Autodesk Fusion vs SolidWorks
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
Cloud CAD, CAM, CAE, and PCB in one.
Parametric 3D CAD for mechanical design.
The verdict
Both Autodesk Fusion and SolidWorks are credible cad tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose Autodesk Fusion if you want a lower starting price (free – $680/yr), a free plan to start on, a longer free trial (30 days) and broader platform coverage. Cloud CAD, CAM, CAE, and PCB in one.
SolidWorks — Parametric 3D CAD for mechanical design.
Autodesk Fusion vs SolidWorks: side by side
| Dimension | Autodesk Fusion | SolidWorks |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free – $680/yrWinner | Custom |
| Free plan | YesWinner | No |
| Free trial | 30 daysWinner | — |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Subscription |
| Best for | Product Designers, Engineers | Mechanical Engineers, Manufacturers |
| Platforms | Windows, Mac, WebWinner | Windows |
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
Autodesk Fusion key facts
- Vendor
- Autodesk
- Pricing
- Freemium — Free – $680/yr
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Windows, Mac, Web
- Best for
- Product Designers, Engineers
- Editor rating
- 4.5 / 5
- Founded
- 2013
- 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 Autodesk Fusion better than SolidWorks?
Neither is universally better — Autodesk Fusion 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 Autodesk Fusion or SolidWorks cheaper?
Autodesk Fusion is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free – $680/yr. Autodesk Fusion starts at free – $680/yr; SolidWorks starts at custom.
Can Autodesk Fusion 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.