# AutoCAD MEP, SolidWorks Flow Simulation vs OpenFOAM Comparison

| | AutoCAD MEP | SolidWorks Flow Simulation | OpenFOAM | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Star Rating** | 4.3 out of 5 | 4.1 out of 5 | 4.3 out of 5 | 
| **Total Reviews** | 203 | 35 | 35 | 
| **Largest Market Segment** | Mid-Market (48.9% of reviews) | Small-Business (48.5% of reviews) | Small-Business (63.6% of reviews) | 
| **Entry Level Price** | $790 Quarterly | No pricing available | No pricing available | 

---
## Top Pros & Cons

### AutoCAD MEP

Pros:
- BIM Integration (1 reviews)
- Drawing (1 reviews)

Cons:
- Difficult Modifications (1 reviews)
- Inadequate Tools (1 reviews)

### SolidWorks Flow Simulation

**Not enough data**

### OpenFOAM

**Not enough data**

---
## Ratings Comparison
| Rating | AutoCAD MEP | SolidWorks Flow Simulation | OpenFOAM | 
|---|---|---|---|
  | **Meets Requirements** | 8.5 (167 reviews) | 8.6 (30 reviews) | 8.0 (26 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Use** | 8.3 (168 reviews) | 8.3 (30 reviews) | 6.7 (26 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Setup** | 7.5 (36 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
  | **Ease of Admin** | 7.6 (33 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
  | **Quality of Support** | 8.3 (161 reviews) | 8.3 (30 reviews) | 6.1 (21 reviews) | 
  | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 7.9 (32 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
  | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 7.5 (164 reviews) | 7.1 (28 reviews) | 6.1 (24 reviews) | 

---
## Pricing

### AutoCAD MEP

#### Entry-Level Pricing

Plan: Quarterly

Price: $790 Quarterly


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

#### Free Trial

Yes

### SolidWorks Flow Simulation

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

No information available

### OpenFOAM

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

No information available

---
## Features Comparison By Category

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

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **AutoCAD MEP** | 8.2/10 | 109 |
| **SolidWorks Flow Simulation** | N/A | N/A |
| **OpenFOAM** | N/A | N/A |

#### Design

| Feature | AutoCAD MEP | SolidWorks Flow Simulation | OpenFOAM | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Visualizing** | 8.4 (94 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Rendering** | 8.0 (91 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Drawing** | 8.9 (95 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Editing** | 8.6 (94 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Sequence Steps** | 8.4 (92 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Dynamic Updating** | 7.9 (26 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Collaboration

| Feature | AutoCAD MEP | SolidWorks Flow Simulation | OpenFOAM | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Multi User** | 7.9 (91 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **File Import/Export** | 8.7 (93 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Annotating ** | 8.6 (93 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Document Storage** | 8.7 (93 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Construction

| Feature | AutoCAD MEP | SolidWorks Flow Simulation | OpenFOAM | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Fabrication** | 8.6 (92 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Reinforcement Tools** | 8.3 (87 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Clash Detection ** | 7.7 (84 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Grading** | 7.9 (24 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Earthwork** | 7.6 (23 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Generative AI

| Feature | AutoCAD MEP | SolidWorks Flow Simulation | OpenFOAM | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **AI Text Generation** | 8.1 (13 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **AI Text Summarization** | 8.2 (13 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **AI Text-to-3D** | 7.8 (13 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

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

| Feature | AutoCAD MEP | SolidWorks Flow Simulation | OpenFOAM | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Role-Based Access** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Centralized Data Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

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

| Feature | AutoCAD MEP | SolidWorks Flow Simulation | OpenFOAM | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Lifecycle Cost Tracking** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Quantity Takeoff & Cost Estimation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

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

| Feature | AutoCAD MEP | SolidWorks Flow Simulation | OpenFOAM | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Clash Detection** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Electrical System Modeling** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **MEP Coordination** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Load Calculation & Analysis** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Interoperability with BIM & CAD** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Circuit Design Integration** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### MEP

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **AutoCAD MEP** | 8.3/10 | 111 |
| **SolidWorks Flow Simulation** | 8.9/10 | 11 |
| **OpenFOAM** | N/A | N/A |

