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

At a Glance

Star Rating

**Autodesk Fusion** [

4.5/5(520)

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

**SOLIDWORKS** [

4.5/5(646)

](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews#reviews)

Market Segments

**Autodesk Fusion**
Small-Business (68.5% of reviews)

**SOLIDWORKS**
Small-Business (44.4% of reviews)

Pros & Cons

**Autodesk Fusion**
[
Ease of Use (29)
](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1764452&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Features (21)
](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1762329&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Difficult Learning (11)
](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1765752&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Learning Curve (11)
](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1761693&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)

**SOLIDWORKS**
[
Ease of Use (37)
](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1930356&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Features (29)
](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1930595&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Performance Issues (17)
](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1935588&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Slow Performance (15)
](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1931247&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)

Entry-Level Pricing

**Autodesk Fusion**
 **$680.00** 1 Subscription Per Year

**SOLIDWORKS**
No pricing available

Summary

AI Generated Summary

AI-generated. Powered by real user reviews.

- According to verified reviews, **Autodesk Fusion** excels in providing a seamless integration of design, simulation, and manufacturing within a single platform, which users find enhances their workflow efficiency. Reviewers appreciate the ability to quickly make design changes and test them directly, streamlining the entire process.
- G2 reviewers report that **SOLIDWORKS** is highly regarded for its intuitive 3D modeling capabilities, making it easy for users to turn complex ideas into detailed designs. Users highlight the software's user-friendly interface and the effectiveness of its AI engine in accelerating design tasks.
- Users say that **Autodesk Fusion** offers a more modern approach with its cloud-based features, allowing for easy access and collaboration. Reviewers mention the convenience of using shortcuts for modeling tasks, which significantly reduces the learning curve for new users.
- Reviewers mention that **SOLIDWORKS** is competitively priced and easy to learn, making it a popular choice among small businesses. Many users note that onboarding new engineers is straightforward, thanks to the software's self-explanatory design.
- According to verified reviews, **Autodesk Fusion** shines in its ability to facilitate quick transitions between CAD and CAM, which is particularly beneficial for users who frequently modify models. This flexibility is often praised by those who rely heavily on CAM functionalities.
- G2 reviewers report that while **SOLIDWORKS** has strong modeling and drawing tools, it sometimes faces challenges in setup and administrative ease compared to **Autodesk Fusion** , which is noted for its smoother setup process and better overall user experience.

Pricing

Entry-Level Pricing

**Autodesk Fusion**

Autodesk Fusion

Autodesk Fusion 

$680.00

1 Subscription Per Year

Autodesk Fusion is a cloud-based 3D modeling, CAD, CAM, CAE, and PCB software platform for professional product design and manufacturing.

- Design and engineer products how you want to ensure aesthetics, form, fit, and function.
- Engineer, design, and create anything with comprehensive electronics and PCB design tools.
- Save time and money and get quality parts out the door faster.

[Browse all 4 pricing plans](/products/autodesk-fusion/pricing)

**SOLIDWORKS**

SOLIDWORKS
No pricing available

Free Trial

**Autodesk Fusion**

Autodesk Fusion

Free Trial is available

**SOLIDWORKS**

SOLIDWORKS

Free Trial is available

Ratings

Meets Requirements

8.8

447

8.8

537

Ease of Use

8.6

452

8.6

542

Ease of Setup

8.8

121

8.2

114

Ease of Admin

8.5

54

7.9

46

Quality of Support

8.4

394

8.2

477

Has the product been a good partner in doing business?

8.8

55

8.3

46

Product Direction (% positive)

9.0

442

8.6

531

Features by Category

Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM)[Hide 40 FeaturesShow 40 Features](javascript:void(0);)

8.7

181

8.7

53

CAD to CAM

CAD-CAM Import

8.9

152

9.0(won by 0.1)

42

CAM Data Exchange

8.8(tied score)

138

8.8(tied score)

42

CAD/CAM Compatibility

8.8

149

8.9(won by 0.1)

43

Data Verification

Not enough data

Not enough data

CNC Programming

CNC Workflows

8.7(tied score)

138

8.7(tied score)

39

CNC Feature Recognition

8.4

130

8.6(won by 0.2)

38

Programming Control

8.4(tied score)

130

8.4(tied score)

37

Configurable Workflow

Not enough data

Not enough data

Job Card

Not enough data

Not enough data

Version Control

Not enough data

Not enough data

Machining

Job Set-up

8.5

135

8.6(won by 0.1)

39

Operations

8.7(tied score)

133

8.7(tied score)

39

Tooling and Toolpaths

8.7

135

8.8(won by 0.1)

