SolidWorks vs Fusion 360
A comprehensive head-to-head comparison of two leading manufacturing solutions in 2026. Compare features, pricing, ratings, and more to find the right fit.
Quick Verdict
Choose SolidWorks if you need 3D solid modeling and prefer comprehensive paid features. Choose Fusion 360 if you prioritize 3D CAD modeling and want a free tier to start. Fusion 360 has a higher user rating (4.4 vs 4.3).
SolidWorks vs Fusion 360: At a Glance
| Criteria | SolidWorks | Fusion 360 |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.3 | 4.4 |
| Pricing | $4195/year | Free |
| Pricing Model | subscription | freemium |
| Free Plan | ||
| Platforms | Windows | Windows, Macos, Web |
| Category | Manufacturing | Manufacturing |
| Founded | 1981 | 1982 |
Feature Comparison: SolidWorks vs Fusion 360
| Feature | SolidWorks | Fusion 360 |
|---|---|---|
| 3D solid modeling | ||
| Assembly design | ||
| Technical drawings | ||
| Simulation | ||
| Rendering | ||
| PDM systems | ||
| ERP systems | ||
| CAM software | ||
| PLM platforms | ||
| Enterprise security | ||
| Data vault | ||
| Access controls | ||
| Audit trails | ||
| PDM integration | ||
| Design reviews | ||
| 3D CAD modeling | ||
| CAM programming | ||
| PCB design | ||
| Cloud collaboration | ||
| Autodesk ecosystem | ||
| Manufacturing partners | ||
| PLM systems | ||
| Cloud security | ||
| Data encryption | ||
| Version control | ||
| Real-time collaboration |
SolidWorks vs Fusion 360: Pricing Breakdown
SolidWorks Pricing
Model: subscription
- 3D CAD
- Assembly modeling
- 2D drawings
- Basic simulation
- Advanced features
- Photo-realistic rendering
- Advanced simulation
- Data utilities
- Everything included
- CAM capabilities
- Advanced simulation
- Reverse engineering
Fusion 360 Pricing
Model: freemium
- Non-commercial use
- Basic CAD tools
- Cloud storage
- Community support
- Full CAD/CAM/CAE
- Simulation
- Rendering
- Data management
Pros and Cons
SolidWorks
Pros
- Highly rated by users (4.3/5)
- Rich feature set with 15+ capabilities
- Strong 3D solid modeling functionality
- Strong Assembly design functionality
Cons
- No free plan available
- Limited platform support (Windows only)
- May require time to learn advanced features
Fusion 360
Pros
- Highly rated by users (4.4/5)
- Free plan available to get started
- Available on 3 platforms (Windows, Macos, Web)
- Rich feature set with 15+ capabilities
- Strong 3D CAD modeling functionality
- Strong Simulation functionality
Cons
- May require time to learn advanced features
Who Should Use SolidWorks vs Fusion 360?
Choose SolidWorks if you:
- Need 3D solid modeling
- Have a budget of $4195/year+
- Work primarily on Windows
- Value Assembly design
Choose Fusion 360 if you:
- Need 3D CAD modeling
- Want to start for free
- Work primarily on Windows and Macos
- Value Simulation
Frequently Asked Questions: SolidWorks vs Fusion 360
Is SolidWorks better than Fusion 360?
It depends on your needs. SolidWorks has a 4.3/5 user rating while Fusion 360 has 4.4/5. SolidWorks excels in 3D solid modeling and Assembly design, while Fusion 360 stands out with 3D CAD modeling and Simulation. Consider your budget ($4195/year vs Free), platform needs, and specific feature requirements.
Which is cheaper, SolidWorks or Fusion 360?
SolidWorks starts at $4195/year. Fusion 360 offers a free plan and starts at Free. Fusion 360 has a clear pricing advantage with its free tier.
Can I use SolidWorks and Fusion 360 together?
While both are manufacturing tools, some teams use complementary software together. Check each product's API and integration capabilities for compatibility. However, most users find that one solution covers their core manufacturing needs.
What are the main differences between SolidWorks and Fusion 360?
The key differences include: pricing model (subscription vs freemium), platform support (Windows vs Windows, Macos, Web), and feature focus. SolidWorks emphasizes 3D solid modeling, Assembly design, Technical drawings while Fusion 360 focuses on 3D CAD modeling, Simulation, CAM programming. User ratings differ slightly: 4.3 vs 4.4 out of 5.
Ready to choose?
Explore detailed reviews, user ratings, and pricing for both SolidWorks and Fusion 360.