# Autodesk Fusion vs SolidWorks Product Designer Comparison
---
## AI Generated Summary
- **G2 reviewers report** that Autodesk Fusion excels in overall user satisfaction, boasting a significantly higher G2 Score compared to SolidWorks Product Designer. Users appreciate the **customizable toolbars and shortcuts** that enhance productivity and streamline the design process.
- **Users say** that Autodesk Fusion's advanced modeling tools allow for precise and detailed designs, making it a favorite among small businesses. In contrast, SolidWorks Product Designer, while user-friendly, has a smaller user base and fewer reviews, which may limit insights into its performance.
- **Reviewers mention** that Autodesk Fusion's surface and mesh modeling capabilities facilitate the import of scans and quick adjustments, a feature that many find invaluable. SolidWorks Product Designer, however, is praised for its intuitive interface, which allows users to easily access tools, making it suitable for those who prioritize ease of use.
- **According to verified reviews** , Autodesk Fusion's implementation process is generally smooth, with users highlighting the intuitive onboarding experience. In comparison, SolidWorks Product Designer also receives positive feedback for its setup, but Autodesk Fusion's overall user experience appears to be more favorable.
- **Users appreciate** that Autodesk Fusion offers a pro version that enhances functionality, making it easier to recreate or modify existing files. SolidWorks Product Designer, while effective for product design, is noted for its limitations in advanced features, which may not meet the needs of all users.
- **Reviewers highlight** that Autodesk Fusion's strong performance in modeling and rendering is a significant advantage, with scores reflecting its capabilities. SolidWorks Product Designer, while competent, falls short in these areas, indicating that users seeking high-quality visualizations may prefer Autodesk Fusion.



| | Autodesk Fusion | SolidWorks Product Designer | 
|---|---|---|
| **Star Rating** | 4.5 out of 5 | 4.5 out of 5 | 
| **Total Reviews** | 520 | 45 | 
| **Largest Market Segment** | Small-Business (68.5% of reviews) | Mid-Market (50.0% of reviews) | 
| **Entry Level Price** | $680.00 1 Subscription Per Year | No pricing available | 

---
## Top Pros & Cons

### Autodesk Fusion

Pros:
- Ease of Use (29 reviews)
- Features (21 reviews)

Cons:
- Difficult Learning (11 reviews)
- Learning Curve (11 reviews)

### SolidWorks Product Designer

Pros:
- 3D Modeling (1 reviews)
- 3D Visualization (1 reviews)

Cons:
- Assembly Issues (1 reviews)
- Inefficiency (1 reviews)

---
## Ratings Comparison
| Rating | Autodesk Fusion | SolidWorks Product Designer | 
|---|---|---|
  | **Meets Requirements** | 8.8 (447 reviews) | 8.8 (40 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Use** | 8.6 (452 reviews) | 9.1 (40 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Setup** | 8.8 (121 reviews) | 9.7 (6 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Admin** | 8.5 (54 reviews) | Not enough data | 
  | **Quality of Support** | 8.4 (394 reviews) | 8.3 (40 reviews) | 
  | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 8.8 (55 reviews) | Not enough data | 
  | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 9.0 (442 reviews) | 8.2 (39 reviews) | 

---
## Pricing

### Autodesk Fusion

#### Entry-Level Pricing

Plan: Autodesk Fusion 

Price: $680.00 1 Subscription Per Year

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

Key Features:
- 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 editions](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/pricing)

#### Free Trial

Yes

### SolidWorks Product Designer

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

No information available

---
## Features Comparison By Category

### Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Autodesk Fusion** | 8.7/10 | 181 |
| **SolidWorks Product Designer** | N/A | N/A |

#### CAD to CAM

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | SolidWorks Product Designer | 
|---|---|---|
| **CAD-CAM Import** | 8.9 (152 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **CAM Data Exchange** | 8.8 (138 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **CAD/CAM Compatibility** | 8.8 (149 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### CNC Programming

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | SolidWorks Product Designer | 
|---|---|---|
| **CNC Workflows** | 8.7 (138 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **CNC Feature Recognition** | 8.4 (130 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Programming Control** | 8.4 (130 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Machining

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | SolidWorks Product Designer | 
|---|---|---|
| **Job Set-up** | 8.5 (135 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Operations** | 8.7 (133 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Tooling and Toolpaths** | 8.7 (135 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### General-Purpose CAD

