# OpenRoads Designer vs RoadEng Civil Engineer Comparison

---
## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the difference between RoadEng vs OpenRoads Designer?

RoadEng stands out for its higher user satisfaction and ease of use, while OpenRoads Designer is more widely adopted and offers broader support resources.

| [RoadEng](https://www.g2.com/products/roadeng-civil-engineer/reviews) | [OpenRoads Designer](https://www.g2.com/products/openroads-designer/reviews) |
| --- | --- |
| 4.6/5 (17 reviews) | 4.1/5 (139 reviews) |
| Small-Business | Small-Business |
| — | 6.4 |
| 9.5 | 7.6 |
| Easy to learn and use, cost effective, strong support | Comprehensive 3D modeling, robust corridor and standards management |



### How do the pricing models of RoadEng and OpenRoads Designer compare?

RoadEng is rated as the stronger value for cost satisfaction compared to OpenRoads Designer.

- **RoadEng:** Reviewers consistently highlight RoadEng as cost effective and a strong value for its capabilities.
- **OpenRoads Designer:** Reviewers note OpenRoads Designer is convenient and cost effective compared to Civil 3D, but some mention it can be slow and occasionally frustrating.



### What are the best alternatives to RoadEng and OpenRoads Designer?

The top 3 alternatives to RoadEng and OpenRoads Designer are Civil 3D, MicroStation, and Autodesk InfraWorks.

| Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [RoadEng](https://www.g2.com/products/roadeng-civil-engineer/reviews) | 4.6/5 (17 reviews) | Small-Business | Cost effective | Easy to learn and use, strong support |
| [OpenRoads Designer](https://www.g2.com/products/openroads-designer/reviews) | 4.1/5 (139 reviews) | Small-Business | Convenient and cost effective vs. Civil 3D | Comprehensive 3D modeling, robust corridor and standards management |
| [Civil 3D](https://www.g2.com/products/civil-3d/reviews) | 4.4/5 (305 reviews) | Mid-Market | — | Widely used for civil design, strong integration with Autodesk ecosystem |
| [MicroStation](https://www.g2.com/products/microstation/reviews) | 4.0/5 (416 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Flexible CAD platform, strong for infrastructure projects |
| [Autodesk InfraWorks](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-infraworks/reviews) | 4.2/5 (42 reviews) | Mid-Market | — | Visualization and conceptual design for infrastructure |



### Which Civil Engineering Design features should I prioritize when comparing RoadEng and OpenRoads Designer?

Buyers comparing RoadEng and OpenRoads Designer should prioritize Ease of Use, Quality of Support, Meets Requirements, Drawing capabilities, and 3D Modeling.

- **Ease of Use:** RoadEng scores 9.1, OpenRoads Designer 6.9.
- **Quality of Support:** RoadEng scores 9.5, OpenRoads Designer 7.6.
- **Meets Requirements:** RoadEng scores 9.1, OpenRoads Designer 8.4.
- **Drawing:** Both products are frequently cited for drawing capabilities, with OpenRoads Designer noted for robust drawing production tools.
- **3D Modeling:** OpenRoads Designer is highlighted for comprehensive 3D modeling and corridor management.



### What are the pros and cons of RoadEng vs OpenRoads Designer?

RoadEng's headline strength is ease of use and support, while OpenRoads Designer excels in comprehensive 3D modeling and standards management.

- **RoadEng strengths:** Easy to learn and use, cost effective, strong support staff, efficient for road and ditch design, and quick setup with minimal training.
- **RoadEng trade-offs:** Some limitations in file compatibility and flexibility in drawing outputs, can only manage one corridor per file, and slower installation process.
- **OpenRoads Designer strengths:** Comprehensive 3D modeling, robust corridor and standards management, strong for collaboration across disciplines, and advanced drawing production tools.
- **OpenRoads Designer trade-offs:** Steeper learning curve, occasional software instability, complex workspace setup, and some rigidity in drawing production.



### Is RoadEng or OpenRoads Designer better for small businesses?

RoadEng is the better fit for small businesses, with a higher satisfaction rating and strong small-business reviewer sentiment.

