Manufacturing · head to head
SolidWorks vs AutoCAD
SolidWorks
Manufacturing
3D CAD design software for engineers and designers
- From
- $3300/year
- Rated
- -
AutoCAD
Architecture
Computer-aided design and drafting software
- From
- $2095/year
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: SolidWorks windows-only software with no native macOS or Linux support; AutoCAD expensive subscription model with annual price increases of 5-8% and multi-year commitment premiums of 8-18%
- They diverge on capability: SolidWorks covers 3D solid modeling, AutoCAD covers 2D and 3D CAD.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which SolidWorks and AutoCAD actually diverge.
| Attribute | SolidWorks | AutoCAD |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $3300/year | $2095/year |
| Platforms | Windows | Windows, macOS, Web |
| Category | Manufacturing | Architecture |
| Founded | 1993 | 1982 |
Identical on both: pricing model (Unknown), free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated).
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 SolidWorks
- 3D solid modeling
- Assembly design
- Technical drawings
- Simulation
- Rendering
- PDM systems
- ERP systems
- CAM software
Only in AutoCAD
- 2D and 3D CAD
- Technical drawing
- Precision modeling
- Documentation tools
- Autodesk ecosystem
- Microsoft Office
- Revit
- 3ds Max
Both cover
- Enterprise security
- Access controls
- Windows support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
SolidWorks
- Product designnot AutoCAD
- Engineering analysisnot AutoCAD
- Manufacturing documentationnot AutoCAD
- Prototypingnot AutoCAD
- Quality controlnot AutoCAD
AutoCAD
- Architectural drawingsnot SolidWorks
- Engineering designnot SolidWorks
- Technical documentationnot SolidWorks
- Construction plansnot SolidWorks
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
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
AutoCAD
- Expensive subscription model with annual price increases of 5-8% and multi-year commitment premiums of 8-18%
- Desktop-centric design, limited cloud-native collaboration features
- No perpetual license option, subscription required for continued use
Pricing, plan by plan
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
AutoCAD
$2095/yearNo published plan breakdown. See the AutoCAD review.
Which should you pick?
Choose SolidWorks if
- You need 3d solid modeling.
- You work on Windows.
- You also want assembly design.
Choose AutoCAD if
- You need 2d and 3d cad.
- You work on Windows, macOS, Web.
- You also want technical drawing.
Questions people ask
- Is SolidWorks or AutoCAD better?
- Neither clearly leads. SolidWorks starts at $3300/year and AutoCAD at $2095/year, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, SolidWorks or AutoCAD?
- SolidWorks starts at $3300/year and AutoCAD at $2095/year.
- Does SolidWorks or AutoCAD run on more platforms?
- SolidWorks runs on Windows. AutoCAD runs on Windows, macOS, Web.
- What is SolidWorks best used for?
- SolidWorks is most often used for product design, engineering analysis, manufacturing documentation, prototyping. Of those, product design and engineering analysis are not what AutoCAD is typically brought in for.
- What can SolidWorks do that AutoCAD cannot?
- SolidWorks covers 3D solid modeling, Assembly design, Technical drawings, Simulation. AutoCAD covers 2D and 3D CAD, Technical drawing, Precision modeling, Documentation tools. Both handle Enterprise security, Access controls, 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.
SourceAutoCAD: What is AutoCAD's subscription pricing?
AutoCAD 2027 costs $2,095 annually for a single Named User subscription, $235 monthly, or $1,865 yearly. AutoCAD LT costs $500 annually. Prices have been increasing 5-8% annually.
SourceSolidWorks: 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).
SourceAutoCAD: Is AutoCAD available for free?
AutoCAD is only available through subscription. However, eligible students can get AutoCAD free for one year with a .edu email address through the Autodesk Education License program.
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.
SourceSolidWorks: 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.
SourceSolidWorks: 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