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CAD · head to head

Tinkercad vs OnShape

Tinkercad logo

Tinkercad

CAD

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

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
OnShape logo

OnShape

CAD

Full-cloud 3D CAD platform

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Tinkercad limited to simple block-based modeling, unsuitable for complex or precise mechanical CAD work.; OnShape the free plan is non commercial only and makes every document publicly accessible, so nothing designed on it can be kept private
  • They diverge on capability: Tinkercad covers Block-Based 3D Modeling, OnShape covers Cloud-native CAD.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Tinkercad and OnShape actually diverge.

Attributes where Tinkercad and OnShape differ
AttributeTinkercadOnShape
Pricing modelfreesubscription
PlatformswebWeb, IOS, Android
FoundedUnknown2012

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), 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 OnShape

  • Cloud-native CAD
  • Real-time collaboration
  • Version control
  • Part studios
  • Assemblies
  • Drawings
  • FeatureScript
  • Mobile access

What people use each for

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

Tinkercad

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

OnShape

  • Cloud based parametric CAD without local workstation installsnot Tinkercad
  • Collaborative mechanical design with version history and shared documentsnot 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.

OnShape

  • The free plan is non commercial only and makes every document publicly accessible, so nothing designed on it can be kept private
  • The Standard plan is $1,500 per user per year and Professional $2,500
  • Simulation, rendering, CAM and advanced PDM all require the Professional plan
  • SSO, analytics and advanced administration are Enterprise only with no published price

Pricing, plan by plan

Tinkercad

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

OnShape

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Limited features
    • Public documents
  • Standard$1500/month
    • Private documents
    • Full features
  • Professional$2100/month
    • Advanced simulation
    • Enterprise 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 OnShape if

  • You need cloud-native cad.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, IOS, Android.
  • You also want real-time collaboration.
OnShape review

Questions people ask

Is Tinkercad or OnShape better?
Neither clearly leads. Tinkercad starts at Free and OnShape at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Tinkercad or OnShape?
Tinkercad starts at Free and OnShape at Free.
Does Tinkercad or OnShape run on more platforms?
Tinkercad runs on web. OnShape runs on Web, IOS, Android.
Can I use Tinkercad for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
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 OnShape is typically brought in for.
What can Tinkercad do that OnShape cannot?
Tinkercad covers Block-Based 3D Modeling, Circuit Simulator, Codeblocks Programming, 3D Printing Export. OnShape covers Cloud-native CAD, Real-time collaboration, Version control, Part studios.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

OnShape: How much does Onshape cost?

Onshape Standard is $1,500 per user per year and Professional is $2,500 per user per year, both billed annually. Enterprise is quoted by sales. A free plan exists for non-commercial use.

Source
OnShape: Is the free version of Onshape usable for commercial work?

No. Onshape states the free plan is for non-commercial use only, and every document created on it is publicly accessible. Private storage requires the Standard plan at $1,500 per user per year.

Source
OnShape: What does Onshape Professional add over Standard?

Professional adds company managed data, release management, advanced PDM, simulation, rendering, ECAD to MCAD exchange and CAM, for $2,500 per user per year against $1,500 for Standard.

Source
OnShape: Can I try Onshape Professional for free?

Onshape states that qualified professionals can try Onshape Professional free for up to 6 months through its Discovery Program, with no credit card required.

Source
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