Software · head to head
SolidWorks vs Fusion 360
SolidWorks
Software
3D CAD design software for engineers and designers
- From
- $3300/year
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Only Fusion 360 has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
- Each has a real cost: SolidWorks windows-only software with no native macOS or Linux support; Fusion 360 requires paid subscription for professional use
- They diverge on capability: SolidWorks covers 3D solid modeling, Fusion 360 covers 3D CAD modeling.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which SolidWorks and Fusion 360 actually diverge.
| Attribute | SolidWorks | Fusion 360 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $3300/year | Free |
| Pricing model | Unknown | freemium |
| Free tier | No | Yes |
| Platforms | Windows | Web, Windows, macOS |
| Founded | 1993 | 1982 |
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 SolidWorks
- 3D solid modeling
- Assembly design
- Technical drawings
- Rendering
- PDM systems
- CAM software
- PLM platforms
- Enterprise security
Only in Fusion 360
- 3D CAD modeling
- CAM programming
- PCB design
- Cloud collaboration
- Autodesk ecosystem
- Manufacturing partners
- PLM systems
- Cloud security
Both cover
- Simulation
- ERP systems
- Access controls
- Design reviews
- Version control
- Windows support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
SolidWorks
- Product design
- Engineering analysisnot Fusion 360
- Manufacturing documentationnot Fusion 360
- Prototyping
- Quality controlnot Fusion 360
Fusion 360
- Product design
- Prototyping
- Manufacturingnot SolidWorks
- 3D printingnot SolidWorks
- Simulationnot SolidWorks
Both are used for product design, prototyping, 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.
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
Fusion 360
- Requires paid subscription for professional use
- Cloud-based, requires internet connection
- Free tier limited to students and educators
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
Fusion 360
Free- Personal UseFree
- Non-commercial use
- Basic CAD tools
- Cloud storage
- Commercial$70/month
- Full CAD/CAM/CAE
- Simulation
- Rendering
Which should you pick?
Choose SolidWorks if
- You need 3d solid modeling.
- You work on Windows.
- You also want assembly design.
Choose Fusion 360 if
- You need 3d cad modeling.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Web, Windows, macOS.
- You also want cam programming.
Questions people ask
- Is SolidWorks or Fusion 360 better?
- Neither clearly leads. SolidWorks starts at $3300/year and Fusion 360 at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, SolidWorks or Fusion 360?
- Fusion 360 has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $3300/year for SolidWorks and Free for Fusion 360.
- Does SolidWorks or Fusion 360 run on more platforms?
- SolidWorks runs on Windows. Fusion 360 runs on Web, Windows, macOS.
- Can I use Fusion 360 for free?
- Yes. Fusion 360 has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. SolidWorks starts at $3300/year.
- What is SolidWorks best used for?
- SolidWorks is most often used for product design, engineering analysis, manufacturing documentation, prototyping. Of those, engineering analysis and manufacturing documentation are not what Fusion 360 is typically brought in for.
- What can SolidWorks do that Fusion 360 cannot?
- SolidWorks covers 3D solid modeling, Assembly design, Technical drawings, Rendering. Fusion 360 covers 3D CAD modeling, CAM programming, PCB design, Cloud collaboration. Both handle Simulation, ERP systems, Access controls, Design reviews.
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.
SourceFusion 360: Is Fusion 360 free?
Fusion 360 is free for students, educators, and academic institutions with full features. It offers a 30-day free trial for all users, and a limited personal-use license for hobbyists and makers.
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).
SourceFusion 360: How much does Fusion 360 cost for professionals?
Fusion 360 professional subscriptions start at $85/month, $680/year, or $2,040 for a 3-year commitment. Startups that qualify can get a discount starting at $150.
SourceSolidWorks: 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.
SourceFusion 360: Does Fusion 360 support 3D modeling, CAD, and CAM?
Yes. Fusion 360 is a cloud-based platform that integrates 3D modeling, CAD, CAM, CAE (simulation), and PCB design in one software.
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.
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