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Software · head to head

SketchUp vs SolidWorks

SketchUp logo

SketchUp

Software

3D design software for everyone

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
SolidWorks logo

SolidWorks

Software

3D CAD design software for engineers and designers

From
$3300/year
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; SolidWorks windows-only software with no native macOS or Linux support
  • They diverge on capability: SketchUp covers 3D modeling, SolidWorks covers 3D solid modeling.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which SketchUp and SolidWorks actually diverge.

Attributes where SketchUp and SolidWorks differ
AttributeSketchUpSolidWorks
Starting priceFree$3300/year
Pricing modelfreemiumUnknown
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWeb, iPad, Windows, macOS (Pro only)Windows
Founded19781993

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 SolidWorks

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

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 SolidWorks
  • Product design and prototypingnot SolidWorks
  • Interior design planningnot SolidWorks
  • Real estate visualizationnot SolidWorks

SolidWorks

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

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

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the SketchUp 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 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 SolidWorks if

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

Questions people ask

Is SketchUp or SolidWorks better?
Neither clearly leads. SketchUp starts at Free and SolidWorks at $3300/year, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, SketchUp or SolidWorks?
SketchUp has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for SketchUp and $3300/year for SolidWorks.
Does SketchUp or SolidWorks run on more platforms?
SketchUp runs on Web, iPad, Windows, macOS (Pro only). SolidWorks runs on Windows.
Can I use SketchUp for free?
Yes. SketchUp has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. SolidWorks starts at $3300/year.
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 SolidWorks is typically brought in for.
What can SketchUp do that SolidWorks cannot?
SketchUp covers 3D modeling, 2D documentation, Animation, Extension warehouse. SolidWorks covers 3D solid modeling, Assembly design, Technical drawings, Simulation. Both handle Rendering, 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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