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Autodesk Fusion** | 8.6/10 | 102 |
| **SolidWorks Product Designer** | 8.4/10 | 22 |

#### Design

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | SolidWorks Product Designer | 
|---|---|---|
| **Drawing** | 9.1 (100 reviews) | 8.5 (20 reviews) | 
| **Modeling** | 9.2 (100 reviews) | 8.9 (21 reviews) | 
| **Visualize ** | 9.1 (99 reviews) | 8.3 (20 reviews) | 
| **Rendering** | 8.8 (97 reviews) | 7.6 (19 reviews) | 

#### Edit

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | SolidWorks Product Designer | 
|---|---|---|
| **File Import ** | 8.4 (96 reviews) | 7.9 (20 reviews) | 
| **Push/Pull** | 8.7 (92 reviews) | 8.7 (17 reviews) | 
| **Views** | 8.8 (94 reviews) | 8.9 (19 reviews) | 
| **Grips ** | 8.7 (87 reviews) | 8.5 (17 reviews) | 

#### Collaboration

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | SolidWorks Product Designer | 
|---|---|---|
| **Annotate** | 8.1 (86 reviews) | 8.5 (16 reviews) | 
| **Documentation ** | 8.1 (94 reviews) | 8.6 (19 reviews) | 
| **Data Extract** | 8.3 (90 reviews) | 8.4 (17 reviews) | 

### CAD Libraries

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Autodesk Fusion** | 8.6/10 | 31 |
| **SolidWorks Product Designer** | N/A | N/A |

#### Library

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | SolidWorks Product Designer | 
|---|---|---|
| **Categorize** | 9.1 (25 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Search** | 8.3 (25 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Deduplication** | 8.3 (25 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Feedback** | 8.5 (26 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### CAD

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | SolidWorks Product Designer | 
|---|---|---|
| **Types** | 8.6 (25 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Models** | 8.9 (29 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Compatibility** | 9.1 (29 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Integration

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | SolidWorks Product Designer | 
|---|---|---|
| **Catalogs** | 8.6 (28 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **CAD & PLM** | 8.7 (25 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **ERP** | 8.3 (20 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### CAD Data Exchange

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Autodesk Fusion** | 8.7/10 | 28 |
| **SolidWorks Product Designer** | N/A | N/A |

#### Data

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | SolidWorks Product Designer | 
|---|---|---|
| **3D Format** | 9.0 (25 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Data Quality** | 8.7 (23 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Extra Information** | 8.4 (20 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Standard Format** | 8.6 (23 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Translate** | 8.6 (23 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Validation** | 8.8 (22 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Logistics

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | SolidWorks Product Designer | 
|---|---|---|
| **Integrate** | 8.5 (25 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### Additive Manufacturing

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Autodesk Fusion** | 8.1/10 | 191 |
| **SolidWorks Product Designer** | N/A | N/A |

#### File Support - Additive Manufacturing

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | SolidWorks Product Designer | 
|---|---|---|
| **STL Compatible** | 9.0 (178 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **3MF Compatible** | 8.7 (100 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **OBJ Compatible** | 8.7 (142 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### File Editing - Additive Manufacturing

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | SolidWorks Product Designer | 
|---|---|---|
| **Mesh Repair** | 7.8 (144 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **File Editing** | 8.6 (171 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Software Integrations - Additive Manufacturing

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | SolidWorks Product Designer | 
|---|---|---|
| **Standalone Slicer** | 7.8 (127 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Inetgrated 3D Modeling** | 9.1 (167 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Software Type - Additive Manufacturing

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | SolidWorks Product Designer | 
|---|---|---|
| **Cloud-based Platform** | 8.5 (173 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Downloadable Application** | 8.9 (170 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Generative AI - Additive Manufacturing

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | SolidWorks Product Designer | 
|---|---|---|
| **AI Text-to-Image** | 6.0 (23 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **AI Text-to-3D** | 6.1 (24 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Building Preparation - Additive Manufacturing

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | SolidWorks Product Designer | 
|---|---|---|
| **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

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Autodesk Fusion** | 8.7/10 | 117 |
| **SolidWorks Product Designer** | N/A | N/A |

