Windows.
What is SketchUp Pro best used for?
SketchUp Pro is most often used for 3d professional design and modelling, architectural documentation with layout, access to 1000+ extensions library. Of those, 3d professional design and modelling and architectural documentation with layout are not what SolidWorks is typically brought in for.
What can SketchUp Pro do that SolidWorks cannot?
SketchUp Pro covers 3D modeling, Visualization, Documentation, Cloud collaboration. SolidWorks covers 3D solid modeling, Assembly design, Technical drawings, Simulation. Both handle Windows support.

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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