- **RoadEng:** Largest segment is Small-Business, with reviewers praising its ease of use, quick setup, and value for money.
- **OpenRoads Designer:** Largest segment is Small-Business, but reviewers note a steeper learning curve and more complex setup compared to RoadEng.



### Which Civil Engineering Design platform has better integrations?

RoadEng and OpenRoads Designer are at parity for integrations, with no recent reviewer-cited third-party integrations named for either product.

- **RoadEng:** No recent reviewer-cited integrations.
- **OpenRoads Designer:** No recent reviewer-cited integrations.



### How do RoadEng and OpenRoads Designer compare on customer support?

RoadEng outperforms OpenRoads Designer on Quality of Support by a material margin of 1.9 points (9.5 vs 7.6).

- **RoadEng:** Reviewers consistently praise responsive and knowledgeable support, with several noting helpful staff and quick resolution of issues.
- **OpenRoads Designer:** Reviewers describe generally good support, but some mention delays and challenges with complex workspace issues.



### Which is easier to implement, RoadEng or OpenRoads Designer?

OpenRoads Designer has a scored Ease of Setup of 6.4, while RoadEng does not have a published score, but reviewers highlight RoadEng's quick setup and minimal training requirements.

- **RoadEng:** Reviewers frequently mention being up and running in hours with little or no training, and praise the straightforward workflow.
- **OpenRoads Designer:** Reviewers note a moderate setup experience, with some citing complexity in workspace configuration and a steeper learning curve for new users.



### Which product has better Drawing?

OpenRoads Designer is favored for Drawing, as it is the most frequently mentioned feature across both products' reviews.

- **RoadEng:** Reviewers highlight automated drawing outputs and ease of generating plans, but note limited flexibility in customizing individual page layouts.
- **OpenRoads Designer:** Reviewers consistently cite robust drawing production tools, automatic drawing generation, and advanced plan set creation as key strengths.



| | OpenRoads Designer | RoadEng Civil Engineer | 
|---|---|---|
| **Star Rating** | 4.1 out of 5 | 4.6 out of 5 | 
| **Total Reviews** | 139 | 17 | 
| **Largest Market Segment** | Enterprise (43.2% of reviews) | Small-Business (41.2% of reviews) | 
| **Entry Level Price** | $6,057.00 1 practitioner Per Year | Free Trial 1 User With One-Time Purchase | 


---
## Ratings Comparison
| Rating | OpenRoads Designer | RoadEng Civil Engineer | 
|---|---|---|
  | **Meets Requirements** | 8.4 (112 reviews) | 9.1 (15 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Use** | 6.9 (112 reviews) | 9.1 (16 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Setup** | 6.4 (29 reviews) | Not enough data | 
  | **Ease of Admin** | 7.3 (23 reviews) | Not enough data | 
  | **Quality of Support** | 7.6 (98 reviews) | 9.5 (16 reviews) | 
  | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 8.1 (31 reviews) | Not enough data | 
  | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 7.8 (109 reviews) | 10.0 (16 reviews) | 

---
## Pricing

### OpenRoads Designer

#### Entry-Level Pricing

Plan: OpenRoads Designer Virtuoso Subscription

Price: $6,057.00 1 practitioner Per Year

Description: Includes 5 Keys for added incremental services, training, and onboarding.

Key Features:
- A 1-year named user license of Bentley software for lower upfront costs
- 5 keys to redeem for customizable training, mentoring, and consulting services
- Direct access to in-house industry experts who know the challenges your team faces and the strategies to solve them

[Browse all 2 editions](https://www.g2.com/products/openroads-designer/pricing)

#### Free Trial

Yes

### RoadEng Civil Engineer

#### Entry-Level Pricing

Plan: Request a Trial

Price: Free Trial 1 User With One-Time Purchase

Key Features:
- Try one of Softree's engineering software products for 21-days.
- No commitments. No credit card information is required. 
- www.softree.com/Trial

[Browse all 4 editions](https://www.g2.com/products/roadeng-civil-engineer/pricing)

#### Free Trial

Yes

---
## Features Comparison By Category

### Civil Engineering Design

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **OpenRoads Designer** | 8.3/10 | 34 |
| **RoadEng Civil Engineer** | 9.3/10 | 7 |

