# Archicad vs SketchUp Comparison
---
## AI Generated Summary
- **G2 reviewers report** that SketchUp excels in user-friendliness, making 3D modeling accessible even for those without professional design backgrounds. Users appreciate the straightforward interface and the speed at which they can visualize ideas, highlighting features like the intuitive push-pull tool that simplifies geometry creation.
- **According to verified reviews** , Archicad stands out for its robust BIM capabilities, allowing users to manage design projects seamlessly from concept to documentation. Reviewers note that it effectively connects 2D drawings, 3D models, and schedules, which is crucial for architects looking for an integrated workflow.
- **Users say** that SketchUp's extensive 3D Warehouse library is a significant advantage, providing millions of free, ready-made models that enhance workflow efficiency. This feature is particularly praised for speeding up the design process, making it a favorite among small businesses.
- **Reviewers mention** that while Archicad offers strong documentation capabilities, it can be more complex to set up compared to SketchUp. Users have expressed that the learning curve can be steep, which may pose challenges for those new to architectural software.
- **G2 reviewers highlight** that SketchUp's affordability is a major plus, with an entry-level price significantly lower than Archicad's. This makes it an attractive option for small businesses and freelancers who need powerful design tools without a hefty investment.
- **According to recent user feedback** , Archicad is praised for its collaborative features, allowing multiple users to work on projects simultaneously. This is particularly beneficial for larger teams, although some users feel that SketchUp's collaboration tools could be improved to match this capability.



| | Archicad | SketchUp | 
|---|---|---|
| **Star Rating** | 4.6 out of 5 | 4.5 out of 5 | 
| **Total Reviews** | 294 | 1,327 | 
| **Largest Market Segment** | Small-Business (86.8% of reviews) | Small-Business (75.6% of reviews) | 
| **Entry Level Price** | $2,414.00 1 Seat Per Year | $129.00 1 Seats Per Year | 

---
## Top Pros & Cons

### Archicad

Pros:
- Ease of Use (52 reviews)
- 3D Modeling (35 reviews)

Cons:
- Missing Features (30 reviews)
- Library Issues (16 reviews)

### SketchUp

Pros:
- Ease of Use (14 reviews)
- 3D Modeling (10 reviews)

Cons:
- Poor Rendering Quality (7 reviews)
- Expensive (5 reviews)

---
## Ratings Comparison
| Rating | Archicad | SketchUp | 
|---|---|---|
  | **Meets Requirements** | 8.8 (245 reviews) | 8.5 (1136 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Use** | 8.5 (247 reviews) | 8.9 (1154 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Setup** | 8.4 (91 reviews) | 9.0 (273 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Admin** | 8.0 (41 reviews) | 8.3 (104 reviews) | 
  | **Quality of Support** | 8.3 (233 reviews) | 8.1 (905 reviews) | 
  | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 8.4 (41 reviews) | 8.5 (101 reviews) | 
  | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 8.2 (229 reviews) | 8.2 (1123 reviews) | 

---
## Pricing

### Archicad

#### Entry-Level Pricing

Plan: 3-Year Archicad Studio Subscription

Price: $2,414.00 1 Seat Per Year

Description: Three year subscription, billed annually. Prices are informational only. Final price depends on your billing country, and may differ from prices shown here.

Key Features:
- Archicad Full Subscription   
- BIMx PRO   
- BIMcloud Software as a Service 

[Browse all 6 editions](https://www.g2.com/products/archicad/pricing)

#### Free Trial

Yes

### SketchUp

#### Entry-Level Pricing

Plan: Go Subscription

Price: $129.00 1 Seats Per Year

Description: Design & collaborate anywhere.

Key Features:
- Web & iPad based 3D Modeling Platform
- Unlimited Cloud Storage on Trimble Connect
- Community Support and SketchUp Help Center Access

[Browse all 3 editions](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/pricing)

#### Free Trial

Yes

---
## Features Comparison By Category

### Building Design and Building Information Modeling (BIM)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Archicad** | 7.6/10 | 153 |
| **SketchUp** | 7.3/10 | 317 |

#### Design

| Feature | Archicad | SketchUp | 
|---|---|---|
| **Visualizing** | 9.2 (144 reviews) | 8.9 (298 reviews) | 
| **Rendering** | 7.4 (135 reviews) | 7.8 (296 reviews) | 
| **Drawing** | 9.1 (144 reviews) | 8.7 (297 reviews) | 
| **Editing** | 8.8 (141 reviews) | Feature Not Available | 
| **Sequence Steps** | 7.5 (117 reviews) | 7.9 (271 reviews) | 
| **Dynamic Updating** | 8.7 (113 reviews) | 7.6 (221 reviews) | 

