Link copied to clipboard # Inventor vs SOLIDWORKS Comparison - What are their main differences? Share [ Export ](/compare/inventor/solidworks/export.csv) InventorSOLIDWORKS[+ Add Product](#) Pricing **Inventor** Free Trial **$310.00** Flat Rate Per Month · Subscription **$300.00** · Flex **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 **Inventor** $$$$$ **SOLIDWORKS** $$$$$ Average Discount **Inventor** 26%16% more **SOLIDWORKS** 10% Uncover valuable pricing insights from real user feedback to improve your shopping experience. See it for free Time to Implement **Inventor** 6 months Based on 100 responses **SOLIDWORKS** 6 months Based on 100 responses Return on Investment **Inventor** 6 months Based on 100 responses **SOLIDWORKS** 6 months Based on 100 responses **Pros & Cons** from reviews **Inventor** Ease of Use (4) Features (2) Assembly Issues (1) Complexity (1) **SOLIDWORKS** Ease of Use (37) Features (29) Performance Issues (17) Slow Performance (15) Integrations **Inventor** [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_4c36925dc95988ba0776dc2419d531be/autodesk-alias.png "Product Avatar Image") Autodesk Alias ](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-alias/reviews)[ View all ](https://www.g2.com/products/inventor/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 **Inventor** ![Inventor 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/135587/Inventor-Screenshot-05-06-2020.png) **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 **Inventor** **8.8** /10 Based on 376 responses **SOLIDWORKS** **8.8** /10 Based on 591 responses Ease of Use **Inventor** **8.4** /10 Based on 377 responses **SOLIDWORKS** **8.7** /10 Based on 596 responses Ease of Setup **Inventor** **7.9** /10 Based on 107 responses **SOLIDWORKS** **8.5** /10 Based on 166 responses Ease of Admin **Inventor** **7.7** /10 Based on 99 responses **SOLIDWORKS** **8.2** /10 Based on 58 responses Quality of Support **Inventor** **8.1** /10 Based on 346 responses **SOLIDWORKS** **8.2** /10 Based on 529 responses Has the product been a good partner in doing business? **Inventor** **8.2** /10 Based on 94 responses **SOLIDWORKS** **8.4** /10 Based on 58 responses Product Direction (% positive) **Inventor** **8.3** /10 Based on 371 responses **SOLIDWORKS** **8.6** /10 Based on 575 responses **Features** ratings from reviews General-Purpose CAD **8.2** /10 Based on 38 responses **8.9** /10 Based on 133 responses Simulation & CAE **7.5** /10 Based on 20 responses **8.3** /10 Based on 73 responses Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) **9.0** /10 Based on 6 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 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.) 35.0% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 42.7% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 22.3% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 35.0% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 42.7% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 22.3% 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** [![Inventor](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/ce04423e3201c72cb3ff129d2325b8d4/inventor.svg "Inventor")](https://www.g2.com/products/inventor/reviews) Inventor Mechanical or Industrial Engineering 24.9% Machinery 7.8% Design 7.1% Construction 5.0% Oil & Energy 3.8% Other 51.4% [![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 **Inventor 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) ![PTC Creo](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/08b448f824b860f3e6ecfb4228fad4d9/ptc-ptc-creo.svg "PTC Creo") [ Creo ](/products/ptc-ptc-creo/reviews) ![SketchUp](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/fcc93ca191f4edc5826c62935fefbf14/sketchup.svg "SketchUp") [ SketchUp ](/products/sketchup/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) ![PTC Creo](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/08b448f824b860f3e6ecfb4228fad4d9/ptc-ptc-creo.svg "PTC Creo") [ Creo ](/products/ptc-ptc-creo/reviews) ## Inventor vs SOLIDWORKS FAQs Generated using AI Last updated: August 14, 2026 ### What is the difference between SOLIDWORKS vs Inventor? SOLIDWORKS stands out for its larger user base, higher G2 rating, and more frequent reviewer-cited strengths in ease of use and modeling, while Inventor is praised for its customization and integration with Autodesk tools. | [SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews) | [Inventor](https://www.g2.com/products/inventor/reviews) | | --- | --- | | 4.5/5 (646 reviews) | 4.4/5 (440 reviews) | | Small-Business, Mid-Market | Small-Business, Mid-Market | | 8.3 | 7.9 | | 8.2 | 8.1 | | Ease of Use (37 all-time mentions) | Customization and Integration Capabilities | ### How do the pricing models of SOLIDWORKS and Inventor compare? SOLIDWORKS is rated higher for value, with reviewers expressing greater satisfaction with its pricing compared to Inventor. - **SOLIDWORKS:** In recent reviews, many highlight competitive pricing and good value for money, especially for professional engineering work. - **Inventor:** Reviewers note that Inventor's cost is high for small shops, and its value is tied to its advanced features and integration with Autodesk