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# Ansys Discovery vs SOLIDWORKS Comparison - What are their main differences?

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Ansys DiscoverySOLIDWORKS[+ Add Product](#)

Pricing

**Ansys Discovery**
Free Trial

No pricing available

**SOLIDWORKS**
Free Trial

**$2,820.00** Per Year · SOLIDWORKS Design Standard Offer

**$3,456.00** Per Year · SOLIDWORKS Design Professional Offer

**$4,716.00** Per Year · SOLIDWORKS Design Premium Offer

**Contact Us** Per Year · SOLIDWORKS Design Ultimate

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**Pricing Insights**
from reviews

Perceived Cost

**Ansys Discovery**
$$$$$

**SOLIDWORKS**
$$$$$

Average Discount

**Ansys Discovery**
Not enough reviews yet

**SOLIDWORKS**
10%

Uncover valuable pricing insights from real user feedback to improve your shopping experience.
See it for free

Time to Implement

**Ansys Discovery** 6 months
Based on 100 responses

**SOLIDWORKS** 6 months
Based on 100 responses

Return on Investment

**Ansys Discovery** 6 months
Based on 100 responses

**SOLIDWORKS** 6 months
Based on 100 responses

**Pros & Cons**
from reviews

**Ansys Discovery**

Ease of Use (1)

Efficiency (1)

Insufficient Tutorials (1)

Lack of Tutorials (1)

**SOLIDWORKS**

Ease of Use (37)

Features (29)

Performance Issues (17)

Slow Performance (15)

Integrations

**Ansys Discovery**
Not enough data

**SOLIDWORKS**
[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_dfb12a5a88f8f2862f8227c868951fc6/ansys-fluent.JPG "Product Avatar Image")

Ansys Fluent

](https://www.g2.com/products/ansys-fluent/reviews)[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_9b382ecc8231d9ab219026ed27878ac1/ansys-mechanical.png "Product Avatar Image")

Ansys Mechanical

](https://www.g2.com/products/ansys-mechanical/reviews)[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_269a752fb4baefda8b9e83f98c7646dc/autocad.png "Product Avatar Image")

AutoCAD

](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad/reviews)[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_74e8c2b6032e9e6ea745b0b308009973/autodesk-fabrication-estmep.png "Product Avatar Image")

AutoDesk Fabrication ESTmep

](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fabrication-estmep/reviews)[
View all
](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/integrations)

Screenshots

**Ansys Discovery**
 ![Ansys Discovery screenshot](https://images.g2crowd.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=600,height=600,fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,/https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/attachment/file/158561/Wireless-Router-Vertical-Fan---Thermal---17.png)

**SOLIDWORKS**
 ![SOLIDWORKS screenshot](https://images.g2crowd.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=600,height=600,fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,/https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/attachment/file/1834212/AURA_resized.jpg)

**Ratings**
from reviews

Meets Requirements

**Ansys Discovery**

**8.3** /10

Based on 57 responses

**SOLIDWORKS**

**8.8** /10

Based on 591 responses

Ease of Use

**Ansys Discovery**

**8.1** /10

Based on 58 responses

**SOLIDWORKS**

**8.7** /10

Based on 596 responses

Ease of Setup

**Ansys Discovery**

**9.2** /10

Based on 14 responses

**SOLIDWORKS**

**8.5** /10

Based on 166 responses

Ease of Admin

**Ansys Discovery**

**9.0** /10

Based on 12 responses

**SOLIDWORKS**

**8.2** /10

Based on 58 responses

Quality of Support

**Ansys Discovery**

**8.3** /10

Based on 55 responses

**SOLIDWORKS**

**8.2** /10

Based on 529 responses

Has the product been a good partner in doing business?

**Ansys Discovery**

**8.8** /10

Based on 25 responses

**SOLIDWORKS**

**8.4** /10

Based on 58 responses

Product Direction (% positive)

**Ansys Discovery**

**8.6** /10

Based on 57 responses

**SOLIDWORKS**

**8.6** /10

Based on 575 responses

**Features**
ratings from reviews

Simulation & CAE

**8.6** /10

Based on 12 responses

**8.3** /10

Based on 73 responses

Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM)

Not enough data

**8.8** /10

Based on 56 responses

3D Modeling

**7.3** /10

Based on 10 responses

Not enough data

Uncover more feature rated insights from real users to improve your shopping experience.