39

Additional Functionality

G-Code Output

Not enough data

Not enough data

Batch Processing

Not enough data

Not enough data

Toolpath Generation

Not enough data

Not enough data

Collaboration Tools

Not enough data

Not enough data

2D and 3D Machining

Not enough data

Not enough data

Multi-Language

Not enough data

Not enough data

Real-Time Monitoring

Not enough data

Not enough data

AI/Machine Learning

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Templates

Not enough data

Not enough data

For Aerospace Industry

Not enough data

Not enough data

Multi-Axis Machining Support

Not enough data

Not enough data

Setup Sheet Generation

Not enough data

Not enough data

For Automotive Industry

Not enough data

Not enough data

Tool Library Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Import/Export

Not enough data

Not enough data

Nesting

Not enough data

Not enough data

Additive Manufacturing

Not enough data

Not enough data

Reporting & Statistics

Not enough data

Not enough data

IoT Integration

Not enough data

Not enough data

Material Database

Not enough data

Not enough data

Real-Time Updates

Not enough data

Not enough data

Customizable User Interface

Not enough data

Not enough data

CAD Integration

Not enough data

Not enough data

Role-Based Permissions

Not enough data

Not enough data

Roughing & Finishing Strategies

Not enough data

Not enough data

Machine Simulation

Not enough data

Not enough data

General-Purpose CAD[Hide 52 FeaturesShow 52 Features](javascript:void(0);)

8.6

102

8.8

113

Design

Drawing

9.1

100

9.5(won by 0.4)

108

Modeling

9.2

100

9.4(won by 0.2)

108

Visualize 

9.1

99

9.2(won by 0.1)

104

Rendering

8.8(won by 0.7)

97

8.1

101

Edit

File Import 

8.4

96

8.5(won by 0.1)

99

Push/Pull

8.7(won by 0.4)

92

8.3

91

Views

8.8

94

9.3(won by 0.5)

102

Grips 

8.7(won by 0.4)

87

8.3

86

Collaboration

Annotate

8.1

86

8.6(won by 0.5)

95

Documentation 

8.1

94

9.0(won by 0.9)

97

Data Extract

8.3

90

8.4(won by 0.1)

91

Additional Functionality

API

Not enough data

Not enough data

Image Editing

Not enough data

Not enough data

Activity Dashboard

Not enough data

Not enough data

Animation

Not enough data

Not enough data

Reference Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Secure Data Storage

Not enough data

Not enough data

Third-Party Integrations

Not enough data

Not enough data

Configuration Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Annotations

Not enough data

Not enough data

Drag & Drop

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Synchronization

Not enough data

Not enough data

For 3D Printing

Not enough data

Not enough data

Customizable Templates

Not enough data

Not enough data

Modeling & Simulation

Not enough data

Not enough data

For Manufacturers

Not enough data

Not enough data

Multiple Format Support

Not enough data

Not enough data

Workflow Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Version Control

Not enough data

Not enough data

Document Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Sketching and Annotation Tools

Not enough data

Not enough data

Multiple Projects

Not enough data

Not enough data

For Architects

Not enough data

Not enough data

Content Library

Not enough data

Not enough data

Bill of Materials Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Collaboration Tools

Not enough data

Not enough data

Design Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Rules-Based Workflow

Not enough data

Not enough data

Reporting/Analytics

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Visualization

Not enough data

Not enough data

Generative AI

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Capture and Transfer

Not enough data

Not enough data

Projections

Not enough data

Not enough data

AI Copilot

Not enough data

Not enough data

Real Time Comparisons

Not enough data

Not enough data

Document Generation

Not enough data

Not enough data

Component Library

Not enough data

Not enough data

Compliance Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Customizable Branding

Not enough data

Not enough data

File Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Real-Time Updates

Not enough data

Not enough data

Configurable Workflow

Not enough data

Not enough data

CAD Libraries[Hide 10 FeaturesShow 10 Features](javascript:void(0);)

8.6

31

8.8

35

Library

Categorize

9.1(won by 0.2)

25

8.9

29

Search

8.3

25

8.6(won by 0.3)

28

Deduplication

8.3

25

8.4(won by 0.1)

28

Feedback

8.5

26

8.6(won by 0.1)

23

CAD

Types

8.6

25

8.8(won by 0.2)

24

Models

8.9

29

9.4(won by 0.5)

30

Compatibility

9.1(tied score)

29

9.1(tied score)

29

Integration

Catalogs

8.6(won by 0.1)

28

8.5

26

CAD & PLM

8.7

25

9.6(won by 0.9)

29

ERP

8.3

20

8.6(won by 0.3)

25

CAD Data Exchange[Hide 7 FeaturesShow 7 Features](javascript:void(0);)

8.7

28

8.8

34

Data

3D Format

9.0

25

9.3(won by 0.3)

29

Data Quality

8.7

23

8.8(won by 0.1)

