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Tinkercad vs BricsCAD

Tinkercad logo

Tinkercad

CAD

Free browser-based 3D design, electronics, and coding tool by Autodesk

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
BricsCAD logo

BricsCAD

CAD

DWG-based CAD platform

From
$29/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Tinkercad has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Tinkercad limited to simple block-based modeling, unsuitable for complex or precise mechanical CAD work.; BricsCAD the Lite edition has no 3D modelling, surveying or point cloud support
  • They diverge on capability: Tinkercad covers Block-Based 3D Modeling, BricsCAD covers DWG native.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Tinkercad and BricsCAD actually diverge.

Attributes where Tinkercad and BricsCAD differ
AttributeTinkercadBricsCAD
Starting priceFree$29/month
Pricing modelfreeone-time
Free tierYesNo
PlatformswebWindows, MacOS, Linux
FoundedUnknown2002

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (CAD).

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 Tinkercad

  • Block-Based 3D Modeling
  • Circuit Simulator
  • Codeblocks Programming
  • 3D Printing Export
  • Classroom Management

Only in BricsCAD

  • DWG native
  • 2D drafting
  • 3D modeling
  • BIM
  • Sheet metal
  • Mechanical
  • LISP support
  • AutoCAD compatible

What people use each for

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

Tinkercad

  • Teaching introductory 3D design in classroomsnot BricsCAD
  • Simulating basic electronic circuitsnot BricsCAD
  • Designing simple objects for 3D printingnot BricsCAD
  • Introducing kids to block-based codingnot BricsCAD

BricsCAD

  • 2D drafting as a DWG native alternative to AutoCADnot Tinkercad
  • 3D mechanical design and assembly modellingnot Tinkercad
  • BIM modelling and construction documentationnot Tinkercad

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Tinkercad

  • Limited to simple block-based modeling, unsuitable for complex or precise mechanical CAD work.
  • Lacks advanced surfacing, parametric assembly, and simulation tools found in professional CAD software like Fusion 360.
  • Requires an internet connection since it runs entirely in the browser with no offline desktop app.
  • Export and rendering options are basic compared to dedicated 3D modeling or CAD applications.

BricsCAD

  • The Lite edition has no 3D modelling, surveying or point cloud support
  • Lite is sold as a network licence only with a 5 seat minimum
  • Mechanical excludes BIM tools and BIM excludes mechanical and surveying tools, so cross discipline work needs Ultimate at 1,176 euro
  • Importing 3D geometry and PMI from other CAD systems requires the Communicator add on at 294 euro per year
  • Network licences require the customer to run their own licence server
  • Maintenance is included for the first year only and renewal is a separate annual charge on perpetual licences
  • Listed prices exclude local taxes
  • Bricsys now trades as Octave and the product site has moved to bricscad.octave.com

Pricing, plan by plan

Tinkercad

Free
  • Free$undefined/mo
    • 3D design
    • Circuits simulation
    • Codeblocks

BricsCAD

$29/month
  • Lite$550/month
    • 2D drafting
  • Pro$875/month
    • 2D + 3D
  • Ultimate$1575/month
    • All features

Which should you pick?

Choose Tinkercad if

  • You need block-based 3d modeling.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on web.
  • You also want circuit simulator.
Tinkercad review

Choose BricsCAD if

  • You need dwg native.
  • You work on Windows, MacOS, Linux.
  • You also want 2d drafting.
BricsCAD review

Questions people ask

Is Tinkercad or BricsCAD better?
Neither clearly leads. Tinkercad starts at Free and BricsCAD at $29/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Tinkercad or BricsCAD?
Tinkercad has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Tinkercad and $29/month for BricsCAD.
Does Tinkercad or BricsCAD run on more platforms?
Tinkercad runs on web. BricsCAD runs on Windows, MacOS, Linux.
Can I use Tinkercad for free?
Yes. Tinkercad has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. BricsCAD starts at $29/month.
What is Tinkercad best used for?
Tinkercad is most often used for teaching introductory 3d design in classrooms, simulating basic electronic circuits, designing simple objects for 3d printing, introducing kids to block-based coding. Of those, teaching introductory 3d design in classrooms and simulating basic electronic circuits are not what BricsCAD is typically brought in for.
What can Tinkercad do that BricsCAD cannot?
Tinkercad covers Block-Based 3D Modeling, Circuit Simulator, Codeblocks Programming, 3D Printing Export. BricsCAD covers DWG native, 2D drafting, 3D modeling, BIM.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

BricsCAD: Does BricsCAD offer a trial?

Yes, BricsCAD offers a 30-day trial to 'Start designing in BricsCAD today'.

Source
BricsCAD: Is BricsCAD free for any users?

Yes, BricsCAD is available at no cost for students and schools.

Source
BricsCAD: What product tiers does BricsCAD offer?

BricsCAD offers five tiers: Lite (essential 2D CAD), Pro (professional 2D & 3D CAD), Mechanical (2D & 3D mechanical CAD), BIM (2D & 3D building modeling), and Ultimate (integrated 2D & 3D for multiple disciplines). Specific pricing for each tier is not disclosed on the website.

Source
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