See it for free

General-Purpose CAD

Not enough data

**8.9** /10

Based on 133 responses

CAD Libraries

Not enough data

**8.9** /10

Based on 40 responses

CAD Data Exchange

Not enough data

**8.8** /10

Based on 38 responses

Additive Manufacturing

Not enough data

**7.9** /10

Based on 71 responses

CAD Viewers

Not enough data

**9.0** /10

Based on 55 responses

PCB Design

Not enough data

**8.2** /10

Based on 15 responses

Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

Not enough data

**8.4** /10

Based on 95 responses

User Insights

**Reviewers' Company Size**

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
50.6%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
30.3%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
19.1%

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
50.6%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
30.3%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
19.1%

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
46.7%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
32.5%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
20.8%

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
46.7%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
32.5%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
20.8%

**Reviewers' Industry**

[![Ansys Discovery](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_7ff5c0790e20d2903b025d8c411b75ca/ansys-discovery.jpg "Ansys Discovery")](https://www.g2.com/products/ansys-discovery/reviews)
Ansys Discovery

Mechanical or Industrial Engineering
28.1%

Automotive
7.9%

Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing
6.7%

Higher Education
5.6%

Manufacturing
4.5%

Other
47.2%

[![SOLIDWORKS](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/87a0eaa40f8b9a14542c077a348a699d/solidworks.svg "SOLIDWORKS")](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews)
SOLIDWORKS

Mechanical or Industrial Engineering
22.4%

Design
11.8%

Automotive
6.6%

Medical Devices
5.7%

Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing
5.6%

Other
47.9%

Alternatives

**Ansys Discovery Alternatives**

 ![Simcenter Simsolid](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/d83699653e967e265705cdd3b757685d/simcenter-simsolid.svg "Simcenter Simsolid")

[
Simcenter Simsolid
](/products/simcenter-simsolid/reviews)

 ![Inventor](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/ce04423e3201c72cb3ff129d2325b8d4/inventor.svg "Inventor")

[
Inventor
](/products/inventor/reviews)

 ![MATLAB](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_d5738f5e7922b4552c3ba543a2b9dee6/matlab.jpeg "MATLAB")

[
MATLAB
](/products/matlab/reviews)

 ![Autodesk Fusion](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/28ab5b3990e257fc5851e9730734a9cc/autodesk-fusion.svg "Autodesk Fusion")

[
Autodesk Fusion
](/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews)

**SOLIDWORKS Alternatives**

 ![Autodesk Fusion](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/28ab5b3990e257fc5851e9730734a9cc/autodesk-fusion.svg "Autodesk Fusion")

[
Autodesk Fusion
](/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews)

 ![Onshape](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/64b9ed904ebc3f3bc714a720216f40d4/onshape.svg "Onshape")

[
Onshape
](/products/onshape/reviews)

 ![Designcenter Solid Edge](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/d83699653e967e265705cdd3b757685d/designcenter-solid-edge.svg "Designcenter Solid Edge")

[
Designcenter Solid Edge
](/products/designcenter-solid-edge/reviews)

 ![Inventor](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/ce04423e3201c72cb3ff129d2325b8d4/inventor.svg "Inventor")

[
Inventor
](/products/inventor/reviews)

## Ansys Discovery vs SOLIDWORKS FAQs

Generated using AI

Last updated: August 16, 2026

### What is the difference between SOLIDWORKS vs Ansys Discovery?

SOLIDWORKS is distinguished by its large user community and robust parametric modeling, while Ansys Discovery stands out for real-time simulation and higher support satisfaction.

| | [SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews) | [Ansys Discovery](https://www.g2.com/products/ansys-discovery/reviews) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| G2 Rating (reviews) | 4.5/5 (646 reviews) | 4.7/5 (11 reviews) |
| Ease of Setup score | 8.3 | — |
| Quality of Support score | 8.2 | 9.2 |
| Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | Massive community and parametric power | Real-time simulation and ease of use |

### How do the pricing models of SOLIDWORKS and Ansys Discovery compare?

Reviewers consider SOLIDWORKS and Ansys Discovery to be closely matched on value, with no clear winner on price satisfaction.

- **SOLIDWORKS:** In recent reviews, several users describe the pricing as reasonable for its capabilities, though some cite high perpetual license costs.
- **Ansys Discovery:** Recent reviewers note pricing as a potential drawback but highlight the value of real-time simulation features.