#### Collaboration

| Feature | Archicad | SketchUp | 
|---|---|---|
| **Multi User** | 8.7 (123 reviews) | 6.8 (222 reviews) | 
| **File Import/Export** | 8.5 (141 reviews) | 8.3 (293 reviews) | 
| **Annotating ** | 8.2 (138 reviews) | 7.1 (269 reviews) | 
| **Document Storage** | 8.5 (137 reviews) | 7.5 (259 reviews) | 

#### Construction

| Feature | Archicad | SketchUp | 
|---|---|---|
| **Fabrication** | 7.3 (103 reviews) | 7.5 (239 reviews) | 
| **Reinforcement Tools** | 6.4 (97 reviews) | Feature Not Available | 
| **Clash Detection ** | 7.3 (109 reviews) | 6.6 (216 reviews) | 
| **Grading** | 6.5 (100 reviews) | 6.8 (201 reviews) | 
| **Earthwork** | 6.2 (96 reviews) | 6.5 (190 reviews) | 

#### Generative AI

| Feature | Archicad | SketchUp | 
|---|---|---|
| **AI Text Generation** | 6.1 (27 reviews) | 6.2 (118 reviews) | 
| **AI Text Summarization** | 6.0 (27 reviews) | 6.1 (118 reviews) | 
| **AI Text-to-3D** | 5.9 (27 reviews) | 6.4 (119 reviews) | 

#### Common Data Environment (CDE) - Building Design and Building Information Modeling

| Feature | Archicad | SketchUp | 
|---|---|---|
| **Role-Based Access** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Centralized Data Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Cost Estimation - Building Design and Building Information Modeling

| Feature | Archicad | SketchUp | 
|---|---|---|
| **Lifecycle Cost Tracking** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Quantity Takeoff & Cost Estimation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Electrical & Circuit Design - Building Design and Building Information Modeling

| Feature | Archicad | SketchUp | 
|---|---|---|
| **Clash Detection** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Electrical System Modeling** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **MEP Coordination** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Load Calculation & Analysis** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Interoperability with BIM & CAD** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Circuit Design Integration** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### 3D Modeling

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Archicad** | N/A | N/A |
| **SketchUp** | 7.1/10 | 293 |

#### Design

| Feature | Archicad | SketchUp | 
|---|---|---|
| **Sculpting** | Not enough data | 7.0 (275 reviews) | 
| **Topology** | Not enough data | 6.9 (268 reviews) | 
| **Drawing** | Not enough data | 8.2 (272 reviews) | 
| **Brush Variety ** | Not enough data | 6.4 (265 reviews) | 
| **Effects** | Not enough data | 7.0 (266 reviews) | 

#### Move

| Feature | Archicad | SketchUp | 
|---|---|---|
| **Animate** | Not enough data | 6.6 (264 reviews) | 
| **Render** | Not enough data | 7.5 (271 reviews) | 
| **Views** | Not enough data | 8.4 (274 reviews) | 

#### Store & Manage

| Feature | Archicad | SketchUp | 
|---|---|---|
| **Pipeline ** | Not enough data | 6.7 (253 reviews) | 
| **Controls** | Not enough data | 7.6 (260 reviews) | 
| **Template library ** | Not enough data | 7.7 (262 reviews) | 

#### Generative AI

| Feature | Archicad | SketchUp | 
|---|---|---|
| **AI Text-to-Image** | Not enough data | 6.1 (248 reviews) | 
| **AI Text-to-3D** | Not enough data | 6.2 (246 reviews) | 

### General-Purpose CAD

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Archicad** | N/A | N/A |
| **SketchUp** | 8.2/10 | 329 |

#### Design

| Feature | Archicad | SketchUp | 
|---|---|---|
| **Drawing** | Not enough data | 8.7 (305 reviews) | 
| **Modeling** | Not enough data | 8.9 (308 reviews) | 
| **Visualize ** | Not enough data | 8.9 (308 reviews) | 
| **Rendering** | Not enough data | 7.7 (294 reviews) | 

#### Edit

| Feature | Archicad | SketchUp | 
|---|---|---|
| **File Import ** | Not enough data | 8.1 (297 reviews) | 
| **Push/Pull** | Not enough data | 9.1 (305 reviews) | 
| **Views** | Not enough data | 8.8 (304 reviews) | 
| **Grips ** | Not enough data | 8.3 (290 reviews) | 

