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Construction · head to head

SketchUp vs SketchUp

SketchUp logo

SketchUp

Construction

3D design software for everyone

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
SketchUp logo

SketchUp

Construction

3D design software for everyone

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: SketchUp studio tier limited to Windows only; not available for macOS or Linux; SketchUp studio tier limited to Windows only; not available for macOS or Linux
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which SketchUp and SketchUp actually diverge.

Attributes where SketchUp and SketchUp differ
AttributeSketchUpSketchUp

Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (freemium), free tier (Yes), platforms (Web, iPad, Windows, macOS (Pro only)), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Construction), founded (1978).

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

Nothing recorded that SketchUp does not also cover.

Only in SketchUp

Nothing recorded that SketchUp does not also cover.

Both cover

  • 3D modeling
  • 2D documentation
  • Rendering
  • Animation
  • Extension warehouse
  • 3D Warehouse
  • LayOut
  • V-Ray
  • Enscape
  • Lumion
  • Revit
  • Cloud storage
  • Trimble ID authentication
  • Windows support

What people use each for

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

SketchUp

  • 3D architectural design and visualization
  • Product design and prototyping
  • Interior design planning
  • Real estate visualization

SketchUp

  • 3D architectural design and visualization
  • Product design and prototyping
  • Interior design planning
  • Real estate visualization

Both are used for 3d architectural design and visualization, product design and prototyping, interior design planning, real estate visualization, on those jobs the choice comes down to price and fit rather than capability.

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

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

Pricing, plan by plan

SketchUp

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the SketchUp review.

SketchUp

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the SketchUp review.

Which should you pick?

Choose SketchUp if

  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, iPad, Windows, macOS (Pro only).
SketchUp review

Choose SketchUp if

  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, iPad, Windows, macOS (Pro only).
SketchUp review

Questions people ask

Is SketchUp or SketchUp better?
Neither clearly leads. SketchUp starts at Free and SketchUp at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, SketchUp or SketchUp?
SketchUp starts at Free and SketchUp at Free.
Does SketchUp or SketchUp run on more platforms?
Both run on Web, iPad, Windows, macOS (Pro only), so platform support will not decide this one for you.
Can I use SketchUp for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
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.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

SketchUp: How much does SketchUp cost?

SketchUp publishes three core annual plans, priced per user and billed annually: Go at $10.75 per month, Pro at $33.25 per month and Studio at $68.25 per month.

Source
SketchUp: How much does SketchUp cost?

SketchUp publishes three core annual plans, priced per user and billed annually: Go at $10.75 per month, Pro at $33.25 per month and Studio at $68.25 per month.

Source
SketchUp: Is there a free version of SketchUp?

There is a 7 day free trial of the core features. SketchUp is also free for K-12 use when accessed with a Google Workspace for Education or Microsoft Education account.

Source
SketchUp: Is there a free version of SketchUp?

There is a 7 day free trial of the core features. SketchUp is also free for K-12 use when accessed with a Google Workspace for Education or Microsoft Education account.

Source
SketchUp: What is the difference between SketchUp Pro and Studio?

Studio adds a Revit importer, point cloud modelling, photorealistic visuals, animations and panoramas on top of Pro. Studio runs on Windows only, while Pro is available on web, iPad and desktop.

Source
SketchUp: What is the difference between SketchUp Pro and Studio?

Studio adds a Revit importer, point cloud modelling, photorealistic visuals, animations and panoramas on top of Pro. Studio runs on Windows only, while Pro is available on web, iPad and desktop.

Source
SketchUp: What does SketchUp Go include compared with Pro?

Go is limited to iPad and web, with premade furnishings and materials, cloud storage, a mobile viewer and real time sharing. Pro adds desktop modelling, the LayOut documentation tool and access to over 1000 extensions.

Source
SketchUp: What does SketchUp Go include compared with Pro?

Go is limited to iPad and web, with premade furnishings and materials, cloud storage, a mobile viewer and real time sharing. Pro adds desktop modelling, the LayOut documentation tool and access to over 1000 extensions.

Source
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