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# PTC Creo vs SOLIDWORKS Comparison - What are their main differences?

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Pricing

**PTC Creo**
Free Trial

No pricing available

**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

Show more

**Pricing Insights**
from reviews

Perceived Cost

**PTC Creo**
$$$$$

**SOLIDWORKS**
$$$$$

Average Discount

**PTC Creo**
Not enough reviews yet

**SOLIDWORKS**
10%

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

Time to Implement

**PTC Creo** 6 months
Based on 100 responses

**SOLIDWORKS** 6 months
Based on 100 responses

Return on Investment

**PTC Creo** 6 months
Based on 100 responses

**SOLIDWORKS** 6 months
Based on 100 responses

**Pros & Cons**
from reviews

**PTC Creo**
[
Ease of Use (11)
](https://www.g2.com/products/ptc-ptc-creo/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1398033&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Features (9)
](https://www.g2.com/products/ptc-ptc-creo/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1397579&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Complexity (4)
](https://www.g2.com/products/ptc-ptc-creo/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1397898&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Not User-Friendly (4)
](https://www.g2.com/products/ptc-ptc-creo/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1398174&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)

Integrations

**PTC Creo**
[

 ![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_7caad66b1c86da9baaf50e4fe2e07639/sap-cloud-erp-sap-s-4hana-cloud.png "Product Avatar Image")

SAP Cloud ERP (SAP S/4HANA Cloud)

](https://www.g2.com/products/sap-cloud-erp-sap-s-4hana-cloud/reviews)[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_3f9c0906fd6d9b7d077d88bc63dfc5f1/teamcenter.png "Product Avatar Image")

Siemens Teamcenter

](https://www.g2.com/products/teamcenter/reviews)[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_8c9260e93102c6ed95d84040ed472e26/ptc-windchill.png "Product Avatar Image")

Windchill

](https://www.g2.com/products/ptc-windchill/reviews)[
View all
](https://www.g2.com/products/ptc-ptc-creo/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

**PTC Creo**
 ![PTC Creo 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/1388592/Badged-ABI-Chart-top-.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

**PTC Creo**

**8.5** /10

Based on 173 responses

**SOLIDWORKS**

**8.8** /10

Based on 591 responses

Ease of Use

**PTC Creo**

**7.5** /10

Based on 173 responses

**SOLIDWORKS**

**8.7** /10

Based on 596 responses

Ease of Setup

**PTC Creo**

**8.2** /10

Based on 37 responses

**SOLIDWORKS**

**8.5** /10

Based on 166 responses

Ease of Admin

**PTC Creo**

**7.5** /10

Based on 16 responses

**SOLIDWORKS**

**8.2** /10

Based on 58 responses

Quality of Support

**PTC Creo**

**7.8** /10

Based on 163 responses

**SOLIDWORKS**

**8.2** /10

Based on 529 responses

Has the product been a good partner in doing business?

**PTC Creo**

**8.3** /10

Based on 16 responses

**SOLIDWORKS**

**8.4** /10

Based on 58 responses

Product Direction (% positive)

**PTC Creo**

**7.8** /10

Based on 167 responses

**SOLIDWORKS**

**8.6** /10

Based on 575 responses

**Features**
ratings from reviews

General-Purpose CAD

**8.7** /10

Based on 38 responses

**8.9** /10

Based on 133 responses

Simulation & CAE

**7.8** /10

Based on 22 responses

**8.3** /10

Based on 73 responses

Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

**8.5** /10

Based on 18 responses

**8.4** /10

Based on 95 responses

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

See it for free

Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM)

Not enough data

**8.8** /10

Based on 56 responses

3D Modeling

**8.1** /10

Based on 89 responses

Not enough data

CAD Libraries

Not enough data

**8.9** /10

Based on 40 responses

CAD Data Exchange

Not enough data

**8.8** /10

Based on 38 responses

Additive Manufacturing

Not enough data

**7.9** /10

Based on 71 responses

CAD Viewers

Not enough data

**9.0** /10

Based on 55 responses

PCB Design

Not enough data

**8.2** /10

Based on 15 responses

User Insights

**Reviewers' Company Size**

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
26.4%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
35.8%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
37.8%

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
26.4%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
35.8%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
37.8%

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**

[![PTC Creo](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/08b448f824b860f3e6ecfb4228fad4d9/ptc-ptc-creo.svg "PTC Creo")](https://www.g2.com/products/ptc-ptc-creo/reviews)
PTC Creo

Mechanical or Industrial Engineering
22.9%

Automotive
20.3%

Design
14.1%

Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing
5.7%

Machinery
4.7%

Other
32.3%

[![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

**PTC Creo Alternatives**

 ![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)

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

[
Autodesk Fusion
](/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews)

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

[
Inventor
](/products/inventor/reviews)

 ![Designcenter X](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/8d4655b084a2e02363480806f5169b72/designcenter-x.svg "Designcenter X")

[
Designcenter
](/products/designcenter-x/reviews)

**SOLIDWORKS Alternatives**

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

[
Autodesk Fusion
](/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews)

 ![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)

## Creo vs SOLIDWORKS FAQs

Generated using AI

Last updated: August 14, 2026

### What is the difference between SOLIDWORKS vs Creo?

SOLIDWORKS stands out for its higher user ratings, stronger small-business adoption, and ease of use, while Creo is favored for handling complex assemblies and advanced parametric modeling.

| | [SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews) | [Creo](https://www.g2.com/products/creo-2025-08-26/reviews) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| G2 Rating (reviews) | 4.5/5 (646 reviews) | 4.1/5 (203 reviews) |
| Largest Segment | Small-Business | Enterprise |
| Ease of Setup score | 8.3 | 8.1 |
| Quality of Support score | 8.2 | 7.8 |
| Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | Ease of Use (37 all-time mentions) | Parametric Modeling & Complex Assemblies |

### How do the pricing models of SOLIDWORKS and Creo compare?

SOLIDWORKS is rated higher for value, with reviewers expressing greater satisfaction with its pricing compared to Creo.