#### Plan

| Feature | OpenRoads Designer | RoadEng Civil Engineer | 
|---|---|---|
| **Documentation ** | 7.6 (32 reviews) | 9.4 (6 reviews) | 
| **Sequence** | Feature Not Available | 9.4 (6 reviews) | 
| **Annotate** | 8.1 (32 reviews) | 8.6 (6 reviews) | 
| **Collaborate ** | 8.6 (31 reviews) | 9.2 (6 reviews) | 

#### Design

| Feature | OpenRoads Designer | RoadEng Civil Engineer | 
|---|---|---|
| **3D Modeling** | 8.8 (32 reviews) | 9.4 (6 reviews) | 
| **3D Rendering ** | 8.0 (31 reviews) | 8.9 (6 reviews) | 
| **Drawing** | 8.5 (31 reviews) | 9.7 (6 reviews) | 
| **Editing ** | 8.1 (32 reviews) | 9.4 (6 reviews) | 

#### Construction

| Feature | OpenRoads Designer | RoadEng Civil Engineer | 
|---|---|---|
| **Fabrication** | Feature Not Available | 9.3 (5 reviews) | 
| **Reinforcement** | Feature Not Available | 9.3 (5 reviews) | 
| **Clash Detection** | Feature Not Available | 9.3 (5 reviews) | 
| **Grading** | 8.6 (19 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Earthwork** | 9.1 (20 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Engineering

| Feature | OpenRoads Designer | RoadEng Civil Engineer | 
|---|---|---|
| **Hydraulic engineering** | 7.7 (21 reviews) | 9.3 (5 reviews) | 
| **Hydrologic engineering** | 7.8 (22 reviews) | 9.0 (5 reviews) | 
| **Transportation engineering** | 9.0 (27 reviews) | 9.7 (5 reviews) | 
| **Structural engineering** | Feature Not Available | 9.7 (5 reviews) | 

#### Additional Functionality

| Feature | OpenRoads Designer | RoadEng Civil Engineer | 
|---|---|---|
| **Mechanical** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Process Control** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Access Controls/Permissions** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Product Data Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Configurable Workflow** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Manufacturing Design Data** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Collaboration Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **3D Imaging** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Data Import/Export** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Civil** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Customizable Fields** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Data Capture and Transfer** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Design Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Version Control** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Presentation Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Configuration Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Document Generation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Compliance Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Change Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Electrical** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Mechatronics** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Project Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **AI Copilot** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Design Analysis** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **CAD Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Document Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Bills of Material** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Generative AI** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Visual Analytics** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Data Visualization** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **File Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Reporting/Analytics** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Project Templates** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Content Library** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### Earthworks

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **OpenRoads Designer** | N/A | N/A |
| **RoadEng Civil Engineer** | N/A | N/A |

#### Operations

| Feature | OpenRoads Designer | RoadEng Civil Engineer | 
|---|---|---|
| **Earthworks Design** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Earthworks Estimating** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Business Operations** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Project Estimating** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Resource Management

| Feature | OpenRoads Designer | RoadEng Civil Engineer | 
|---|---|---|
| **Supply Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Field Service Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Contractor Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Workflow Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Document Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Task Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Bid Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Additional Functionality

| Feature | OpenRoads Designer | RoadEng Civil Engineer | 
|---|---|---|
| **Collaboration Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Multiple Format Support** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Search/Filter** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Quotes/Estimates** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Document Storage** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **For AEC Industry** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Trench Calculator** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Third-Party Integrations** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Job Costing** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Generative AI** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Cost Tracking** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Project Tracking** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **2D Drawing** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Customizable Reports** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Activity Dashboard** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Reporting/Analytics** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Cut & Fill Estimates** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Annotations** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Labor Cost Reporting** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **CAD Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Takeoff** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Cost Database** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **3D Modeling** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **API** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Job Scheduling** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Customizable Templates** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Electronic Plans** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Bill of Materials** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **AI Copilot** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Geographic Maps** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Data Import/Export** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

---
## Categories
**Shared Categories (1):** [Civil Engineering Design Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/civil-engineering-design)