#### File Options

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | SolidWorks Product Designer | 
|---|---|---|
| **Import files** | 9.1 (111 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Export files** | 8.7 (109 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **View 2D files** | 8.3 (105 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **View 3D files** | 9.3 (112 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Batch convert files** | 7.9 (73 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **File size** | 8.4 (101 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Tools

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | SolidWorks Product Designer | 
|---|---|---|
| **Dimensioning tools** | 8.3 (112 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Change units** | 8.8 (109 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **3D/solid modeling tools** | 9.2 (109 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Design

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | SolidWorks Product Designer | 
|---|---|---|
| **Drawing** | 8.8 (111 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### PCB Design

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Autodesk Fusion** | 8.5/10 | 36 |
| **SolidWorks Product Designer** | N/A | N/A |

#### Design

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | SolidWorks Product Designer | 
|---|---|---|
| **PCB layout editing** | 8.5 (31 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Schematic editor** | 8.4 (32 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Tools

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | SolidWorks Product Designer | 
|---|---|---|
| **3D modeling tools** | 9.1 (34 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Component placement** | 8.8 (34 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Library

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | SolidWorks Product Designer | 
|---|---|---|
| **Component libraries** | 8.3 (32 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Platform

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | SolidWorks Product Designer | 
|---|---|---|
| **Board size** | 8.6 (33 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Layers** | 8.5 (32 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Customization

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | SolidWorks Product Designer | 
|---|---|---|
| **Custom commands** | 7.8 (33 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Custom interface** | 8.2 (32 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### Simulation & CAE

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Autodesk Fusion** | 8.4/10 | 127 |
| **SolidWorks Product Designer** | N/A | N/A |

#### Design

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | SolidWorks Product Designer | 
|---|---|---|
| **3D/solid modeling Tools** | 9.1 (116 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Drawing Tools** | 8.8 (117 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Editing Tools** | 9.0 (116 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Rendering tools** | 8.6 (108 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Tools

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | SolidWorks Product Designer | 
|---|---|---|
| **Fluid analysis** | 7.2 (63 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Finite element analysis** | 8.4 (81 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Multibody dynamics** | 8.1 (73 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Work

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | SolidWorks Product Designer | 
|---|---|---|
| **Discrete event modeling** | 8.0 (66 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Continuous event modeling** | 8.2 (67 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Mechanical event simulation** | 8.4 (83 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Manufacturing process simulation** | 8.4 (76 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Integrate** | 8.2 (72 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Environment

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | SolidWorks Product Designer | 
|---|---|---|
| **Hardware support** | 8.6 (97 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Task** | 8.6 (87 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Manage Multiple Profiles** | 8.4 (84 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Command Clarity** | 9.1 (102 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Autodesk Fusion** | 8.9/10 | 22 |
| **SolidWorks Product Designer** | N/A | N/A |

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

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | SolidWorks Product Designer | 
|---|---|---|
| **3D/solid modeling Tools** | 8.8 (20 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Rendering Tools** | 8.7 (19 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Drawing Tools** | 9.1 (19 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Editing Tools** | 9.1 (20 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Text Editing Tools** | 8.7 (19 reviews) | Not enough data | 

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

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | SolidWorks Product Designer | 
|---|---|---|
| **Export Files** | 9.2 (22 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Import Files** | 9.1 (21 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **File Interoperability** | 8.9 (19 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Backwards compatibility** | 9.3 (19 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **File size** | 8.7 (19 reviews) | Not enough data | 

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

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | SolidWorks Product Designer | 
|---|---|---|
| **Custom Commands** | 8.5 (19 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Custom Scripts** | 8.8 (20 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Custom Menus** | 8.4 (19 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Custom Interface** | 8.9 (19 reviews) | Not enough data | 

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

| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | SolidWorks Product Designer | 
|---|---|---|
| **Hardware support** | 8.8 (18 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Task-based interfaces** | 9.0 (19 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Manage Multiple Profiles** | 8.5 (19 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Command Clarity** | 9.3 (18 reviews) | Not enough data | 

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

**Unique to Autodesk Fusion (9):** [CAD Viewers](https://www.g2.com/categories/cad-viewers), [Additive Manufacturing Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/additive-manufacturing), [CAD Data Exchange Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/cad-data-exchange), [CAD Libraries](https://www.g2.com/categories/cad-libraries), [Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/computer-aided-manufacturing-cam), [Simulation & CAE Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/simulation-cae), [Sketching Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/sketching), [Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/mechanical-computer-aided-design-mcad), [PCB Design Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/pcb-design)



