AutoCAD vs Onshape
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
The verdict
Both AutoCAD and Onshape are credible cad tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose AutoCAD if you want a longer free trial (30 days) and broader platform coverage. Industry-standard 2D and 3D CAD.
Choose Onshape if you'd rather have a lower starting price (free – $1500/user/yr) and a free plan to start on. Cloud-native CAD and product data management.
AutoCAD vs Onshape: side by side
| Dimension | AutoCAD | Onshape |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | From $310/mo | Free – $1500/user/yrWinner |
| Free plan | No | YesWinner |
| Free trial | 30 daysWinner | — |
| Pricing model | Subscription | Freemium |
| Best for | Engineers, Architects | Engineers, Distributed Teams |
| Platforms | Windows, Mac, Web, Ios, AndroidWinner | Web, Ios, Android |
| Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.5/5 |
AutoCAD key facts
- Vendor
- Autodesk
- Pricing
- Subscription — From $310/mo
- Free tier
- Free trial (30 days)
- Platforms
- Windows, Mac, Web, Ios, Android
- Best for
- Engineers, Architects
- Editor rating
- 4.6 / 5
- Founded
- 1982
- Headquarters
- San Francisco, CA, USA
Onshape key facts
- Vendor
- PTC
- Pricing
- Freemium — Free – $1500/user/yr
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Web, Ios, Android
- Best for
- Engineers, Distributed Teams
- Editor rating
- 4.5 / 5
- Founded
- 2012
- Headquarters
- Boston, MA, USA
Frequently asked questions
Is AutoCAD better than Onshape?
Neither is universally better — AutoCAD edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is AutoCAD or Onshape cheaper?
Onshape is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free – $1500/user/yr. AutoCAD starts at from $310/mo; Onshape starts at free – $1500/user/yr.
Can AutoCAD replace Onshape?
Yes for most teams — both are cad tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.