tools. - **Switching reasons:** Reviewers switching to SOLIDWORKS cite its reasonable pricing and strong ROI for design workflows. ### What are the best alternatives to SOLIDWORKS and Inventor? The top three alternatives to SOLIDWORKS and Inventor are Onshape, Autodesk Fusion, 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, Mid-Market | Competitive pricing and good value for money | Ease of Use (37 all-time mentions) | | [Inventor](https://www.g2.com/products/inventor/reviews) | 4.4/5 (440 reviews) | Small-Business, Mid-Market | High cost for small shops, strong integration value | Customization and Integration Capabilities | | [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) | 4.7/5 (725 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Cloud-based collaboration and accessibility | | [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) | 4.5/5 (520 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Integrated CAD, CAM, and CAE tools | | [Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-solid-edge/reviews) | 4.3/5 (647 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Ease of use and solid modeling capabilities | ### Which Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) features should I prioritize when comparing SOLIDWORKS and Inventor? Buyers should prioritize Modeling, Ease of Use, Simulation Tools, Assembly Design, and Integration Capabilities when comparing SOLIDWORKS and Inventor. - **Modeling:** SOLIDWORKS (27 all-time mentions), Inventor (1 all-time mention) - **Ease of Use:** SOLIDWORKS (8.6 score, 37 all-time mentions), Inventor (8.4 score, 4 all-time mentions) - **Simulation Tools:** SOLIDWORKS (16 all-time mentions), Inventor (recent reviews highlight FEA and dynamic simulation features) - **Assembly Design:** SOLIDWORKS (12 all-time mentions), Inventor (recent reviews highlight assembly management and automation) - **Integration Capabilities:** SOLIDWORKS (15 all-time mentions for CAD Integration), Inventor (recent reviews highlight integration with Autodesk Vault and other Autodesk products) ### What are the pros and cons of SOLIDWORKS vs Inventor? SOLIDWORKS is strongest in ease of use and modeling, while Inventor excels in customization and integration with Autodesk tools. - **SOLIDWORKS strengths:** Ease of Use (37 all-time mentions), 3D Modeling (27), User Interface (21), Simulation Tools (16), CAD Integration (15), Assembly Design (12), Easy Learning (12) - **SOLIDWORKS trade-offs:** Performance Issues (17), Slow Performance (15), High System Requirements (14), Complexity (11), Expensive (11) - **Inventor strengths:** Customization, Integration Capabilities, Ease of Use, Assembly Management, Automation, and strong interoperability with Autodesk products - **Inventor trade-offs:** Crashes with large assemblies, Complexity for beginners, Limited sheet metal and surfacing options, High system requirements ### Is SOLIDWORKS or Inventor better for small businesses? SOLIDWORKS is the better fit for small businesses, with a larger small-business segment and more positive sentiment from small-business reviewers. - **SOLIDWORKS:** Small-Business and Mid-Market segments, with reviewers praising its ease of use, value, and rapid onboarding for new engineers. - **Inventor:** Small-Business and Mid-Market segments, but reviewers note higher costs and a steeper learning curve for small teams. ### Which Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) platform has better integrations? SOLIDWORKS is favored for integrations, with more frequent reviewer mentions and broader CAD ecosystem compatibility. - **SOLIDWORKS:** Integrates with CATIA (38 all-time mentions) and SolidWorks Simulation (13 all-time mentions), with reviewers highlighting strong compatibility with other CAD tools. - **Inventor:** Reviewers cite integration with Autodesk Vault and other Autodesk products, emphasizing workflow continuity within the Autodesk ecosystem. ### How do SOLIDWORKS and Inventor compare on customer support? SOLIDWORKS and Inventor are rated nearly identically on Quality of Support, with scores of 8.2 and 8.1 respectively, indicating parity. - **SOLIDWORKS:** Reviewers frequently describe support as responsive and helpful, with many citing strong onboarding resources and a large community for troubleshooting. - **Inventor:** Reviewers highlight good support from Autodesk, active forums, and helpful documentation, especially for integration and advanced features. ### Which is easier to implement, SOLIDWORKS or Inventor? SOLIDWORKS scores higher on Ease of Setup (8.3 vs 7.9), making it easier to implement than Inventor. - **SOLIDWORKS:** Reviewers consistently praise its straightforward installation, rapid onboarding, and minimal downtime for new users. - **Inventor:** Reviewers note an easy initial setup but mention a steeper learning curve for advanced features and configuration. ### Which product has better Modeling? SOLIDWORKS is the stronger product for Modeling, with higher reviewer scores and more frequent positive mentions. - **SOLIDWORKS:** 3D Modeling (27 all-time mentions), Ease of Use score 8.6, Meets Requirements score 8.8 - **Inventor:** 3D Modeling (1 all-time mention), Ease of Use score 8.4, Meets Requirements score 8.8