# AutoCAD, DataCAD vs Rhinoceros Comparison

| | AutoCAD | DataCAD | Rhinoceros | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Star Rating** | 4.4 out of 5 | 4.8 out of 5 | 4.4 out of 5 | 
| **Total Reviews** | 1,934 | 64 | 191 | 
| **Largest Market Segment** | Small-Business (46.8% of reviews) | Small-Business (94.6% of reviews) | Small-Business (56.3% of reviews) | 
| **Entry Level Price** | $260.00 1 user | $395 ea | $495 | 

---
## Top Pros & Cons

### AutoCAD

Pros:
- Ease of Use (180 reviews)
- Drawing (115 reviews)

Cons:
- Expensive (65 reviews)
- Learning Curve (48 reviews)

### DataCAD

**Not enough data**

### Rhinoceros

Pros:
- Compatibility (2 reviews)
- Customization (2 reviews)

Cons:
- Lack of Features (2 reviews)
- 3D Modeling (1 reviews)

---
## Ratings Comparison
| Rating | AutoCAD | DataCAD | Rhinoceros | 
|---|---|---|---|
  | **Meets Requirements** | 8.8 (1578 reviews) | 9.3 (61 reviews) | 8.6 (169 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Use** | 8.3 (1586 reviews) | 9.3 (61 reviews) | 7.9 (171 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Setup** | 8.3 (346 reviews) | 8.9 (9 reviews) | 8.9 (23 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Admin** | 8.0 (204 reviews) | 8.0 (9 reviews) | 7.9 (15 reviews) | 
  | **Quality of Support** | 8.2 (1422 reviews) | 9.4 (59 reviews) | 7.7 (139 reviews) | 
  | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 8.5 (203 reviews) | 8.1 (9 reviews) | 8.3 (12 reviews) | 
  | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 8.0 (1547 reviews) | 7.7 (61 reviews) | 8.5 (167 reviews) | 

---
## Pricing

### AutoCAD

#### Entry-Level Pricing

Plan: Monthly Subscription

Price: $260.00 1 user

Description: Access software 1 month at a time for the lowest up-front investment.


Key Features:
- Access to the latest software releases
- 1-on-1 online support
- Includes AutoCAD Mobile App

[Browse all 4 editions](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad/pricing)

#### Free Trial

Yes

### DataCAD

#### Entry-Level Pricing

Plan: DataCAD LT

Price: $395 ea

Description: DataCAD LT is a low-cost 2D/3D architectural CADD program for design professionals. DataCAD LT provides the essential production drawing and modeling features of DataCAD and is useful for developing construction drawings and creating architectural presentations. DataCAD LT can also be used in conjunction with desktop publishing applications. Whether you use CAD software occasionally, are a full-time drafter or are new to CAD altogether, you'll find DataCAD LT to be powerful and easy-to-use.


[Browse all 4 editions](https://www.g2.com/products/datacad/pricing)

#### Free Trial

Yes

### Rhinoceros

#### Entry-Level Pricing

Plan: Rhino 5 for Windows Upgrade

Price: $495


[Browse all 2 editions](https://www.g2.com/products/rhinoceros/pricing)

#### Free Trial

No

---
## Features Comparison By Category

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

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **AutoCAD** | 8.1/10 | 490 |
| **DataCAD** | 7.6/10 | 9 |
| **Rhinoceros** | N/A | N/A |

#### Design

| Feature | AutoCAD | DataCAD | Rhinoceros | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Visualizing** | 8.4 (411 reviews) | 7.6 (7 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Rendering** | 7.3 (378 reviews) | 5.3 (6 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Drawing** | 9.2 (428 reviews) | 9.0 (8 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Editing** | 8.8 (410 reviews) | 8.8 (8 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Sequence Steps** | 8.2 (371 reviews) | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | 
| **Dynamic Updating** | 8.3 (199 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Collaboration

| Feature | AutoCAD | DataCAD | Rhinoceros | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Multi User** | 7.9 (368 reviews) | 6.7 (8 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **File Import/Export** | 8.8 (422 reviews) | 7.8 (9 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Annotating ** | 8.7 (416 reviews) | 7.7 (8 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Document Storage** | 8.7 (396 reviews) | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | 

#### Construction

| Feature | AutoCAD | DataCAD | Rhinoceros | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Fabrication** | 8.4 (367 reviews) | 7.6 (7 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Reinforcement Tools** | 8.2 (357 reviews) | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | 
| **Clash Detection ** | 7.5 (335 reviews) | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | 
| **Grading** | 8.1 (187 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Earthwork** | 7.8 (180 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Generative AI

| Feature | AutoCAD | DataCAD | Rhinoceros | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **AI Text Generation** | 7.2 (48 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **AI Text Summarization** | 7.1 (46 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **AI Text-to-3D** | 6.2 (48 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

