Introducing G2.ai, the future of software buying.Try now
Compare Onshape and SolidWorks PDM 
At a Glance
Market Segments
Small-Business (79.1% of reviews)
Small-Business (51.4% of reviews)
Entry-Level Pricing
$1,500.00 1 User Per Year
No pricing available
Onshape
Star Rating
(692)4.7 out of 5
Market Segments
Small-Business (79.1% of reviews)
Pros & Cons
Entry-Level Pricing
$1,500.00 1 User Per Year
Free Trial is available
Browse all 4 pricing plansSolidWorks PDM
Star Rating
(79)4.2 out of 5
Market Segments
Small-Business (51.4% of reviews)
Pros & Cons
Entry-Level Pricing
No pricing available
Learn more about SolidWorks PDMSummary
AI Generated Summary
AI-generated. Powered by real user reviews.
- G2 reviewers report that Onshape excels in user experience, with a highly intuitive interface that operates entirely within the browser. Users appreciate the ability to access their work from any device without the need for heavy software installations, making it ideal for those who prefer flexibility.
- Users say SolidWorks PDM provides a robust solution for file management, with all design files stored in a single controlled vault. This centralized approach helps users keep their projects organized and makes it easier to collaborate with team members on shared projects.
- Reviewers mention that Onshape's implementation process is notably quick and straightforward, with many users highlighting the effective onboarding support. The help center is praised for its responsiveness, often replying within a day, which enhances the overall user experience.
- According to verified reviews, SolidWorks PDM offers customizable electronic workflows that cater to various file types, which users find beneficial for maintaining an organized data structure. However, some users feel that the interface could be more user-friendly compared to Onshape's streamlined design.
- G2 reviewers highlight Onshape's superior support quality, with users noting that the platform is a reliable partner in business. The high ratings for support and product direction indicate that users feel confident in the ongoing development and assistance provided by Onshape.
- Users report that while SolidWorks PDM is effective for managing design files, it faces challenges in ease of setup and administration compared to Onshape. Many users find Onshape's setup process to be significantly easier, allowing them to focus more on their projects rather than technical hurdles.
Pricing
Entry-Level Pricing
Onshape
Onshape Standard
$1,500.00
1 User Per Year
For the individual user or small team who only needs basic data management.
- Part & Assembly Modeling
- Drawings
- Runs on Web & Mobile
SolidWorks PDM
No pricing availableFree Trial
Onshape
Free Trial is available
SolidWorks PDM
No trial information availableRatings
Meets Requirements
8.4
595
8.6
58
Ease of Use
9.0
599
8.0
59
Ease of Setup
9.3
177
6.3
21
Ease of Admin
9.1
127
7.2
20
Quality of Support
9.3
585
7.9
54
Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
9.3
126
8.0
20
Product Direction (% positive)
9.5
576
8.3
55
Features by Category
Design
8.8
233
Not enough data
9.3
236
Not enough data
9.0
231
Not enough data
7.4
194
Not enough data
Edit
8.5
230
Not enough data
8.1
195
Not enough data
8.9
225
Not enough data
7.9
198
Not enough data
Collaboration
8.2
211
Not enough data
8.3
221
Not enough data
8.1
204
Not enough data
File Support - Additive Manufacturing
8.6
160
Not enough data
7.9
78
Not enough data
7.9
100
Not enough data
File Editing - Additive Manufacturing
6.0
84
Not enough data
8.4
125
Not enough data
Software Integrations - Additive Manufacturing
5.7
83
Not enough data
8.8
130
Not enough data
Software Type - Additive Manufacturing
9.6
160
Not enough data
Feature Not Available
Not enough data
Generative AI - Additive Manufacturing
Feature Not Available
Not enough data
Feature Not Available
Not enough data
Building Preparation - Additive Manufacturing
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Metadata
9.2
40
8.0
38
7.8
37
7.2
28
8.4
37
7.8
34
Data Management
9.2
47
8.6
36
8.3
40
7.7
27
8.3
43
8.3
37
8.0
41
7.7
34
Generative AI
Feature Not Available
Not enough data
Feature Not Available
Not enough data
File Options
8.9
146
Not enough data
9.1
147
Not enough data
8.1
135
Not enough data
9.3
145
Not enough data
7.8
98
Not enough data
8.5
133
Not enough data
Tools
8.8
149
Not enough data
9.1
142
Not enough data
9.1
145
Not enough data
Design
8.7
150
Not enough data
Design
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Tools
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Library
Not enough data
Not enough data
Platform
