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# Autodesk Fusion vs SOLIDWORKS Comparison - What are their main differences?

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Autodesk FusionSOLIDWORKS[+ Add Product](#)

Pricing

**Autodesk Fusion**
Free Trial

**$85.00** Per User Per Month · 1 Month

**$680.00** Per User Per Year · 1 Year

**$2,040.00** · 3 Years

**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

**Autodesk Fusion**
$$$$$

**SOLIDWORKS**
$$$$$

Average Discount

**Autodesk Fusion**
8%

**SOLIDWORKS**
10%2% more

Uncover valuable pricing insights from real user feedback to improve your shopping experience.
See it for free

Time to Implement

**Autodesk Fusion** 6 months
Based on 100 responses

**SOLIDWORKS** 6 months
Based on 100 responses

Return on Investment

**Autodesk Fusion** 6 months
Based on 100 responses

**SOLIDWORKS** 6 months
Based on 100 responses

**Pros & Cons**
from reviews

**Autodesk Fusion**

Ease of Use (33)

Features (23)

Difficult Learning (12)

Learning Curve (12)

**SOLIDWORKS**

Ease of Use (37)

Features (29)

Performance Issues (17)

Slow Performance (15)

Integrations

**Autodesk Fusion**
[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_690e90c5de441951cf5715b08b1d5420/arduino-ide.png "Product Avatar Image")

Arduino IDE

](https://www.g2.com/products/arduino-ide/reviews)[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_977c0721699223be28566021a78599e9/autodesk-eagle.png "Product Avatar Image")

Autodesk EAGLE

](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-eagle/reviews)[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_df6055b30864d0deaed6f1edc70f26af/autodesk-fusion-manage.png "Product Avatar Image")

Autodesk Fusion Manage

](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion-manage/reviews)[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_1d3305abe723df69eff0f4e15497236f/openbom.jpg "Product Avatar Image")

OpenBOM

](https://www.g2.com/products/openbom/reviews)[
View all
](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/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

**Autodesk Fusion**
 ![Autodesk Fusion 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/1379952/Office-SF-300-Mission-7216-with-overlay.jpg)

**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

**Autodesk Fusion**

**8.8** /10

Based on 467 responses

**SOLIDWORKS**

**8.8** /10

Based on 591 responses

Ease of Use

**Autodesk Fusion**

**8.6** /10

Based on 473 responses

**SOLIDWORKS**

**8.7** /10

Based on 596 responses

Ease of Setup

**Autodesk Fusion**

**8.8** /10

Based on 143 responses

**SOLIDWORKS**

**8.5** /10

Based on 166 responses

Ease of Admin

**Autodesk Fusion**

**8.5** /10

Based on 56 responses

**SOLIDWORKS**

**8.2** /10

Based on 58 responses

Quality of Support

**Autodesk Fusion**

**8.4** /10

Based on 412 responses

**SOLIDWORKS**

**8.2** /10

Based on 529 responses

Has the product been a good partner in doing business?

**Autodesk Fusion**

**8.8** /10

Based on 57 responses

**SOLIDWORKS**

**8.4** /10

Based on 58 responses

Product Direction (% positive)

**Autodesk Fusion**

**9.0** /10

Based on 458 responses

**SOLIDWORKS**

**8.6** /10

Based on 575 responses

**Features**
ratings from reviews

Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM)

**8.8** /10

Based on 198 responses

**8.8** /10

Based on 56 responses

General-Purpose CAD

**8.7** /10

Based on 109 responses

**8.9** /10

Based on 133 responses

CAD Libraries

**8.6** /10

Based on 31 responses

**8.9** /10

Based on 40 responses

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

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CAD Data Exchange

**8.7** /10

Based on 28 responses

**8.8** /10

Based on 38 responses

Additive Manufacturing

**8.1** /10

Based on 192 responses

**7.9** /10

Based on 71 responses

CAD Viewers

**8.7** /10

Based on 118 responses

**9.0** /10

Based on 55 responses

PCB Design

**8.5** /10

Based on 36 responses

**8.2** /10

Based on 15 responses

Simulation & CAE

**8.4** /10

Based on 128 responses

**8.3** /10

Based on 73 responses

Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

**8.9** /10

Based on 27 responses

**8.4** /10

Based on 95 responses

User Insights

**Reviewers' Company Size**

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
68.2%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
21.8%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
10.0%