- **SOLIDWORKS:** In recent reviews, many highlight competitive pricing and good value for money, especially for small businesses and students.
- **Creo:** Reviewers frequently describe Creo as expensive and more enterprise-focused, with advanced modules adding to the cost.
- **Switching reasons:** Several reviewers mention choosing SOLIDWORKS over Creo due to better perceived value and lower total cost of ownership for smaller teams.

### What are the best alternatives to SOLIDWORKS and Creo?

The top three alternatives to SOLIDWORKS and Creo are Autodesk Fusion, Onshape, and Designcenter Solid Edge.

| 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 | Competitive pricing and good value for money | Ease of Use (37 all-time mentions) |
| [Creo](https://www.g2.com/products/creo-2025-08-26/reviews) | 4.1/5 (203 reviews) | Enterprise | Described as expensive, especially for advanced modules | Parametric Modeling & Complex Assemblies |
| [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) | 4.5/5 (520 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Cloud-based collaboration and integrated CAM |
| [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) | 4.7/5 (725 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Cloud-native platform and real-time collaboration |
| [Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-solid-edge/reviews) | 4.3/5 (648 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Strong drafting and sheet metal tools |

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

Buyers should prioritize parametric modeling, assembly management, simulation tools, user interface, and integration capabilities when comparing SOLIDWORKS and Creo.

- **Parametric Modeling:** SOLIDWORKS (29 all-time mentions for features), Creo (9 all-time mentions for features, 7 for modeling efficiency)
- **Assembly Management:** SOLIDWORKS (12 all-time mentions for assembly design), Creo (6 all-time mentions for assembly ease)
- **Simulation Tools:** SOLIDWORKS (16 all-time mentions), Creo (4 all-time mentions)
- **User Interface:** SOLIDWORKS (21 all-time mentions), Creo (4 all-time mentions for intuitive use)
- **Integration Capabilities:** SOLIDWORKS (15 all-time mentions for CAD integration), Creo (5 all-time mentions for CAD integration)

### What are the pros and cons of SOLIDWORKS vs Creo?

SOLIDWORKS is strongest in ease of use and community support, while Creo excels in handling complex assemblies and advanced parametric modeling.

- **SOLIDWORKS strengths:** Ease of use (37 all-time mentions), intuitive user interface (21), robust 3D modeling (27), strong simulation tools (16), and a large supportive community.
- **SOLIDWORKS trade-offs:** Performance issues with large assemblies (17), high system requirements (14), slow performance (15), and higher cost for perpetual licenses (11).
- **Creo strengths:** Advanced parametric modeling (9), efficient handling of complex assemblies (6), accuracy (5), and strong integration with PLM systems.
- **Creo trade-offs:** Steep learning curve and complexity (4), less user-friendly interface (4), performance issues with very large assemblies (4), and higher cost for advanced modules.

### Is SOLIDWORKS or Creo better for small businesses?

SOLIDWORKS is the better fit for small businesses, with a larger small-business segment and more favorable sentiment from small-business reviewers.

- **SOLIDWORKS:** Largest segment is Small-Business; reviewers consistently highlight ease of use, quick onboarding, and strong value for smaller teams.
- **Creo:** Largest segment is Enterprise; reviewers note its strength in complex, large-scale projects but mention a steeper learning curve and higher cost for small businesses.

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

SOLIDWORKS is favored for integrations, with more reviewer-cited integration options and higher all-time mention counts.

- **SOLIDWORKS:** Integrates with CATIA (38 all-time mentions) and SolidWorks Simulation (13 all-time mentions), with reviewers frequently citing smooth CAD integration.
- **Creo:** Integrates with Windchill (21 all-time mentions) and Teamcenter (4 all-time mentions), with reviewers noting strong PLM integration for enterprise workflows.

### How do SOLIDWORKS and Creo compare on customer support?

SOLIDWORKS and Creo are rated within 0.4 points on Quality of Support, with SOLIDWORKS at 8.2 and Creo at 7.8, indicating near-parity in reviewer satisfaction.

- **SOLIDWORKS:** Reviewers frequently describe support as responsive and helpful, with many citing positive experiences resolving technical issues.
- **Creo:** Reviewers mention professional-grade support, especially for enterprise customers, and highlight effective assistance with complex implementations.

### Which is easier to implement, SOLIDWORKS or Creo?

SOLIDWORKS and Creo score within 0.2 points on Ease of Setup (8.3 vs 8.1), indicating parity in implementation experience.

- **SOLIDWORKS:** Reviewers describe setup as straightforward and quick, with minimal downtime for onboarding new users.
- **Creo:** Reviewers note that while setup is manageable, the learning curve for new users is steeper, especially for advanced features.