# AutoCAD, DesignCAD vs TurboCAD Comparison

| | AutoCAD | DesignCAD | TurboCAD | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Star Rating** | 4.4 out of 5 | 4.0 out of 5 | 4.3 out of 5 | 
| **Total Reviews** | 1,934 | 24 | 31 | 
| **Largest Market Segment** | Small-Business (46.9% of reviews) | Small-Business (50.0% of reviews) | Small-Business (61.3% of reviews) | 
| **Entry Level Price** | $260.00 1 user | $49.99 | $149.99 | 

---
## Top Pros & Cons

### AutoCAD

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

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

### DesignCAD

**Not enough data**

### TurboCAD

**Not enough data**

---
## Ratings Comparison
| Rating | AutoCAD | DesignCAD | TurboCAD | 
|---|---|---|---|
  | **Meets Requirements** | 8.8 (1579 reviews) | 8.8 (18 reviews) | 8.8 (28 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Use** | 8.3 (1587 reviews) | 8.4 (18 reviews) | 8.2 (28 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Setup** | 8.3 (347 reviews) | Not enough data | 8.8 (7 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Admin** | 8.0 (204 reviews) | Not enough data | 8.1 (7 reviews) | 
  | **Quality of Support** | 8.2 (1423 reviews) | 7.2 (17 reviews) | 8.4 (26 reviews) | 
  | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 8.5 (203 reviews) | Not enough data | 8.3 (7 reviews) | 
  | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 8.0 (1548 reviews) | 10.0 (18 reviews) | 7.5 (28 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

### DesignCAD

#### Entry-Level Pricing

Plan: DesignCAD

Price: $49.99


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

#### Free Trial

No

### TurboCAD

#### Entry-Level Pricing

Plan: TurboCAD Deluxe

Price: $149.99

Description: TurboCAD® Deluxe is powerful, complete 2D/3D CAD software with hundreds of drawing, modifying, dimensioning and annotation tools.  Materials, lighting, and photorealistic rendering create powerful presentations of any architectural or mechanical design.  Plus, easily share your work with extensive file support including AutoCAD .DWG, SketchUp .SKP, and STL for 3D printing.

Key Features:
- Complete 2D/3D design tools for drafting, modeling, modifying, dimensioning and annotation.
- Easy to learn and use with set up wizards, context-sensitive help, snaps, alignment aids, and handle-based editing.
- Productivity Features like a customizable UI, time saving wizards, a 64-Bit compatible version, XREF support, and more.

[Browse all 5 editions](https://www.g2.com/products/turbocad/pricing)

#### Free Trial

Yes

---
## Features Comparison By Category

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

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **AutoCAD** | 8.1/10 | 490 |
| **DesignCAD** | N/A | N/A |
| **TurboCAD** | N/A | N/A |

#### Design

| Feature | AutoCAD | DesignCAD | TurboCAD | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Visualizing** | 8.4 (411 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Rendering** | 7.3 (378 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Drawing** | 9.2 (428 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Editing** | 8.8 (410 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Sequence Steps** | 8.2 (371 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Dynamic Updating** | 8.3 (199 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Collaboration

| Feature | AutoCAD | DesignCAD | TurboCAD | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Multi User** | 7.9 (368 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **File Import/Export** | 8.8 (422 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Annotating ** | 8.7 (416 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Document Storage** | 8.7 (396 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Construction

| Feature | AutoCAD | DesignCAD | TurboCAD | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Fabrication** | 8.4 (367 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Reinforcement Tools** | 8.2 (357 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Clash Detection ** | 7.5 (335 reviews) | Not enough data | 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 | DesignCAD | TurboCAD | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **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 | DesignCAD | TurboCAD | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **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 | DesignCAD | TurboCAD | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **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 | DesignCAD | TurboCAD | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **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 | 599 |
| **DesignCAD** | 8.9/10 | 19 |
| **TurboCAD** | N/A | N/A |

#### Design

| Feature | AutoCAD | DesignCAD | TurboCAD | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Drawing** | 9.5 (532 reviews) | 9.0 (16 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Modeling** | 8.0 (498 reviews) | 9.2 (16 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Visualize ** | 8.1 (491 reviews) | 9.1 (16 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Rendering** | 7.4 (428 reviews) | 8.9 (15 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Edit

| Feature | AutoCAD | DesignCAD | TurboCAD | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **File Import ** | 8.7 (496 reviews) | 8.8 (16 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Push/Pull** | 8.2 (439 reviews) | 8.8 (15 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Views** | 8.5 (485 reviews) | 8.9 (16 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Grips ** | 8.4 (459 reviews) | 8.7 (13 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Collaboration

| Feature | AutoCAD | DesignCAD | TurboCAD | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Annotate** | 8.6 (480 reviews) | 8.9 (15 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Documentation ** | 8.7 (473 reviews) | 8.7 (15 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Data Extract** | 8.4 (448 reviews) | 9.3 (15 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### GIS

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **AutoCAD** | 8.4/10 | 46 |
| **DesignCAD** | N/A | N/A |
| **TurboCAD** | N/A | N/A |