#### Design

| Feature | AutoCAD MEP | SolidWorks Flow Simulation | OpenFOAM | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Systems** | 8.5 (92 reviews) | 9.2 (10 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **3D** | 8.2 (92 reviews) | 8.7 (9 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Documentation** | 8.2 (92 reviews) | 8.7 (10 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Fabrication** | 8.6 (94 reviews) | 9.0 (8 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Clash Detection** | 7.7 (87 reviews) | 8.8 (7 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Work

| Feature | AutoCAD MEP | SolidWorks Flow Simulation | OpenFOAM | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Integrate** | 8.5 (94 reviews) | 8.5 (9 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Drafting** | 9.0 (96 reviews) | 8.9 (9 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Analysis** | 7.9 (88 reviews) | 8.8 (10 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Simulations** | 7.8 (87 reviews) | 9.2 (10 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### Simulation & CAE

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **AutoCAD MEP** | N/A | N/A |
| **SolidWorks Flow Simulation** | 8.2/10 | 9 |
| **OpenFOAM** | 6.9/10 | 16 |

#### Design

| Feature | AutoCAD MEP | SolidWorks Flow Simulation | OpenFOAM | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **3D/solid modeling Tools** | Not enough data | 8.8 (8 reviews) | 6.2 (11 reviews) | 
| **Drawing Tools** | Not enough data | 8.3 (8 reviews) | 6.1 (11 reviews) | 
| **Editing Tools** | Not enough data | 7.7 (8 reviews) | 6.8 (11 reviews) | 
| **Rendering tools** | Not enough data | 7.7 (8 reviews) | 7.1 (12 reviews) | 

#### Tools

| Feature | AutoCAD MEP | SolidWorks Flow Simulation | OpenFOAM | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Fluid analysis** | Not enough data | 8.1 (8 reviews) | 8.8 (13 reviews) | 
| **Finite element analysis** | Not enough data | 7.7 (8 reviews) | 6.5 (8 reviews) | 
| **Multibody dynamics** | Not enough data | 8.1 (8 reviews) | 6.3 (8 reviews) | 

#### Work

| Feature | AutoCAD MEP | SolidWorks Flow Simulation | OpenFOAM | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Discrete event modeling** | Not enough data | 8.3 (8 reviews) | 6.7 (8 reviews) | 
| **Continuous event modeling** | Not enough data | 8.5 (8 reviews) | 6.9 (9 reviews) | 
| **Mechanical event simulation** | Not enough data | 8.3 (8 reviews) | 7.1 (8 reviews) | 
| **Manufacturing process simulation** | Not enough data | 7.7 (8 reviews) | 6.4 (7 reviews) | 
| **Integrate** | Not enough data | 8.5 (8 reviews) | 6.9 (9 reviews) | 

#### Environment

| Feature | AutoCAD MEP | SolidWorks Flow Simulation | OpenFOAM | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Hardware support** | Not enough data | 8.1 (8 reviews) | 7.1 (8 reviews) | 
| **Task** | Not enough data | 8.3 (8 reviews) | 6.8 (10 reviews) | 
| **Manage Multiple Profiles** | Not enough data | 9.0 (8 reviews) | 7.4 (7 reviews) | 
| **Command Clarity** | Not enough data | 8.8 (8 reviews) | 7.2 (12 reviews) | 

---
## Categories

**Unique to AutoCAD MEP (2):** [Building Design and Building Information Modeling (BIM) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/building-design-and-building-information-modeling-bim), [MEP Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/mep)

**Unique to SolidWorks Flow Simulation (2):** [Simulation & CAE Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/simulation-cae), [MEP Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/mep)

**Unique to OpenFOAM (1):** [Simulation & CAE Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/simulation-cae)


---
## Reviewer Demographics

### By Company Size

| Segment | AutoCAD MEP | SolidWorks Flow Simulation | OpenFOAM | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Small-Business** | 24.5% | 48.5% | 63.6% | 
| **Mid-Market** | 48.9% | 27.3% | 18.2% | 
| **Enterprise** | 26.6% | 24.2% | 18.2% | 

### By Industry

#### AutoCAD MEP

- **Construction:** 21.4%
- **Design:** 17.6%
- **Architecture & Planning:** 11.8%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 11.8%
- **Mechanical or Industrial Engineering:** 9.6%
- **Civil Engineering:** 8.6%
- **Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing:** 3.7%
- **Computer Software:** 2.1%
- **Automotive:** 1.6%
- **Accounting:** 1.1%
- **Other:** 10.7%

