AutoCAD vs SolidWorks
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
Parametric 3D CAD for mechanical design.
The verdict
Both AutoCAD and SolidWorks are credible cad tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose AutoCAD if you want a lower starting price (from $310/mo), a longer free trial (30 days) and broader platform coverage. Industry-standard 2D and 3D CAD.
SolidWorks — Parametric 3D CAD for mechanical design.
AutoCAD vs SolidWorks: side by side
| Dimension | AutoCAD | SolidWorks |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | From $310/moWinner | Custom |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Free trial | 30 daysWinner | — |
| Pricing model | Subscription | Subscription |
| Best for | Engineers, Architects | Mechanical Engineers, Manufacturers |
| Platforms | Windows, Mac, Web, Ios, AndroidWinner | Windows |
| 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
SolidWorks key facts
- Vendor
- Dassault Systèmes
- Pricing
- Subscription — Custom
- Free tier
- No
- Platforms
- Windows
- Best for
- Mechanical Engineers, Manufacturers
- Editor rating
- 4.5 / 5
- Founded
- 1995
- Headquarters
- Waltham, MA, USA
Frequently asked questions
Is AutoCAD better than SolidWorks?
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 SolidWorks cheaper?
AutoCAD is the more affordable of the two to get started, at from $310/mo. AutoCAD starts at from $310/mo; SolidWorks starts at custom.
Can AutoCAD replace SolidWorks?
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.