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
68.2%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
21.8%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
10.0%

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**

[![Autodesk Fusion](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/28ab5b3990e257fc5851e9730734a9cc/autodesk-fusion.svg "Autodesk Fusion")](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews)
Autodesk Fusion

Mechanical or Industrial Engineering
15.5%

Design
13.7%

Automotive
8.6%

Higher Education
5.2%

Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing
3.8%

Other
53.2%

[![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

**Autodesk Fusion Alternatives**

 ![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)

 ![Altium Develop](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/9ece538c466a3522832215687c2d4b84/altium-develop.svg "Altium Develop")

[
Altium Develop
](/products/altium-develop/reviews)

 ![PTC Creo](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/08b448f824b860f3e6ecfb4228fad4d9/ptc-ptc-creo.svg "PTC Creo")

[
Creo
](/products/ptc-ptc-creo/reviews)

**SOLIDWORKS Alternatives**

 ![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)

 ![PTC Creo](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/08b448f824b860f3e6ecfb4228fad4d9/ptc-ptc-creo.svg "PTC Creo")

[
Creo
](/products/ptc-ptc-creo/reviews)

## Autodesk Fusion vs SOLIDWORKS FAQs

Generated using AI

Last updated: August 14, 2026

### What is the difference between SOLIDWORKS vs Autodesk Fusion?

SOLIDWORKS and Autodesk Fusion are both highly rated MCAD platforms, but SOLIDWORKS is distinguished by its industry-standard status and robust parametric modeling, while Autodesk Fusion is favored for its integrated cloud-based workflow and ease of setup.

| [SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews) | [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) |
| --- | --- |
| 4.5/5 (646 reviews) | 4.5/5 (520 reviews) |
| Small-Business | Small-Business |
| 8.3 | 8.8 |
| 8.2 | 8.4 |
| Industry-standard parametric modeling and assembly design | Integrated cloud-based workflow and ease of setup |

### How do the pricing models of SOLIDWORKS and Autodesk Fusion compare?

Autodesk Fusion is rated as the stronger value by reviewers, with a higher satisfaction score for price and cost-related dimensions.

- **SOLIDWORKS:** Reviewers frequently cite high licensing costs and expensive perpetual pricing as drawbacks, though some mention competitive pricing options for professionals.
- **Autodesk Fusion:** Reviewers highlight competitive and affordable pricing, with positive sentiment around the availability of free personal and educational tiers, though some note frustration with subscription-only pricing and advanced features behind paywalls.
- **Switching reasons:** In recent reviews, buyers mention switching to Autodesk Fusion for its lower cost and more flexible licensing compared to SOLIDWORKS.

### What are the best alternatives to SOLIDWORKS and Autodesk Fusion?

The top 3 alternatives to SOLIDWORKS and Autodesk Fusion are Onshape, Designcenter Solid Edge, and —.

| 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) | Small-Business | High licensing cost, competitive options for professionals | Industry-standard parametric modeling and assembly design |
| [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) | 4.5/5 (520 reviews) | Small-Business | Competitive pricing, free personal/educational tiers | Integrated cloud-based workflow and ease of setup |
| [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) | 4.7/5 (725 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Cloud-based collaboration and real-time design |
| [Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-solid-edge/reviews) | 4.3/5 (647 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Comprehensive feature set for mechanical design |

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

Buyers comparing SOLIDWORKS and Autodesk Fusion should prioritize Modeling, Ease of Use, Simulation Tools, Assembly Design, and Collaboration features.