---
## Reviewer Demographics

### By Company Size

| Segment | Autodesk Fusion | SolidWorks Product Designer | 
|---|---|---|
| **Small-Business** | 68.5% | 29.5% | 
| **Mid-Market** | 21.7% | 50.0% | 
| **Enterprise** | 9.8% | 20.5% | 

### By Industry

#### Autodesk Fusion

- **Mechanical or Industrial Engineering:** 16.1%
- **Design:** 13.9%
- **Automotive:** 8.1%
- **Higher Education:** 5.0%
- **Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing:** 4.0%
- **Consumer Goods:** 3.6%
- **Construction:** 2.8%
- **Machinery:** 2.4%
- **Medical Devices:** 2.4%
- **Manufacturing:** 2.2%
- **Other:** 39.7%

#### SolidWorks Product Designer

- **Mechanical or Industrial Engineering:** 25.0%
- **Medical Devices:** 9.1%
- **Machinery:** 9.1%
- **Automotive:** 6.8%
- **Design:** 6.8%
- **Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing:** 6.8%
- **Aviation & Aerospace:** 4.5%
- **Biotechnology:** 4.5%
- **Furniture:** 4.5%
- **Education Management:** 4.5%
- **Other:** 18.2%

---
## Alternatives

### Alternatives to Autodesk Fusion

- [SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (644 reviews)
- [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (717 reviews)
- [Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-solid-edge/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (613 reviews)
- [Altium Develop](https://www.g2.com/products/altium-develop/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1046 reviews)
- [Creo](https://www.g2.com/products/creo-2025-08-26/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (201 reviews)
- [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1327 reviews)
- [Designcenter](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (628 reviews)
- [CATIA](https://www.g2.com/products/catia/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (255 reviews)
- [MATLAB](https://www.g2.com/products/matlab/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (770 reviews)
- [NX CAM](https://www.g2.com/products/nx-cam/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (331 reviews)

### Alternatives to SolidWorks Product Designer

- [Inventor](https://www.g2.com/products/inventor/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (440 reviews)
- [AutoCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (1936 reviews)
- [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (717 reviews)
- [Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-solid-edge/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (613 reviews)
- [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1327 reviews)
- [Octave BricsCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/octave-bricscad/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (135 reviews)
- [MicroStation](https://www.g2.com/products/microstation/reviews) — 4.0/5 stars (416 reviews)
- [ZWCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/zwcad/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (352 reviews)
- [Altium Develop](https://www.g2.com/products/altium-develop/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1046 reviews)
- [Cimatron](https://www.g2.com/products/cimatron/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (14 reviews)

---
## Top Discussions

### Autodesk Fusion

- Title: [Does Fusion 360 require cloud credits?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/cloud-credits) — 2 comments, 1 upvote *(includes official response)*
  > **Top comment:** "Each annual subscription comes with 100 cloud credits. Cloud credits are needed for advanced simulation, generative design, and cloud-rendering."
- Title: [What do I need to run Fusion 360?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/system-requirements-7d07ee73-2cf0-420d-bb26-c8985e5c3cc8) — 2 comments, 1 upvote *(includes official response)*
  > **Top comment:** "Operating System	Apple® macOS™ Mojave v10.14;Apple® macOS™ High Sierra v10.13; Apple® macOS™ Sierra v10.12
Note: Support for Mac® OS® X v10.11.x (El..."
- Title: [What is Fusion 360 used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-fusion-360-used-for) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "Fusion 360 is a start-to-finish product design and development tool.
Fusion's core product offerings include CAD/CAM/CAE and PCB design capabilities. With..."
- Title: [Is Fusion 360 still free for hobbyists?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/fusion-360-is-fusion-360-still-free-for-hobbyists) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "Yes, you just have to use the Educational Version. And you can only have 10 editable/active projects. If you want more than 10 projects, you have to make..."
- Title: [Is Fusion 360 a CAD software?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-fusion-360-a-cad-software) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "Yes, and so much more."

### SolidWorks Product Designer

No discussions available for this product.

---
**Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/autodesk-fusion-vs-solidworks-product-designer)