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

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Ansys MechanicalSOLIDWORKS[+ Add Product](#)

Pricing

**Ansys Mechanical**
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 Mechanical**
$$$$$

**SOLIDWORKS**
$$$$$

Average Discount

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

**SOLIDWORKS** 6 months
Based on 100 responses

Return on Investment

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

**SOLIDWORKS** 6 months
Based on 100 responses

**Pros & Cons**
from reviews

**Ansys Mechanical**
[
Ease of Use (3)
](https://www.g2.com/products/ansys-mechanical/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1823051&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Design Usability (2)
](https://www.g2.com/products/ansys-mechanical/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1822983&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Meshing Issues (1)
](https://www.g2.com/products/ansys-mechanical/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2297535&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Missing Features (1)
](https://www.g2.com/products/ansys-mechanical/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1823071&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)

**SOLIDWORKS**
[
Ease of Use (37)
](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1930356&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Features (29)
](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1930595&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Performance Issues (17)
](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1935588&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Slow Performance (15)
](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1931247&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)

Integrations

**Ansys Mechanical**
[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_dd5e82850640b42678b1899ad0eb46af/ptc-ptc-creo.png "Product Avatar Image")

Creo

](https://www.g2.com/products/ptc-ptc-creo/reviews)[
View all
](https://www.g2.com/products/ansys-mechanical/integrations)

**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 Mechanical**
No screenshot available

**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 Mechanical**

**8.9** /10

Based on 67 responses

**SOLIDWORKS**

**8.8** /10

Based on 591 responses

Ease of Use

**Ansys Mechanical**

**8.2** /10

Based on 68 responses

**SOLIDWORKS**

**8.7** /10

Based on 596 responses

Ease of Setup

**Ansys Mechanical**

**9.7** /10

Based on 10 responses

**SOLIDWORKS**

**8.5** /10

Based on 166 responses

Ease of Admin

**Ansys Mechanical** Not enough data

**SOLIDWORKS**

**8.2** /10

Based on 58 responses

Quality of Support

**Ansys Mechanical**

**8.4** /10

Based on 61 responses

**SOLIDWORKS**

**8.2** /10

Based on 529 responses

Has the product been a good partner in doing business?

**Ansys Mechanical** Not enough data

**SOLIDWORKS**

**8.4** /10

Based on 58 responses

Product Direction (% positive)

**Ansys Mechanical**

**8.9** /10

Based on 61 responses

**SOLIDWORKS**

**8.6** /10

Based on 575 responses

**Features**
ratings from reviews

Simulation & CAE

**8.5** /10

Based on 30 responses

**8.3** /10

Based on 73 responses

Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM)

Not enough data

**8.8** /10

Based on 56 responses

General-Purpose CAD

Not enough data

**8.9** /10

Based on 133 responses

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

See it for free

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.)
30.8%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
36.3%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
33.0%

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
30.8%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
36.3%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
33.0%

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 Mechanical](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/844264459ce6e13295aaedf69ddb16a1/ansys-mechanical.svg "Ansys Mechanical")](https://www.g2.com/products/ansys-mechanical/reviews)
Ansys Mechanical

Mechanical or Industrial Engineering
23.0%

Automotive
14.9%

Design
8.0%

Higher Education
8.0%

Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing
5.7%

Other
40.2%

[![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 Mechanical Alternatives**

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

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

 ![Simcenter 3D](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/a536d7a8c281cd06128c8aab580e663a/simcenter-3d.svg "Simcenter 3D")

[
Simcenter 3D
](/products/simcenter-3d/reviews)

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

[
Altair Inspire
](/products/simcenter-inspire/reviews)

 ![SolidWorks Simulation](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_239bd9fed8ff51a6b1ba27a52f4ad1df/dassault-systemes-solidworks-simulation.png "SolidWorks Simulation")

[
SolidWorks Simulation
](/products/dassault-systemes-solidworks-simulation/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 Mechanical vs SOLIDWORKS FAQs

Generated using AI

Last updated: August 16, 2026

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

SOLIDWORKS stands out for its larger user base and higher Ease of Use score, while Ansys Mechanical is favored for advanced simulation and a higher Ease of Setup score.

| | [SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews) | [Ansys Mechanical](https://www.g2.com/products/ansys-mechanical/reviews) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| G2 Rating (reviews) | 4.5/5 (646 reviews) | 4.4/5 (93 reviews) |
| Largest Segment | Mid-Market | Small-Business |
| Ease of Setup score | 8.3 | 9.8 |
| Quality of Support score | 8.2 | 8.4 |
| Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | Ease of Use (37 all-time mentions) | Simulation (2 all-time mentions) |

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

SOLIDWORKS is rated as the stronger value on price and cost satisfaction, with reviewers citing competitive pricing and good value for money.