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

| Feature | AutoCAD | DataCAD | Rhinoceros | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **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 | DataCAD | Rhinoceros | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Lifecycle Cost Tracking** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Quantity Takeoff & Cost Estimation** | 7.0 (5 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

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

| Feature | AutoCAD | DataCAD | Rhinoceros | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **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** | 9.3 (5 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Circuit Design Integration** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### General-Purpose CAD

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **AutoCAD** | 8.4/10 | 598 |
| **DataCAD** | N/A | N/A |
| **Rhinoceros** | 9.6/10 | 7 |

#### Design

| Feature | AutoCAD | DataCAD | Rhinoceros | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Drawing** | 9.5 (532 reviews) | Not enough data | 9.7 (5 reviews) | 
| **Modeling** | 8.0 (497 reviews) | Not enough data | 10.0 (5 reviews) | 
| **Visualize ** | 8.1 (490 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Rendering** | 7.4 (428 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Edit

| Feature | AutoCAD | DataCAD | Rhinoceros | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **File Import ** | 8.7 (496 reviews) | Not enough data | 9.0 (5 reviews) | 
| **Push/Pull** | 8.2 (439 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Views** | 8.5 (485 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Grips ** | 8.4 (459 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Collaboration

| Feature | AutoCAD | DataCAD | Rhinoceros | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Annotate** | 8.6 (480 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Documentation ** | 8.7 (473 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Data Extract** | 8.4 (448 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### GIS

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **AutoCAD** | 8.4/10 | 46 |
| **DataCAD** | N/A | N/A |
| **Rhinoceros** | N/A | N/A |

#### Data Management

| Feature | AutoCAD | DataCAD | Rhinoceros | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Data Capture** | 8.6 (37 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Data Storage** | 8.8 (38 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Data Manipulation** | 8.6 (36 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Data Visualization** | 8.8 (37 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Map Creation

| Feature | AutoCAD | DataCAD | Rhinoceros | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Geocoding** | 8.4 (37 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Buffer Zone Query** | 8.0 (32 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Overlaying** | 8.7 (36 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Publishing** | 8.6 (34 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Analysis

| Feature | AutoCAD | DataCAD | Rhinoceros | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Spatial Analysis** | 8.5 (34 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Reporting ** | 7.9 (34 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Real-Time Streaming ** | 8.0 (29 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **AutoCAD** | 8.2/10 | 22 |
| **DataCAD** | N/A | N/A |
| **Rhinoceros** | N/A | N/A |

#### Tools - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | AutoCAD | DataCAD | Rhinoceros | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **3D/solid modeling Tools** | 7.5 (14 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Rendering Tools** | 7.0 (14 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Drawing Tools** | 9.0 (15 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Editing Tools** | 8.9 (14 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Text Editing Tools** | 8.7 (14 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### File Options - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | AutoCAD | DataCAD | Rhinoceros | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Export Files** | 8.5 (14 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Import Files** | 8.9 (14 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **File Interoperability** | 8.2 (16 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Backwards compatibility** | 8.2 (14 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **File size** | 8.0 (15 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Customization - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | AutoCAD | DataCAD | Rhinoceros | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Custom Commands** | 8.1 (15 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Custom Scripts** | 8.3 (15 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Custom Menus** | 7.9 (13 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Custom Interface** | 8.2 (17 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Environment - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | AutoCAD | DataCAD | Rhinoceros | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Hardware support** | 7.9 (14 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Task-based interfaces** | 7.9 (13 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Manage Multiple Profiles** | 7.9 (13 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Command Clarity** | 8.6 (14 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

---
## Categories

**Unique to AutoCAD (4):** [GIS Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/gis), [Building Design and Building Information Modeling (BIM) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/building-design-and-building-information-modeling-bim), [General-Purpose CAD Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/general-purpose-cad), [Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/mechanical-computer-aided-design-mcad)

**Unique to DataCAD (1):** [Building Design and Building Information Modeling (BIM) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/building-design-and-building-information-modeling-bim)

**Unique to Rhinoceros (2):** [Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/mechanical-computer-aided-design-mcad), [General-Purpose CAD Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/general-purpose-cad)


---
## Reviewer Demographics

### By Company Size

| Segment | AutoCAD | DataCAD | Rhinoceros | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Small-Business** | 46.8% | 94.6% | 56.3% | 
| **Mid-Market** | 34.3% | 0% | 25.1% | 
| **Enterprise** | 18.9% | 5.4% | 18.6% | 