**Unique to RoadEng Civil Engineer (1):** [Earthworks Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/earthworks)


---
## Reviewer Demographics

### By Company Size

| Segment | OpenRoads Designer | RoadEng Civil Engineer | 
|---|---|---|
| **Small-Business** | 23.2% | 41.2% | 
| **Mid-Market** | 33.6% | 35.3% | 
| **Enterprise** | 43.2% | 23.5% | 

### By Industry

#### OpenRoads Designer

- **Civil Engineering:** 73.6%
- **Transportation/Trucking/Railroad:** 7.2%
- **Design:** 6.4%
- **Construction:** 5.6%
- **Architecture & Planning:** 4.0%
- **Oil & Energy:** 0.8%
- **Military:** 0.8%
- **Higher Education:** 0.8%
- **Government Administration:** 0.8%

#### RoadEng Civil Engineer

- **Construction:** 29.4%
- **Civil Engineering:** 17.6%
- **Government Administration:** 11.8%
- **Restaurants:** 5.9%
- **Paper & Forest Products:** 5.9%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 5.9%
- **Environmental Services:** 5.9%
- **Design:** 5.9%
- **Computer Software:** 5.9%
- **Architecture & Planning:** 5.9%

---
## Alternatives

### Alternatives to OpenRoads Designer

- [Civil 3D](https://www.g2.com/products/civil-3d/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (307 reviews)
- [Autodesk InfraWorks](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-infraworks/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (42 reviews)
- [AutoTURN](https://www.g2.com/products/autoturn/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (50 reviews)
- [GeoHECRAS](https://www.g2.com/products/geohecras/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (355 reviews)
- [ZWCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/zwcad/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (354 reviews)
- [Carlson Civil](https://www.g2.com/products/carlson-civil/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (22 reviews)
- [Carlson Survey](https://www.g2.com/products/carlson-survey/reviews) — 3.9/5 stars (11 reviews)
- [Civil Designer](https://www.g2.com/products/civil-designer/reviews) — 4.8/5 stars (18 reviews)
- [GeoHECHMS](https://www.g2.com/products/geohechms/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (127 reviews)
- [Site3D](https://www.g2.com/products/site3d/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (36 reviews)

### Alternatives to RoadEng Civil Engineer

- [Civil 3D](https://www.g2.com/products/civil-3d/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (307 reviews)
- [MicroStation](https://www.g2.com/products/microstation/reviews) — 4.0/5 stars (416 reviews)
- [GeoHECRAS](https://www.g2.com/products/geohecras/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (355 reviews)
- [ZWCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/zwcad/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (354 reviews)
- [Site3D](https://www.g2.com/products/site3d/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (36 reviews)
- [BusyBusy](https://www.g2.com/products/busybusy/reviews) — 4.8/5 stars (159 reviews)
- [GeoHECHMS](https://www.g2.com/products/geohechms/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (127 reviews)
- [Methvin](https://www.g2.com/products/methvin/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (109 reviews)
- [AutoTURN](https://www.g2.com/products/autoturn/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (50 reviews)
- [Autodesk InfraWorks](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-infraworks/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (42 reviews)

---
## Top Discussions

### OpenRoads Designer

- Title: [How do I create a terrain in OpenRoads designer?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-do-i-create-a-terrain-in-openroads-designer) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "To create a terrain in OpenRoads Designer, you can use the Terrain Create tool group which contains tools to create a terrain model from graphical elements,..."
- Title: [Which software is used for highway design?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/which-software-is-used-for-highway-design) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "The most commonly used highway design software is developed by Bentley and Autodesk.

Bentley’s OpenRoads Designer is a comprehensive and fully functioned..."
- Title: [What is OpenRoads?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-openroads) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "OpenRoads Designer is a civil design application used for all types and sizes of civil projects around the world. It can be used for tasks such as..."
- Title: [What is OpenRoads designer?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-openroads-designer) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "OpenRoads Designer is a civil design application used for all types and sizes of civil projects around the world. It can be used for tasks such as..."

### RoadEng Civil Engineer

No discussions available for this product.

---
**Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/openroads-designer-vs-roadeng-civil-engineer)