#### SolidWorks Flow Simulation

- **Information Technology and Services:** 21.2%
- **Mechanical or Industrial Engineering:** 12.1%
- **Design:** 12.1%
- **Higher Education:** 9.1%
- **Automotive:** 9.1%
- **Architecture & Planning:** 6.1%
- **Oil & Energy:** 3.0%
- **Military:** 3.0%
- **Medical Devices:** 3.0%
- **Machinery:** 3.0%
- **Other:** 18.2%

#### OpenFOAM

- **Mechanical or Industrial Engineering:** 30.3%
- **Automotive:** 18.2%
- **Research:** 12.1%
- **Higher Education:** 9.1%
- **Oil & Energy:** 6.1%
- **Renewables & Environment:** 3.0%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 3.0%
- **Government Administration:** 3.0%
- **Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing:** 3.0%
- **Design:** 3.0%
- **Other:** 9.1%

---
## Alternatives

### Alternatives to AutoCAD MEP

- [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1324 reviews)
- [Vectorworks Architect](https://www.g2.com/products/vectorworks-architect/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (235 reviews)
- [Archicad](https://www.g2.com/products/archicad/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (291 reviews)
- [MagiCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/magicad/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (37 reviews)
- [Tekla Structures](https://www.g2.com/products/tekla-structures/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (64 reviews)
- [DataCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/datacad/reviews) — 4.8/5 stars (64 reviews)
- [Revizto](https://www.g2.com/products/revizto/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (208 reviews)
- [Design Master Electrical](https://www.g2.com/products/design-master-electrical/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (10 reviews)
- [HEC-RAS](https://www.g2.com/products/hec-ras/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (36 reviews)
- [Trimble SysQue](https://www.g2.com/products/trimble-sysque/reviews) — 4.0/5 stars (38 reviews)

### Alternatives to SolidWorks Flow Simulation

- [Ansys Fluent](https://www.g2.com/products/ansys-fluent/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (122 reviews)
- [MATLAB](https://www.g2.com/products/matlab/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (770 reviews)
- [COMSOL Multiphysics®](https://www.g2.com/products/comsol-multiphysics/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (36 reviews)
- [Autodesk CFD](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-cfd/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (31 reviews)
- [Moldflow](https://www.g2.com/products/moldflow/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (28 reviews)
- [Inventor](https://www.g2.com/products/inventor/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (440 reviews)
- [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (519 reviews)
- [SimScale](https://www.g2.com/products/simscale/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (279 reviews)
- [Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-solid-edge/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (599 reviews)
- [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (695 reviews)

### Alternatives to OpenFOAM

- [MATLAB](https://www.g2.com/products/matlab/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (770 reviews)
- [SimScale](https://www.g2.com/products/simscale/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (279 reviews)
- [Ansys Fluent](https://www.g2.com/products/ansys-fluent/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (122 reviews)
- [COMSOL Multiphysics®](https://www.g2.com/products/comsol-multiphysics/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (36 reviews)
- [Autodesk CFD](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-cfd/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (31 reviews)
- [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (519 reviews)
- [SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (643 reviews)
- [GNU Octave](https://www.g2.com/products/gnu-octave/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (55 reviews)
- [Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-solid-edge/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (599 reviews)
- [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (695 reviews)

---
## Top Discussions

### AutoCAD MEP

- Title: [What is the difference between AutoCAD and Autocad MEP?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-the-difference-between-autocad-and-autocad-mep) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "AutoCAD MEP add special custom toolbars and shortcuts that are useful for mechanical, electrical and plumbing designers/drafters.  It's basically AutoCAD..."
- Title: [What is MEP in AutoCAD?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-mep-in-autocad) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "Mechanical electrical plumbing"
- Title: [How I can manage layout](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-i-can-manage-layout) — 1 comment, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Yes you can manage layout by views/view port/scale settings."

### SolidWorks Flow Simulation

No discussions available for this product.

### OpenFOAM

- Title: [Is OpenFOAM free?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-openfoam-free) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "Yes! It's open source"
- Title: [What do you use as mesher? Are there free ones that are good for complex geometries?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/30233-what-do-you-use-as-mesher-are-there-free-ones-that-are-good-for-complex-geometries) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "I used snappyHexMesh to mesh a complicated geometry and it did well. Many like cfMesh too. If snappyHexMesh is used, can use blockMesh to generate background..."

---
**Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/autocad-mep-vs-solidworks-solidworks-flow-simulation-vs-openfoam)