Onshape vs Plasticity
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
CAD-style modeling built for artists.
The verdict
Both Onshape and Plasticity are credible cad tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose Onshape if you want a lower starting price (free – $1500/user/yr) and a free plan to start on. Cloud-native CAD and product data management.
Choose Plasticity if you'd rather have a longer free trial (30 days) and a higher overall rating (4.7/5). CAD-style modeling built for artists.
Onshape vs Plasticity: side by side
| Dimension | Onshape | Plasticity |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free – $1500/user/yrWinner | From $149 once |
| Free plan | YesWinner | No |
| Free trial | — | 30 daysWinner |
| Pricing model | Freemium | One-time |
| Best for | Engineers, Distributed Teams | Concept Artists, Product Designers |
| Platforms | Web, Ios, Android | Windows, Mac, Linux |
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.7/5Winner |
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
Plasticity key facts
- Vendor
- Plasticity
- Pricing
- One-time — From $149 once
- Free tier
- Free trial (30 days)
- Platforms
- Windows, Mac, Linux
- Best for
- Concept Artists, Product Designers
- Editor rating
- 4.7 / 5
- Founded
- 2022
- Headquarters
- USA
Frequently asked questions
Is Onshape better than Plasticity?
Neither is universally better — Plasticity 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 Onshape or Plasticity cheaper?
Onshape is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free – $1500/user/yr. Onshape starts at free – $1500/user/yr; Plasticity starts at from $149 once.
Can Onshape replace Plasticity?
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.