Manufacturing · head to head
SolidWorks vs MachineMetrics
SolidWorks
Manufacturing
3D CAD design software for engineers and designers
- From
- $3300/year
- Rated
- -
MachineMetrics
Manufacturing
Collect, monitor, analyze and drive action with machine data
- From
- On request
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: SolidWorks windows-only software with no native macOS or Linux support; MachineMetrics pricing page names three tiers (Core Platform, Intelligent MES, Enterprise) but publishes no dollar figures, stating cost is volume-based per connected machine
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which SolidWorks and MachineMetrics actually diverge.
| Attribute | SolidWorks | MachineMetrics |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $3300/year | On request |
| Pricing model | Unknown | quote |
| Platforms | Windows | Web |
| Founded | 1993 | Unknown |
Identical on both: free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Manufacturing).
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 MachineMetrics
Nothing recorded that SolidWorks does not also cover.
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
SolidWorks
- Product designnot MachineMetrics
- Engineering analysisnot MachineMetrics
- Manufacturing documentationnot MachineMetrics
- Prototypingnot MachineMetrics
- Quality controlnot MachineMetrics
MachineMetrics
No use cases recorded yet. See the MachineMetrics review.
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
MachineMetrics
- Pricing page names three tiers (Core Platform, Intelligent MES, Enterprise) but publishes no dollar figures, stating cost is volume-based per connected machine
- ERP integration and job scheduling are reserved for the Intelligent MES tier and above, not the Core Platform
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
MachineMetrics
On requestNo published plan breakdown. See the MachineMetrics review.
Which should you pick?
Choose SolidWorks if
- You need 3d solid modeling.
- You work on Windows.
- You also want assembly design.
Choose MachineMetrics if
Nothing in the data separates MachineMetrics from SolidWorks on the points above - pick on price and on how each one feels to use.
Questions people ask
- Is SolidWorks or MachineMetrics better?
- Neither clearly leads. SolidWorks starts at $3300/year and MachineMetrics at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, SolidWorks or MachineMetrics?
- SolidWorks starts at $3300/year and MachineMetrics at On request.
- Does SolidWorks or MachineMetrics run on more platforms?
- SolidWorks runs on Windows. MachineMetrics runs on 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 MachineMetrics is typically brought in for.
- What can SolidWorks do that MachineMetrics cannot?
- SolidWorks covers 3D solid modeling, Assembly design, Technical drawings, Simulation.
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.
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).
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.
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