#### Collaboration

| Feature | Archicad | SketchUp | 
|---|---|---|
| **Annotate** | Not enough data | 7.4 (265 reviews) | 
| **Documentation ** | Not enough data | 7.5 (264 reviews) | 
| **Data Extract** | Not enough data | 7.3 (244 reviews) | 

### Urban Planning and Design

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Archicad** | 7.8/10 | 27 |
| **SketchUp** | 7.5/10 | 166 |

#### Plan

| Feature | Archicad | SketchUp | 
|---|---|---|
| **Documentation** | 8.4 (27 reviews) | 7.3 (144 reviews) | 
| **Sequence** | 7.4 (25 reviews) | 7.4 (141 reviews) | 
| **Annotate** | 8.3 (27 reviews) | 6.6 (138 reviews) | 
| **Collaborate** | 8.6 (27 reviews) | 6.9 (133 reviews) | 

#### Design

| Feature | Archicad | SketchUp | 
|---|---|---|
| **3D Modeling** | 9.2 (27 reviews) | 9.0 (158 reviews) | 
| **3D Rendering** | 7.6 (27 reviews) | 7.9 (158 reviews) | 
| **2D Modeling** | 8.6 (27 reviews) | 7.5 (147 reviews) | 
| **Editing** | 8.8 (27 reviews) | 8.0 (156 reviews) | 

#### Analysis

| Feature | Archicad | SketchUp | 
|---|---|---|
| **Sustainability** | 7.0 (25 reviews) | 7.2 (132 reviews) | 
| **Liveability** | 5.9 (23 reviews) | Feature Not Available | 
| **Movement** | 6.4 (23 reviews) | 7.3 (133 reviews) | 

### Architectural Rendering

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Archicad** | 7.7/10 | 133 |
| **SketchUp** | 7.2/10 | 478 |

#### Library

| Feature | Archicad | SketchUp | 
|---|---|---|
| **Objects** | 7.6 (130 reviews) | 8.1 (460 reviews) | 
| **Materials** | 7.6 (130 reviews) | 7.4 (464 reviews) | 

#### Rendering

| Feature | Archicad | SketchUp | 
|---|---|---|
| **Textures** | 7.2 (128 reviews) | 7.3 (453 reviews) | 
| **Shading** | 7.8 (127 reviews) | 7.7 (448 reviews) | 
| **Lighting** | 7.1 (120 reviews) | 6.9 (444 reviews) | 
| **Exterior Rendering** | 7.0 (123 reviews) | 7.4 (436 reviews) | 
| **Aerial Rendering** | 7.0 (117 reviews) | 7.3 (411 reviews) | 
| **Atmospheric rendering** | 6.1 (108 reviews) | 6.5 (394 reviews) | 

#### Integrations

| Feature | Archicad | SketchUp | 
|---|---|---|
| **BIM Integration** | 8.5 (122 reviews) | 6.5 (368 reviews) | 
| **3D Rendering Integration** | 8.1 (125 reviews) | 7.9 (420 reviews) | 

#### Generative AI

| Feature | Archicad | SketchUp | 
|---|---|---|
| **AI Text-to-3D** | 6.4 (37 reviews) | 6.2 (238 reviews) | 

---
## Categories
**Shared Categories (3):** [Architectural Rendering Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/architectural-rendering), [Building Design and Building Information Modeling (BIM) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/building-design-and-building-information-modeling-bim), [Urban Planning and Design Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/urban-planning-and-design)


**Unique to SketchUp (3):** [Sketching Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/sketching), [General-Purpose CAD Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/general-purpose-cad), [3D Modeling Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/3d-modeling)


---
## Reviewer Demographics

### By Company Size

| Segment | Archicad | SketchUp | 
|---|---|---|
| **Small-Business** | 86.8% | 75.6% | 
| **Mid-Market** | 10.3% | 18.0% | 
| **Enterprise** | 2.8% | 6.3% | 

### By Industry

#### Archicad

- **Architecture & Planning:** 82.8%
- **Construction:** 5.6%
- **Design:** 4.2%
- **Civil Engineering:** 1.4%
- **Marketing and Advertising:** 0.7%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 0.7%
- **Alternative Dispute Resolution:** 0.4%
- **Building Materials:** 0.4%
- **Commercial Real Estate:** 0.4%
- **Computer Software:** 0.4%
- **Other:** 3.2%