27

Extra Information

8.4(won by 0.1)

20

8.3

26

Standard Format

8.6

23

9.0(won by 0.4)

27

Translate

8.6(won by 0.3)

23

8.3

24

Validation

8.8(won by 0.1)

22

8.7

25

Logistics

Integrate

8.5

25

9.1(won by 0.6)

25

Additive Manufacturing[Hide 14 FeaturesShow 14 Features](javascript:void(0);)

8.1

191

7.9

66

File Support - Additive Manufacturing

STL Compatible

9.0(won by 0.3)

178

8.7

61

3MF Compatible

8.7(won by 0.2)

100

8.5

47

OBJ Compatible

8.7(won by 0.3)

142

8.4

52

File Editing - Additive Manufacturing

Mesh Repair

7.8(won by 0.3)

144

7.5

55

File Editing

8.6(tied score)

171

8.6(tied score)

60

Software Integrations - Additive Manufacturing

Standalone Slicer

7.8(won by 0.2)

127

7.6

49

Inetgrated 3D Modeling

9.1(won by 0.3)

167

8.8

58

Software Type - Additive Manufacturing

Cloud-based Platform

8.5(won by 0.8)

173

7.7

48

Downloadable Application

8.9(won by 0.3)

170

8.6

53

Generative AI - Additive Manufacturing

AI Text-to-Image

6.0(tied score)

23

6.0(tied score)

20

AI Text-to-3D

6.1(tied score)

24

6.1(tied score)

20

Building Preparation - Additive Manufacturing

Material Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Building Simulation

Not enough data

Not enough data

Slicing Optimization

Not enough data

Not enough data

CAD Viewers[Hide 10 FeaturesShow 10 Features](javascript:void(0);)

8.7

117

9.0

49

File Options

Import files

9.1(won by 0.2)

111

8.9

44

Export files

8.7

109

9.1(won by 0.4)

43

View 2D files

8.3

105

9.1(won by 0.8)

43

View 3D files

9.3(tied score)

112

9.3(tied score)

44

Batch convert files

7.9

73

8.3(won by 0.4)

35

File size

8.4(won by 0.1)

101

8.3

41

Tools

Dimensioning tools

8.3

112

9.5(won by 1.2)

43

Change units

8.8

109

9.1(won by 0.3)

41

3D/solid modeling tools

9.2(tied score)

109

9.2(tied score)

43

Design

Drawing

8.8

111

9.4(won by 0.6)

43

PCB Design[Hide 9 FeaturesShow 9 Features](javascript:void(0);)

8.5

36

8.2

15

Design

PCB layout editing

8.5(won by 0.6)

31

7.9

12

Schematic editor

8.4(won by 0.6)

32

7.8

12

Tools

3D modeling tools

9.1

34

9.2(won by 0.1)

13

Component placement

8.8(won by 0.1)

34

8.7

13

Library

Component libraries

8.3(won by 0.1)

32

8.2

13

Platform

Board size

8.6(tied score)

33

8.6(tied score)

13

Layers

8.5(won by 0.4)

32

8.1

12

Customization

Custom commands

7.8(tied score)

33

7.8(tied score)

12

Custom interface

8.2

32

8.3(won by 0.1)

12

Simulation & CAE[Hide 65 FeaturesShow 65 Features](javascript:void(0);)

8.4

127

8.2

65

Design

3D/solid modeling Tools

9.1

116

9.2(won by 0.1)

63

Drawing Tools

8.8

117

9.0(won by 0.2)

63

Editing Tools

9.0(won by 0.2)

116

8.8

63

Rendering tools

8.6(won by 0.9)

108

7.7

61

Stochastic Modeling

Not enough data

Not enough data

Presentation Tools

Not enough data

Not enough data

Tools

Fluid analysis

7.2

63

7.8(won by 0.6)

55

Finite element analysis

8.4(won by 0.6)

81

7.8

57

Multibody dynamics

8.1(won by 0.8)

73

7.3

50

Design Analysis

Not enough data

Not enough data

Work

Discrete event modeling

8.0(won by 0.6)

66

7.4

42

Continuous event modeling

8.2(won by 0.6)

67

7.6

43

Mechanical event simulation

8.4(won by 0.1)

83

8.3

52

Manufacturing process simulation

8.4(won by 0.3)

76

8.1

45

Integrate

8.2

72

8.4(won by 0.2)

48

Turbulence Modeling

Not enough data

Not enough data

Motion Modeling

Not enough data

Not enough data

Dynamic Modeling

Not enough data

Not enough data

Mathematical Modeling

Not enough data

Not enough data

Agent-Based Modeling

Not enough data

Not enough data

Monte Carlo Simulation

Not enough data

Not enough data

Environment

Hardware support

8.6(won by 0.3)