#### Data Management

| Feature | AutoCAD | DesignCAD | TurboCAD | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **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 | DesignCAD | TurboCAD | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **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 | DesignCAD | TurboCAD | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **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 |
| **DesignCAD** | N/A | N/A |
| **TurboCAD** | N/A | N/A |

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

| Feature | AutoCAD | DesignCAD | TurboCAD | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **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 | DesignCAD | TurboCAD | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **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 | DesignCAD | TurboCAD | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **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 | DesignCAD | TurboCAD | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **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
**Shared Categories (1):** [General-Purpose CAD Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/general-purpose-cad)

**Unique to AutoCAD (3):** [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), [Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/mechanical-computer-aided-design-mcad)




---
## Reviewer Demographics

### By Company Size

| Segment | AutoCAD | DesignCAD | TurboCAD | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Small-Business** | 46.9% | 50.0% | 61.3% | 
| **Mid-Market** | 34.2% | 31.8% | 25.8% | 
| **Enterprise** | 18.9% | 18.2% | 12.9% | 

### By Industry

#### AutoCAD

- **Architecture & Planning:** 22.3%
- **Civil Engineering:** 10.4%
- **Construction:** 9.2%
- **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:** 27.9%

#### DesignCAD

- **Construction:** 27.3%
- **Architecture & Planning:** 18.2%
- **Design:** 13.6%
- **Medical Devices:** 4.5%
- **Mechanical or Industrial Engineering:** 4.5%
- **Investment Management:** 4.5%
- **Graphic Design:** 4.5%
- **Government Administration:** 4.5%
- **Education Management:** 4.5%
- **Computer Games:** 4.5%
- **Other:** 9.1%

#### TurboCAD

- **Construction:** 12.9%
- **Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing:** 12.9%
- **Civil Engineering:** 6.5%
- **Higher Education:** 6.5%
- **Automotive:** 3.2%
- **Aviation & Aerospace:** 3.2%
- **Chemicals:** 3.2%
- **Computer Games:** 3.2%
- **Consumer Goods:** 3.2%
- **Defense & Space:** 3.2%
- **Other:** 41.9%

---
## 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)
- [Rhinoceros](https://www.g2.com/products/rhinoceros/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (191 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)

### Alternatives to DesignCAD

- [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1324 reviews)
- [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (519 reviews)
- [ZWCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/zwcad/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (349 reviews)
- [SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (643 reviews)
- [Inventor](https://www.g2.com/products/inventor/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (440 reviews)
- [Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-solid-edge/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (599 reviews)
- [MicroStation](https://www.g2.com/products/microstation/reviews) — 4.0/5 stars (413 reviews)
- [Altium Develop](https://www.g2.com/products/altium-develop/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (997 reviews)
- [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (695 reviews)
- [AutoCAD LT](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad-lt/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (285 reviews)

### Alternatives to TurboCAD

- [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1324 reviews)
- [SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (643 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)
- [AutoCAD LT](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad-lt/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (285 reviews)
- [DraftSight](https://www.g2.com/products/draftsight/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (208 reviews)
- [Rhinoceros](https://www.g2.com/products/rhinoceros/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (191 reviews)
- [Octave BricsCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/octave-bricscad/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (135 reviews)
- [FreeCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/freecad/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (61 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"

### DesignCAD

- Title: [Which versions export to 3D printer?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/which-versions-export-to-3d-printer) — 1 comment, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "DesignCAD 3D Max 2019 has 3D Printer Support with STL file Import/Export. You can check it out here:..."

### TurboCAD

- Title: [Does the deluxe version read write dgn files.](https://www.g2.com/discussions/does-the-deluxe-version-read-write-dgn-files) — 2 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "i use the Platinum version for professional work, and I love it.  I don't know about the Deluxe.  However, the customer service guys on turbocad.com are..."
- Title: [Does TurboCAD work with 3D Printers?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/3d-printing) — 1 comment, 1 upvote *(includes official response)*
  > **Top comment:** "Yes!   TurboCAD supports both the import and export of STL files, the standard file format used with 3D printers. "
- Title: [How often do you upgrade and update TurboCAD?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/updates-upgrades) — 1 comment, 1 upvote *(includes official response)*
  > **Top comment:** "We offer a major upgrade to the TurboCAD once a year, typically in the middle to end of Q1.  We typically offer two maintenance release updates as well as..."
- Title: [What licensing options are there for TurboCAD?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/licensing-options) — 1 comment, 1 upvote *(includes official response)*
  > **Top comment:** "TurboCAD Pro and Pro Platinum are available on either an Annual Subscription or on a one-time purchase, permanent license basis.   TurboCAD Deluxe is..."
- Title: [How difficult will it be to learn TurboCAD if I am an AutoCAD user?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/learning-curve) — 1 comment, 1 upvote *(includes official response)*
  > **Top comment:** "Very easy.  TurboCAD menus and command are displayed in a similar fashion to AutoCAD.  TurboCAD also offers a Command line entry option, a ‘heads-up’..."

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