### By Industry

#### AutoCAD

- **Architecture & Planning:** 22.3%
- **Civil Engineering:** 10.4%
- **Construction:** 9.3%
- **Mechanical or Industrial Engineering:** 8.6%
- **Design:** 8.4%
- **Oil & Energy:** 3.2%
- **Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing:** 2.9%
- **Automotive:** 2.9%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 2.3%
- **Higher Education:** 1.8%
- **Other:** 27.8%

#### DataCAD

- **Architecture & Planning:** 77.8%
- **Construction:** 7.9%
- **Design:** 4.8%
- **Civil Engineering:** 3.2%
- **Internet:** 1.6%
- **Higher Education:** 1.6%
- **Government Administration:** 1.6%
- **Education Management:** 1.6%

#### Rhinoceros

- **Architecture & Planning:** 37.3%
- **Design:** 25.4%
- **Higher Education:** 4.9%
- **Mechanical or Industrial Engineering:** 2.7%
- **Construction:** 2.2%
- **Marketing and Advertising:** 2.2%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 1.6%
- **Luxury Goods & Jewelry:** 1.6%
- **Consumer Goods:** 1.6%
- **Arts and Crafts:** 1.1%
- **Other:** 19.5%

---
## Alternatives

### Alternatives to AutoCAD

- [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1324 reviews)
- [Altium Develop](https://www.g2.com/products/altium-develop/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (997 reviews)
- [SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (643 reviews)
- [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (695 reviews)
- [Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-solid-edge/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (599 reviews)
- [Esri ArcGIS](https://www.g2.com/products/esri-arcgis/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (539 reviews)
- [Designcenter NX](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-nx/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (527 reviews)
- [MicroStation](https://www.g2.com/products/microstation/reviews) — 4.0/5 stars (413 reviews)
- [ZWCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/zwcad/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (349 reviews)
- [ActCAD BIM](https://www.g2.com/products/actcad-actcad-bim/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (50 reviews)

### Alternatives to DataCAD

- [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1324 reviews)
- [Revit](https://www.g2.com/products/revit/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (947 reviews)
- [Archicad](https://www.g2.com/products/archicad/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (291 reviews)
- [Vectorworks Architect](https://www.g2.com/products/vectorworks-architect/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (236 reviews)
- [AutoCAD MEP](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad-mep/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (203 reviews)
- [Civil 3D](https://www.g2.com/products/civil-3d/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (304 reviews)
- [Navisworks](https://www.g2.com/products/navisworks/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (204 reviews)
- [Revizto](https://www.g2.com/products/revizto/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (209 reviews)
- [Tekla Structures](https://www.g2.com/products/tekla-structures/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (64 reviews)
- [ALLPLAN](https://www.g2.com/products/allplan/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (25 reviews)

### Alternatives to Rhinoceros

- [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (695 reviews)
- [SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (643 reviews)
- [Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-solid-edge/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (599 reviews)
- [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (519 reviews)
- [Inventor](https://www.g2.com/products/inventor/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (440 reviews)
- [Creo](https://www.g2.com/products/creo-2025-08-26/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (200 reviews)
- [FreeCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/freecad/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (61 reviews)
- [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1324 reviews)
- [Designcenter NX](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-nx/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (527 reviews)
- [MicroStation](https://www.g2.com/products/microstation/reviews) — 4.0/5 stars (413 reviews)

---
## Top Discussions

### AutoCAD

- Title: [Can we add simulation?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/15648-can-we-add-simulation) — 4 comments, 3 upvotes
  > **Top comment:** "Yes we can do any kind of simulation here. This tool provides great flexibility."
- Title: [Which of the features might be useful for CAD software?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/which-of-the-features-might-be-useful-for-cad-software) — 3 comments
  > **Top comment:** "3d extend "
- Title: [What is AutoCAD Architecture used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-autocad-architecture-used-for) — 2 comments, 2 upvotes
  > **Top comment:** "AutoCAD Architecture is a specialized version of AutoCAD developed for architects and building professionals. It provides intelligent architectural..."
- Title: [Can you do 3d in AutoCAD?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/can-you-do-3d-in-autocad) — 2 comments
  > **Top comment:** "Yes"
- Title: [What is AutoCAD software used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-autocad-software-used-for) — 2 comments
  > **Top comment:** "drafting, design and drawing production.  2d and 3d"

### DataCAD

- Title: [What is the company for DataCAD?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-the-company-for-datacad) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "DataCAD LLC."

### Rhinoceros

- Title: [How do I change command line auto-fill shortcuts](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-do-i-change-command-line-auto-fill-shortcuts) — 1 comment, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Select the setting in Options > Appearance > ‘Use fuzzy autocomplete’ checked 

"

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