97

8.3

54

Task

8.6(won by 0.3)

87

8.3

52

Manage Multiple Profiles

8.4(won by 0.3)

84

8.1

50

Command Clarity

9.1(won by 0.5)

102

8.6

54

Additional Functionality

Activity Dashboard

Not enough data

Not enough data

Configurable Workflow

Not enough data

Not enough data

API

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Verification

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Visualization

Not enough data

Not enough data

Generative AI

Not enough data

Not enough data

3D Imaging

Not enough data

Not enough data

Projections

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Import/Export

Not enough data

Not enough data

Design Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Drag & Drop

Not enough data

Not enough data

Real-Time Monitoring

Not enough data

Not enough data

Version Control

Not enough data

Not enough data

Visual Analytics

Not enough data

Not enough data

Third-Party Integrations

Not enough data

Not enough data

Access Controls/Permissions

Not enough data

Not enough data

Workflow Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Direct Manipulation

Not enough data

Not enough data

Scenario Planning

Not enough data

Not enough data

Product Data Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Predictive Analytics

Not enough data

Not enough data

Change Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Process Control

Not enough data

Not enough data

Customization

Not enough data

Not enough data

Content Library

Not enough data

Not enough data

Document Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Real-Time Data

Not enough data

Not enough data

Reporting & Statistics

Not enough data

Not enough data

Rules-Based Workflow

Not enough data

Not enough data

File Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Compliance Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Policy Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Graphical Data Presentation

Not enough data

Not enough data

Customizable Reports

Not enough data

Not enough data

Graphical Workflow Editor

Not enough data

Not enough data

Reporting/Analytics

Not enough data

Not enough data

Industry Specific Database

Not enough data

Not enough data

Project Workflow

Not enough data

Not enough data

AI Copilot

Not enough data

Not enough data

Performance Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)[Hide 18 FeaturesShow 18 Features](javascript:void(0);)

8.9

22

8.4

47

Tools - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

3D/solid modeling Tools

8.8

20

9.5(won by 0.7)

38

Rendering Tools

8.7(tied score)

19

8.7(tied score)

28

Drawing Tools

9.1

19

9.2(won by 0.1)

31

Editing Tools

9.1(tied score)

20

9.1(tied score)

26

Text Editing Tools

8.7(won by 1.0)

19

7.7

25

File Options - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

Export Files

9.2(won by 0.6)

22

8.6

31

Import Files

9.1(won by 0.6)

21

8.5

28

File Interoperability

8.9(won by 0.7)

19

8.2

30

Backwards compatibility

9.3(won by 1.3)

19

8.0

26

File size

8.7(won by 1.4)

19

7.3

33

Customization - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

Custom Commands

8.5(won by 0.1)

19

8.4

23

Custom Scripts

8.8(won by 0.4)

20

8.4

24

Custom Menus

8.4(won by 0.8)

19

7.6

24

Custom Interface

8.9(won by 0.7)

19

8.2

24

Environment - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

Hardware support

8.8(won by 0.8)

18

8.0

27

Task-based interfaces

9.0(won by 0.6)

19

8.4

23

Manage Multiple Profiles

8.5(won by 0.6)

19

7.9

23

Command Clarity

9.3(won by 0.2)

18

9.1

29

Reviews

Reviewers' Company Size

[![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

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)

68.5%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)

21.7%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)

9.8%

[![SOLIDWORKS](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/87a0eaa40f8b9a14542c077a348a699d/solidworks.svg "SOLIDWORKS")](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews)

SOLIDWORKS

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)

44.4%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)

33.8%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)

21.8%

Small-Business

(50 or fewer emp.)

68.5%

44.4%

Mid-Market

(51-1000 emp.)

21.7%

33.8%

Enterprise

(\> 1000 emp.)

9.8%

21.8%

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

16.1%

Design

13.9%

Automotive

8.1%

Higher Education

5.0%

Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing

4.0%

Other

53.0%

[![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

23.0%

Design

11.7%

Automotive

6.5%

Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing

5.9%

Medical Devices

5.8%

Other

47.1%

Alternatives

**Autodesk Fusion Alternatives**

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

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](/products/creo-2025-08-26/reviews)

**SOLIDWORKS Alternatives**

 ![Onshape](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/64b9ed904ebc3f3bc714a720216f40d4/onshape.svg "Onshape")

[
Onshape
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[
Designcenter Solid Edge
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 ![Inventor](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/ce04423e3201c72cb3ff129d2325b8d4/inventor.svg "Inventor")

[
Inventor
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[
Creo
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- [ETL Tools](https://www.g2.com/categories/etl-tools)
- [Robotic Process Automation (RPA) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/robotic-process-automation-rpa)
- [Performance Management Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/performance-management)
- [User Research Tools](https://www.g2.com/categories/user-research)