### What are the best alternatives to SOLIDWORKS and Ansys Discovery?

The best alternatives to SOLIDWORKS and Ansys Discovery are Autodesk Fusion, Onshape, and Altair SimSolid.

| Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews) | 4.5/5 (646 reviews) | — | Pricing described as reasonable but costly for perpetual licenses | Massive community and parametric modeling |
| [Ansys Discovery](https://www.g2.com/products/ansys-discovery/reviews) | 4.7/5 (11 reviews) | — | Pricing noted as a drawback but justified by simulation capabilities | Real-time simulation and ease of use |
| [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) | 4.5/5 (520 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Integrated CAD/CAM and cloud collaboration |
| [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) | 4.7/5 (725 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Cloud-based design and collaboration |
| [Altair SimSolid](https://www.g2.com/products/altair-simsolid/reviews) | 4.3/5 (199 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Fast simulation for complex assemblies |

### Which Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) features should I prioritize when comparing SOLIDWORKS and Ansys Discovery?

Buyers should prioritize parametric modeling, simulation capabilities, ease of use, integration options, and support resources when comparing SOLIDWORKS and Ansys Discovery.

- **Parametric Modeling:** SOLIDWORKS is cited for parametric power (29 all-time mentions for features, 27 for 3D modeling); Ansys Discovery is noted for real-time simulation-driven design.
- **Simulation Capabilities:** SOLIDWORKS receives 16 all-time mentions for simulation tools; Ansys Discovery is highlighted for real-time and multiphysics simulation in recent reviews.
- **Ease of Use:** SOLIDWORKS has 37 all-time mentions for ease of use; Ansys Discovery is praised for ease of use in recent reviews.
- **Integration Options:** SOLIDWORKS is frequently mentioned for integrations with CATIA (38 all-time mentions) and SolidWorks Simulation (13 all-time mentions); Ansys Discovery's integration is referenced in recent reviews but with less frequency.
- **Support Resources:** SOLIDWORKS benefits from a massive community and extensive tutorials; Ansys Discovery reviewers note a lack of tutorials and support resources.

### What are the pros and cons of SOLIDWORKS vs Ansys Discovery?

SOLIDWORKS is strongest in parametric modeling and community support, while Ansys Discovery excels in real-time simulation and ease of use.

- **SOLIDWORKS strengths:** Massive community and tutorials (37 all-time mentions for ease of use), robust parametric modeling (29 mentions for features), integrated simulation tools (16 mentions), and strong CAD integration (15 mentions).
- **SOLIDWORKS trade-offs:** Performance issues and slowdowns with large assemblies (17 mentions for performance issues, 15 for slow performance), high system requirements (14 mentions), and higher cost (11 mentions for expensive).
- **Ansys Discovery strengths:** Real-time simulation and ease of use highlighted in recent reviews, efficient simulation-driven design, and high support satisfaction (Quality of Support score 9.2).
- **Ansys Discovery trade-offs:** Limited tutorials and support resources, and some reviewers note less customization and a learning curve for integrations.

### Is SOLIDWORKS or Ansys Discovery better for small businesses?

On balance, SOLIDWORKS is better suited for small businesses due to its extensive community resources and reviewer sentiment.

- **SOLIDWORKS:** Reviewers highlight ease of learning, strong support resources, and a large user community, making it accessible for small-business teams.
- **Ansys Discovery:** Reviewers note ease of use and real-time simulation, but also mention limited tutorials and support resources, which may challenge small businesses with less technical support.

### Which Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) platform has better integrations?

SOLIDWORKS is favored for integrations, with more frequent reviewer mentions and broader third-party tool support.

- **SOLIDWORKS:** Integrations with CATIA (38 all-time mentions) and SolidWorks Simulation (13 all-time mentions) are frequently cited by reviewers.
- **Ansys Discovery:** Integration capabilities are referenced in recent reviews, but with less frequency and detail than SOLIDWORKS.

### How do SOLIDWORKS and Ansys Discovery compare on customer support?

Ansys Discovery leads on Quality of Support with a 1.0-point advantage over SOLIDWORKS (9.2 vs 8.2).

- **SOLIDWORKS:** Reviewers describe support as responsive and helpful, with many citing the benefit of a large community and extensive tutorials.
- **Ansys Discovery:** Reviewers consistently praise customer support, noting high satisfaction and effective assistance, reflected in its higher support score.

### Which is easier to implement, SOLIDWORKS or Ansys Discovery?

SOLIDWORKS and Ansys Discovery are at parity on Ease of Setup, with reviewer sentiment highlighting straightforward implementation for both.

- **SOLIDWORKS:** Reviewers frequently mention easy initial setup and quick onboarding, with scores of 8.3 for Ease of Setup.
- **Ansys Discovery:** Reviewers describe setup as easy and intuitive, with positive feedback on getting started, though no numeric score is available.