- **Modeling:** SOLIDWORKS (27 all-time mentions), Autodesk Fusion (13 all-time mentions)
- **Ease of Use:** SOLIDWORKS (37 all-time mentions, score 8.6), Autodesk Fusion (29 all-time mentions, score 8.6)
- **Simulation Tools:** SOLIDWORKS (16 all-time mentions), Autodesk Fusion (recent reviews highlight integrated simulation, but lower mention count)
- **Assembly Design:** SOLIDWORKS (12 all-time mentions), Autodesk Fusion (recent reviews note assembly difficulties, 9 all-time mentions)
- **Collaboration:** Autodesk Fusion (10 all-time mentions), SOLIDWORKS (recent reviews highlight universal collaboration via file formats)

### What are the pros and cons of SOLIDWORKS vs Autodesk Fusion?

SOLIDWORKS is strongest in industry-standard parametric modeling and assembly design, while Autodesk Fusion excels in integrated cloud-based workflows and ease of setup.

- **SOLIDWORKS strengths:** Ease of Use (37 all-time mentions), robust 3D Modeling (27), powerful Simulation Tools (16), strong CAD Integration (15), intuitive User Interface (21), and efficient assembly design workflows (12).
- **SOLIDWORKS trade-offs:** Performance Issues (17), Slow Performance (15), High System Requirements (14), Complexity for advanced features (11), and Expensive licensing (11).
- **Autodesk Fusion strengths:** Ease of Use (29), integrated cloud-based workflow, Design Efficiency (16), intuitive User Interface (13), strong Collaboration features (10), and affordable/free tiers for students and individuals.
- **Autodesk Fusion trade-offs:** Learning Curve (11), Assembly Difficulties (9), Performance Issues with large assemblies (9), Missing Features in free/personal tiers (9), and reliance on stable internet connectivity.

### Is SOLIDWORKS or Autodesk Fusion better for small businesses?

Autodesk Fusion is the better fit for small businesses, as both products are most popular in the Small-Business segment, but Fusion's reviewers consistently highlight its affordability and ease of setup.

- **SOLIDWORKS:** Small-Business segment; reviewers note high licensing costs and hardware requirements as barriers for smaller teams, but praise its industry-standard status and robust modeling capabilities.
- **Autodesk Fusion:** Small-Business segment; reviewers highlight competitive pricing, free personal/educational tiers, and easy onboarding as key advantages for small businesses.

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

SOLIDWORKS is favored for integrations, with more reviewer-cited integration mentions and strong compatibility with industry-standard tools.

- **SOLIDWORKS:** Integrates with CATIA (38 all-time mentions) and SolidWorks Simulation (13 all-time mentions), with reviewers highlighting straightforward add-on support and compatibility with other CAD packages.
- **Autodesk Fusion:** Reviewers mention integration with 3D printers and cloud-based collaboration, but no third-party integration exceeds the publish floor for mention counts.

### How do SOLIDWORKS and Autodesk Fusion compare on customer support?

Autodesk Fusion and SOLIDWORKS are rated in near-parity on Quality of Support, with Fusion scoring 8.4 and SOLIDWORKS 8.2.

- **SOLIDWORKS:** Reviewers frequently describe responsive and helpful support, with many citing strong onboarding resources and a large community for troubleshooting.
- **Autodesk Fusion:** Reviewers highlight quick response times, helpful guidelines from Autodesk Support, and abundant instructional resources, especially for new users and educational settings.

### Which is easier to implement, SOLIDWORKS or Autodesk Fusion?

Autodesk Fusion is rated higher for Ease of Setup (8.8 vs 8.3), but the difference is below the materiality threshold, indicating near-parity in implementation experience.

- **SOLIDWORKS:** Reviewers describe setup as straightforward, with many noting quick onboarding and minimal downtime, though some mention hardware requirements and occasional installation challenges.
- **Autodesk Fusion:** Reviewers consistently praise the easy and intuitive setup process, with many citing rapid installation, cloud-based access, and minimal barriers to getting started.

### Which product has better Modeling?

SOLIDWORKS is the stronger product for Modeling, with higher all-time mention counts and robust reviewer sentiment.

- **SOLIDWORKS:** Modeling is cited in 27 all-time mentions, with reviewers highlighting its powerful parametric modeling, assembly design, and ease of creating complex geometries.
- **Autodesk Fusion:** Modeling is cited in 13 all-time mentions, with reviewers noting its ease of use for 3D modeling and integrated workflow, but also mentioning assembly difficulties and some missing advanced features.