- **SOLIDWORKS:** In recent reviews, many cite reasonable pricing and good value, especially compared to free CAD tools that lack professional capabilities.
- **Ansys Mechanical:** Reviewers frequently mention that Ansys Mechanical is expensive, with high costs for both industry and academia, and limitations in the student version.
- **Switching reasons:** Reviewers who switch to SOLIDWORKS often cite its competitive pricing and broader feature set as key factors.

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

The top three alternatives to SOLIDWORKS and Ansys Mechanical are Autodesk Fusion, Onshape, and Simcenter 3D.

| 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) | Mid-Market | Competitive pricing and good value for money | Ease of Use (37 all-time mentions) |
| [Ansys Mechanical](https://www.g2.com/products/ansys-mechanical/reviews) | 4.4/5 (93 reviews) | Small-Business | Frequently cited as expensive, especially for advanced features | Simulation (2 all-time mentions) |
| [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) | 4.5/5 (520 reviews) | Small-Business | — | — |
| [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) | 4.7/5 (725 reviews) | Small-Business | — | — |
| [Simcenter 3D](https://www.g2.com/products/simcenter-3d/reviews) | 4.3/5 (209 reviews) | Small-Business | — | — |

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

Buyers should prioritize Ease of Use, Simulation Tools, CAD Integration, Performance, and Pricing when comparing SOLIDWORKS and Ansys Mechanical.

- **Ease of Use:** SOLIDWORKS (8.6), Ansys Mechanical (8.2); 37 all-time mentions for SOLIDWORKS, 3 for Ansys Mechanical.
- **Simulation Tools:** SOLIDWORKS (16 all-time mentions), Ansys Mechanical (2 all-time mentions).
- **CAD Integration:** SOLIDWORKS (15 all-time mentions); Ansys Mechanical supports CAD import but with fewer reviewer mentions.
- **Performance:** SOLIDWORKS has 17 all-time mentions of performance issues; Ansys Mechanical reviewers note high resource requirements but fewer performance complaints.
- **Pricing:** SOLIDWORKS is frequently cited for competitive pricing and value; Ansys Mechanical is often described as expensive.

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

SOLIDWORKS is praised for its ease of use and robust 3D modeling, while Ansys Mechanical is recognized for advanced simulation capabilities.

- **SOLIDWORKS strengths:** Ease of Use (37 all-time mentions), Features (29), 3D Modeling (27), User Interface (21), Simulation Tools (16), CAD Integration (15), Efficiency (15), Assembly Design (12), Easy Learning (12).
- **SOLIDWORKS trade-offs:** Performance Issues (17), Slow Performance (15), High System Requirements (14), Complexity (11), Expensive (11).
- **Ansys Mechanical strengths:** Simulation (2 all-time mentions), Design Usability (2), Accuracy (1), Setup Ease (1), Workflow Efficiency (1).
- **Ansys Mechanical trade-offs:** Meshing Issues (1), Missing Features (1), Not User-Friendly (1), high cost and resource requirements noted in recent reviews.

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

On G2, SOLIDWORKS is the better fit for small businesses, with a strong presence in the Small-Business segment and positive reviewer sentiment.

- **SOLIDWORKS:** Small-Business and Mid-Market segments are both represented, with many reviewers highlighting ease of use, value, and rapid onboarding for new engineers.
- **Ansys Mechanical:** Small-Business is the largest segment, but reviewers frequently cite high cost and a steeper learning curve, making it less accessible for smaller teams.

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

SOLIDWORKS is favored for integrations, with more reviewer-cited integration mentions and broader ecosystem support.

- **SOLIDWORKS:** Integrates with CATIA (38 all-time mentions) and SolidWorks Simulation (13 all-time mentions), with reviewers highlighting strong compatibility with other CAD and simulation tools.
- **Ansys Mechanical:** Reviewers mention integration with SolidWorks and other CAD software, but with fewer all-time mentions and less emphasis on third-party ecosystem breadth.

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

SOLIDWORKS and Ansys Mechanical are rated in near-parity on Quality of Support, with scores of 8.2 and 8.4 respectively, indicating similar reviewer satisfaction.

- **SOLIDWORKS:** Reviewers frequently describe support as responsive and helpful, with many citing the large community and extensive tutorials as valuable resources.
- **Ansys Mechanical:** Reviewers note good customer support and comprehensive technical documentation, with several highlighting quick resolution of issues and strong support forums.

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

Ansys Mechanical leads on Ease of Setup with a 9.8 score versus SOLIDWORKS at 8.3, a difference of 1.5 points, indicating a materially easier implementation experience.

- **SOLIDWORKS:** Reviewers describe setup as straightforward and quick, but note that installation can be time-consuming for complex environments.
- **Ansys Mechanical:** Reviewers consistently highlight easy installation and guided workflows, with several mentioning that setup is simple even for advanced simulation environments.