Softwr

Software · head to head

SketchUp vs Autodesk Revit

SketchUp logo

SketchUp

Software

3D design software for everyone

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Autodesk Revit logo

Autodesk Revit

Software

BIM software for architects and engineers

From
$29/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only SketchUp has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: SketchUp studio tier limited to Windows only; not available for macOS or Linux; Autodesk Revit autodesk Revit single-user commercial subscription is $2,910 USD per year ($365/month), with a 3-year term totaling $8,730, per Autodesk's own checkout pricing data embedded in the site (archived subscribe page, 2023).
  • They diverge on capability: SketchUp covers 3D modeling, Autodesk Revit covers BIM modeling.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which SketchUp and Autodesk Revit actually diverge.

Attributes where SketchUp and Autodesk Revit differ
AttributeSketchUpAutodesk Revit
Starting priceFree$29/month
Pricing modelfreemiumsubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWeb, iPad, Windows, macOS (Pro only)Windows
Founded19781982

Identical on both: 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

  • 3D modeling
  • 2D documentation
  • Animation
  • Extension warehouse
  • 3D Warehouse
  • LayOut
  • V-Ray
  • Enscape

Only in Autodesk Revit

  • BIM modeling
  • Parametric components
  • Collaboration
  • Documentation
  • Structural analysis
  • MEP design
  • Cloud worksharing
  • AutoCAD

Both cover

  • Rendering
  • Windows support

What people use each for

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

SketchUp

  • 3D architectural design and visualizationnot Autodesk Revit
  • Product design and prototypingnot Autodesk Revit
  • Interior design planningnot Autodesk Revit
  • Real estate visualizationnot Autodesk Revit

Autodesk Revit

  • Building designnot SketchUp
  • Construction documentationnot SketchUp
  • BIM coordinationnot SketchUp

Where each one falls short

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

SketchUp

  • Studio tier limited to Windows only; not available for macOS or Linux
  • Go tier restricted to iPad and web—no desktop application access
  • LayOut (documentation tool) only available in Pro and Studio tiers
  • 1000+ extensions library only available in Pro and Studio; Go has limited extension access

Autodesk Revit

  • Autodesk Revit single-user commercial subscription is $2,910 USD per year ($365/month), with a 3-year term totaling $8,730, per Autodesk's own checkout pricing data embedded in the site (archived subscribe page, 2023).

Pricing, plan by plan

SketchUp

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the SketchUp review.

Autodesk Revit

$29/month
  • Revit$2545/month
    • Full BIM capabilities
    • Collaboration tools
  • AEC Collection$2975/month
    • Revit + AutoCAD + Civil 3D + more

Which should you pick?

Choose SketchUp if

  • You need 3d modeling.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, iPad, Windows, macOS (Pro only).
  • You also want 2d documentation.
SketchUp review

Choose Autodesk Revit if

  • You need bim modeling.
  • You work on Windows.
  • You also want parametric components.
Autodesk Revit review

Questions people ask

Is SketchUp or Autodesk Revit better?
Neither clearly leads. SketchUp starts at Free and Autodesk Revit at $29/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, SketchUp or Autodesk Revit?
SketchUp has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for SketchUp and $29/month for Autodesk Revit.
Does SketchUp or Autodesk Revit run on more platforms?
SketchUp runs on Web, iPad, Windows, macOS (Pro only). Autodesk Revit runs on Windows.
Can I use SketchUp for free?
Yes. SketchUp has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Autodesk Revit starts at $29/month.
What is SketchUp best used for?
SketchUp is most often used for 3d architectural design and visualization, product design and prototyping, interior design planning, real estate visualization. Of those, 3d architectural design and visualization and product design and prototyping are not what Autodesk Revit is typically brought in for.
What can SketchUp do that Autodesk Revit cannot?
SketchUp covers 3D modeling, 2D documentation, Animation, Extension warehouse. Autodesk Revit covers BIM modeling, Parametric components, Collaboration, Documentation. Both handle Rendering, Windows support.
ShareXLinkedInRedditWhatsAppEmail

Related pages

More on SketchUp

More on Autodesk Revit

Keep looking

Other head to heads