#### SketchUp

- **Architecture & Planning:** 47.1%
- **Design:** 16.6%
- **Construction:** 11.2%
- **Civil Engineering:** 2.4%
- **Higher Education:** 1.3%
- **Graphic Design:** 1.1%
- **Retail:** 1.0%
- **Furniture:** 0.9%
- **Marketing and Advertising:** 0.9%
- **Mechanical or Industrial Engineering:** 0.9%
- **Other:** 16.7%

---
## Alternatives

### Alternatives to Archicad

- [Revit](https://www.g2.com/products/revit/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (954 reviews)
- [Vectorworks Architect](https://www.g2.com/products/vectorworks-architect/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (236 reviews)
- [AutoCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (1936 reviews)
- [Blender](https://www.g2.com/products/blender/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (319 reviews)
- [Civil 3D](https://www.g2.com/products/civil-3d/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (305 reviews)
- [V-Ray](https://www.g2.com/products/v-ray/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (222 reviews)
- [Lumion Pro](https://www.g2.com/products/lumion-pro/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (110 reviews)
- [D5 Render](https://www.g2.com/products/d5-render/reviews) — 4.8/5 stars (1058 reviews)
- [AutoCAD MEP](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad-mep/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (203 reviews)
- [Navisworks](https://www.g2.com/products/navisworks/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (205 reviews)

### Alternatives to SketchUp

- [AutoCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (1936 reviews)
- [Revit](https://www.g2.com/products/revit/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (954 reviews)
- [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (725 reviews)
- [SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (644 reviews)
- [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (520 reviews)
- [Blender](https://www.g2.com/products/blender/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (319 reviews)
- [D5 Render](https://www.g2.com/products/d5-render/reviews) — 4.8/5 stars (1058 reviews)
- [Vectorworks Architect](https://www.g2.com/products/vectorworks-architect/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (236 reviews)
- [Creo](https://www.g2.com/products/creo-2025-08-26/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (201 reviews)
- [Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-solid-edge/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (613 reviews)

---
## Top Discussions

### Archicad

- Title: [Is it necessary to make a new version release every year ?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-it-necessary-to-make-a-new-version-release-every-year) — 2 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "No, you can get away with getting it every couple of years. But they do have a good offer when paying yearly and guarantee a new version every year."
- Title: [How best can the newly integrated classifications and properties be used to organize keynotes?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/50662-how-best-can-the-newly-integrated-classifications-and-properties-be-used-to-organize-keynotes) — 2 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Hi Spencer, 
It is frustrating that there is not a straight forward tool for keynoting, however, it is possible.  Our company uses the "Keynote..."
- Title: [What is the best way to stop it from overloading my computer?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-the-best-way-to-stop-it-from-overloading-my-computer) — 2 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Ensure your computer meets the recommended specifications that Graphisoft have published on their website, and otherwise rationalize the way you structure a..."
- Title: [Why doesn't Archicad do 3D renderings?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/pourquoi-archicad-ne-fait-pas-des-rendus-3d) — 2 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Archicad does 3d Rendering throughout Cinema Render, a rendering motor that comes within the software installation. "
- Title: [How do other people make custom objects for their projects?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/12321-how-do-other-people-make-custom-objects-for-their-projects) — 2 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "you can model your own objects with native Arhicad elements such as Walls, Slabs or any other, and then save them as objects by selecting the entire elements..."

### SketchUp

- Title: [What is SketchUp used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-sketchup-used-for) — 3 comments
  > **Top comment:** "What I primarily use SketchUp for is extremely quick concept ideas for the construction of a project or the explaining of a project. The programs easy..."
- Title: [Ye](https://www.g2.com/discussions/ye) — 2 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Hi!"
- Title: [When is the Sketchup for IPAD going to be released. I joined the beta back in September 2021 and have been waiting eagerly.](https://www.g2.com/discussions/when-is-the-sketchup-for-ipad-going-to-be-released-i-joined-the-beta-back-in-september-2021-and-have-been-waiting-eagerly) — 2 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Hey there! SketchUp for iPad has been released. Check out our website for more information: https://www.sketchup.com/products/sketchup-for-ipad"
- Title: [Building the site is a pain but is critical. This needs to be easier.](https://www.g2.com/discussions/building-the-site-is-a-pain-but-is-critical-this-needs-to-be-easier) — 2 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Try the 2DXY_SiteSurvey add-on.  The precise survey lines are very easy to set.  The become familiar with the integrated site location and sand box tools for..."
- Title: [What is next?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-next-d4049eff-b5d6-487f-b730-0c3f2631ae44) — 2 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "#iPad!!!"

---
**Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/archicad-vs-sketchup)