Softwr

Construction & Architecture · head to head

SketchUp vs Trimble

SketchUp logo

SketchUp

Construction & Architecture

3D design software for everyone

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Trimble logo

Trimble

Construction & Architecture

Construction and building information platform

From
$500/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; Trimble listed on UK G-Cloud 14 at £30 to £50 per user per month for Viewpoint Field View, Trimble's construction field management product, submitted directly by Trimble UK Limited
  • They diverge on capability: SketchUp covers 3D modeling, Trimble covers Project management.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which SketchUp and Trimble actually diverge.

Attributes where SketchUp and Trimble differ
AttributeSketchUpTrimble
Starting priceFree$500/month
Pricing modelfreemiumsubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWeb, iPad, Windows, macOS (Pro only)Web, Ios, Android

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Construction & Architecture), 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

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

Only in Trimble

  • Project management
  • BIM collaboration
  • Document management
  • Field coordination
  • Analytics
  • AutoCAD
  • Procore
  • Oracle Aconex

Both cover

  • Revit
  • Web support

What people use each for

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

SketchUp

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

Trimble

  • BIM collaborationnot SketchUp
  • Project coordinationnot SketchUp
  • Document managementnot SketchUp
  • Field operationsnot 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

Trimble

  • Listed on UK G-Cloud 14 at £30 to £50 per user per month for Viewpoint Field View, Trimble's construction field management product, submitted directly by Trimble UK Limited

Pricing, plan by plan

SketchUp

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the SketchUp review.

Trimble

$500/month
  • Connect$500/month
    • Project management
    • Collaboration
    • Document control
  • EnterpriseFree
    • BIM integration
    • Advanced analytics
    • Custom workflows

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 Trimble if

  • You need project management.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android.
  • You also want bim collaboration.
Trimble review

Questions people ask

Is SketchUp or Trimble better?
Neither clearly leads. SketchUp starts at Free and Trimble at $500/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, SketchUp or Trimble?
SketchUp has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for SketchUp and $500/month for Trimble.
Does SketchUp or Trimble run on more platforms?
SketchUp runs on Web, iPad, Windows, macOS (Pro only). Trimble runs on Web, Ios, Android.
Can I use SketchUp for free?
Yes. SketchUp has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Trimble starts at $500/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 Trimble is typically brought in for.
What can SketchUp do that Trimble cannot?
SketchUp covers 3D modeling, 2D documentation, Rendering, Animation. Trimble covers Project management, BIM collaboration, Document management, Field coordination. Both handle Revit, Web support.
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