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Customization
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Design
9.0
22
Not enough data
8.7
23
Not enough data
8.6
23
Not enough data
7.7
22
Not enough data
Tools
3.7
22
Not enough data
5.8
22
Not enough data
5.6
20
Not enough data
Work
5.3
20
Not enough data
4.4
20
Not enough data
6.0
19
Not enough data
4.8
20
Not enough data
6.8
19
Not enough data
Environment
8.0
18
Not enough data
8.1
17
Not enough data
8.3
17
Not enough data
8.4
18
Not enough data
New Product Introduction
8.0
17
Not enough data
8.0
17
Not enough data
6.9
16
Not enough data
8.2
15
Not enough data
CAD
9.3
17
Not enough data
8.0
17
Not enough data
8.3
16
Not enough data
Collaboration
7.9
17
Not enough data
8.3
17
Not enough data
8.5
17
Not enough data
8.5
17
Not enough data
Product Data Management
Feature Not Available
Not enough data
8.2
15
Not enough data
8.5
16
Not enough data
Bill of Materials
8.8
16
Not enough data
8.8
15
Not enough data
8.5
14
Not enough data
8.1
15
Not enough data
Engineering Change Management
8.5
14
Not enough data
8.5
16
Not enough data
8.0
14
Not enough data
Simulation
6.3
14
Not enough data
6.4
13
Not enough data
6.8
14
Not enough data
Analytics
7.0
14
Not enough data
Feature Not Available
Not enough data
7.1
14
Not enough data
Quality management
6.8
13
Not enough data
6.7
13
Not enough data
6.9
13
Not enough data
Integration
6.9
13
Not enough data
6.1
12
Not enough data
6.7
11
Not enough data
7.4
12
Not enough data
Generative AI
Feature Not Available
Not enough data
Feature Not Available
Not enough data
Tools - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)
8.8
37
Not enough data
7.5
35
Not enough data
8.2
36
Not enough data
8.9
36
Not enough data
7.1
36
Not enough data
File Options - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)
9.1
36
Not enough data
8.6
36
Not enough data
8.6
36
Not enough data
8.9
35
Not enough data
8.8
36
Not enough data
Customization - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)
8.6
35
Not enough data
8.6
34
Not enough data
8.1
36
Not enough data
8.2
33
Not enough data
Environment - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)
8.9
34
Not enough data
8.5
31
Not enough data
8.6
32
Not enough data
9.1
33
Not enough data
Categories
Categories
Shared Categories
Onshape and SolidWorks PDM are categorized as Product Data Management (PDM)
Unique Categories
Onshape is categorized as Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD), CAD Viewers, General-Purpose CAD, Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), Simulation & CAE, Sketching, PCB Design, and Additive Manufacturing
SolidWorks PDM has no unique categories
Reviews
Reviewers' Company Size
Onshape
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
Enterprise(> 1000 emp.)
SolidWorks PDM
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
Enterprise(> 1000 emp.)
Small-Business
(50 or fewer emp.)
Mid-Market
(51-1000 emp.)
Enterprise
(> 1000 emp.)
Reviewers' Industry
Mechanical or Industrial Engineering
19.7%
Design
10.2%
Medical Devices
6.5%
Machinery
6.2%
Industrial Automation
5.7%
Other
51.7%
Mechanical or Industrial Engineering
22.9%
Design
8.6%
Automotive
8.6%
Machinery
7.1%
Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing
7.1%
Other
45.7%
Alternatives
Discussions
What is Onshape?
1 Comment
PB
Onshape is the google docs of CAD - Solid and Surface modelling, Boolean operations, and editing of parts without a history is especially useful for imported...Read more
How is Onshape different from other "cloud" CAD products?
1 Comment
PB
ONSHAPE was designed from the ground up to be a cloud CAD system - I am not sure the others can claim this!Read more
How does version control work in Onshape?
1 Comment
PB
Essentially there is one file used in a similar way to google docs - you can branch new ideas similar to software development and merge these branches if you...Read more
Do you manager NON CAD files with PDM?
2 Comments
CM
We also manage Excel files, PDF's and pictures using PDM.Read more
What is Solidworks PDM system?
1 Comment
PM
Solidworks PDM is an advanced version of file explorer in windows PC. It allows you to manage all your files and projects. One can easily manage workflow and...Read more
What is PDM software?
1 Comment
JL
PDM stands for Program Document Management. However, it goes beyond what a regular file explorer does and allows for a version history as well as review and...Read more
Hunting for software insights?
With over 3 million reviews, we can provide the specific details that help you make an informed software buying decision for your business. Finding the right product is important, let us help.
