# Rhinoceros vs SOLIDWORKS Comparison --- ## AI Generated Summary - **G2 reviewers report** that SOLIDWORKS excels in overall user satisfaction, reflected in its higher G2 Score compared to Rhinoceros. Users appreciate its intuitive interface, which simplifies complex 3D modeling and assembly tasks, making it a preferred choice for many professionals. - **Users say** that SOLIDWORKS offers a robust set of features, particularly for parametric modeling and simulations. Recent feedback highlights its ability to easily convert files from other CAD software, which significantly boosts productivity and streamlines workflows. - **Reviewers mention** that while Rhinoceros is praised for its precision and flexibility in organic 3D modeling, it faces challenges in user satisfaction compared to SOLIDWORKS. Users appreciate its extensive toolset and compatibility with various plugins, but the overall experience does not match the higher ratings of SOLIDWORKS. - **According to verified reviews** , SOLIDWORKS shines in its ease of use, with many users noting that the software allows for quick adjustments in designs without extensive rework. This feature is particularly beneficial for those working on dynamic systems and complex structures. - **Users highlight** that Rhinoceros is particularly effective for those focused on organic shapes, thanks to its user-friendly interface and powerful NURBS capabilities. However, it lacks the same level of support and community engagement that SOLIDWORKS enjoys, which can impact user experience. - **Reviewers note** that while both products have similar scores in terms of support quality, SOLIDWORKS benefits from a larger user base and more recent reviews, indicating a more active community and better ongoing support for users navigating challenges. | | Rhinoceros | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Star Rating** | 4.4 out of 5 | 4.5 out of 5 | | **Total Reviews** | 192 | 643 | | **Largest Market Segment** | Small-Business (56.0% of reviews) | Small-Business (44.3% of reviews) | | **Entry Level Price** | $495 | No pricing available | --- ## Top Pros & Cons ### Rhinoceros Pros: - Compatibility (2 reviews) - Customization (2 reviews) Cons: - Lack of Features (2 reviews) - 3D Modeling (1 reviews) ### SOLIDWORKS Pros: - Ease of Use (36 reviews) - Features (28 reviews) Cons: - Performance Issues (16 reviews) - Slow Performance (14 reviews) --- ## Ratings Comparison | Rating | Rhinoceros | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Meets Requirements** | 8.6 (170 reviews) | 8.8 (534 reviews) | | **Ease of Use** | 7.9 (172 reviews) | 8.6 (539 reviews) | | **Ease of Setup** | 9.0 (24 reviews) | 8.2 (111 reviews) | | **Ease of Admin** | 7.9 (15 reviews) | 7.9 (46 reviews) | | **Quality of Support** | 7.8 (140 reviews) | 8.2 (474 reviews) | | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 8.3 (12 reviews) | 8.3 (46 reviews) | | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 8.5 (167 reviews) | 8.6 (528 reviews) | --- ## Pricing ### Rhinoceros #### Entry-Level Pricing Plan: Rhino 5 for Windows Upgrade Price: $495 [Browse all 2 editions](https://www.g2.com/products/rhinoceros/pricing) #### Free Trial No ### SOLIDWORKS #### Entry-Level Pricing No pricing available #### Free Trial No information available --- ## Features Comparison By Category ### Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **Rhinoceros** | N/A | N/A | | **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.7/10 | 53 | #### CAD to CAM | Feature | Rhinoceros | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **CAD-CAM Import** | Not enough data | 9.0 (42 reviews) | | **CAM Data Exchange** | Not enough data | 8.8 (42 reviews) | | **CAD/CAM Compatibility** | Not enough data | 8.9 (43 reviews) | #### CNC Programming | Feature | Rhinoceros | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **CNC Workflows** | Not enough data | 8.7 (39 reviews) | | **CNC Feature Recognition** | Not enough data | 8.6 (38 reviews) | | **Programming Control** | Not enough data | 8.4 (37 reviews) | #### Machining | Feature | Rhinoceros | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Job Set-up** | Not enough data | 8.6 (39 reviews) | | **Operations** | Not enough data | 8.7 (39 reviews) | | **Tooling and Toolpaths** | Not enough data | 8.8 (39 reviews) | ### General-Purpose CAD | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **Rhinoceros** | 9.4/10 | 8 | | **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.8/10 | 112 | #### Design | Feature | Rhinoceros | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Drawing** | 9.7 (5 reviews) | 9.5 (107 reviews) | | **Modeling** | 10.0 (6 reviews) | 9.4 (107 reviews) | | **Visualize ** | 8.7 (5 reviews) | 9.2 (103 reviews) | | **Rendering** | Not enough data | 8.1 (100 reviews) | #### Edit | Feature | Rhinoceros | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **File Import ** | 9.0 (5 reviews) | 8.5 (98 reviews) | | **Push/Pull** | Not enough data | 8.4 (90 reviews) | | **Views** | Not enough data | 9.3 (101 reviews) | | **Grips ** | 9.7 (5 reviews) | 8.3 (85 reviews) | #### Collaboration | Feature | Rhinoceros | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Annotate** | Not enough data | 8.6 (94 reviews) | | **Documentation ** | Not enough data | 9.0 (96 reviews) | | **Data Extract** | Not enough data | 8.4 (90 reviews) | ### CAD Libraries | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **Rhinoceros** | N/A | N/A | | **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.9/10 | 35 | #### Library | Feature | Rhinoceros | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Categorize** | Not enough data | 8.9 (29 reviews) | | **Search** | Not enough data | 8.6 (28 reviews) | | **Deduplication** | Not enough data | 8.4 (28 reviews) | | **Feedback** | Not enough data | 8.6 (23 reviews) | #### CAD | Feature | Rhinoceros | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Types** | Not enough data | 8.8 (24 reviews) | | **Models** | Not enough data | 9.4 (30 reviews) | | **Compatibility** | Not enough data | 9.1 (29 reviews) | #### Integration | Feature | Rhinoceros | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Catalogs** | Not enough data | 8.5 (26 reviews) | | **CAD & PLM** | Not enough data | 9.6 (29 reviews) | | **ERP** | Not enough data | 8.6 (25 reviews) | ### CAD Data Exchange | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **Rhinoceros** | N/A | N/A | | **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.8/10 | 34 | #### Data | Feature | Rhinoceros | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **3D Format** | Not enough data | 9.3 (29 reviews) | | **Data Quality** | Not enough data | 8.8 (27 reviews) | | **Extra Information** | Not enough data | 8.3 (26 reviews) | | **Standard Format** | Not enough data | 9.0 (27 reviews) | | **Translate** | Not enough data | 8.3 (24 reviews) | | **Validation** | Not enough data | 8.7 (25 reviews) | #### Logistics | Feature | Rhinoceros | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Integrate** | Not enough data | 9.1 (25 reviews) | ### Additive Manufacturing | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **Rhinoceros** | N/A | N/A | | **SOLIDWORKS** | 7.9/10 | 66 | #### File Support - Additive Manufacturing | Feature | Rhinoceros | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **STL Compatible** | Not enough data | 8.7 (61 reviews) | | **3MF Compatible** | Not enough data | 8.5 (47 reviews) | | **OBJ Compatible** | Not enough data | 8.4 (52 reviews) | #### File Editing - Additive Manufacturing | Feature | Rhinoceros | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Mesh Repair** | Not enough data | 7.5 (55 reviews) | | **File Editing** | Not enough data | 8.6 (60 reviews) | #### Software Integrations - Additive Manufacturing | Feature | Rhinoceros | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Standalone Slicer** | Not enough data | 7.6 (49 reviews) | | **Inetgrated 3D Modeling** | Not enough data | 8.8 (58 reviews) | #### Software Type - Additive Manufacturing | Feature | Rhinoceros | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Cloud-based Platform** | Not enough data | 7.7 (48 reviews) | | **Downloadable Application** | Not enough data | 8.6 (53 reviews) | #### Generative AI - Additive Manufacturing | Feature | Rhinoceros | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **AI Text-to-Image** | Not enough data | 6.0 (20 reviews) | | **AI Text-to-3D** | Not enough data | 6.1 (20 reviews) | #### Building Preparation - Additive Manufacturing | Feature | Rhinoceros | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **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 | |---|---|---| | **Rhinoceros** | N/A | N/A | | **SOLIDWORKS** | 9.0/10 | 49 | #### File Options | Feature | Rhinoceros | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Import files** | Not enough data | 8.9 (44 reviews) | | **Export files** | Not enough data | 9.1 (43 reviews) | | **View 2D files** | Not enough data | 9.1 (43 reviews) | | **View 3D files** | Not enough data | 9.3 (44 reviews) | | **Batch convert files** | Not enough data | 8.3 (35 reviews) | | **File size** | Not enough data | 8.3 (41 reviews) | #### Tools | Feature | Rhinoceros | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Dimensioning tools** | Not enough data | 9.5 (43 reviews) | | **Change units** | Not enough data | 9.1 (41 reviews) | | **3D/solid modeling tools** | Not enough data | 9.2 (43 reviews) | #### Design | Feature | Rhinoceros | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Drawing** | Not enough data | 9.4 (43 reviews) | ### PCB Design | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **Rhinoceros** | N/A | N/A | | **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.2/10 | 15 | #### Design | Feature | Rhinoceros | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **PCB layout editing** | Not enough data | 7.9 (12 reviews) | | **Schematic editor** | Not enough data | 7.8 (12 reviews) | #### Tools | Feature | Rhinoceros | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **3D modeling tools** | Not enough data | 9.2 (13 reviews) | | **Component placement** | Not enough data | 8.7 (13 reviews) | #### Library | Feature | Rhinoceros | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Component libraries** | Not enough data | 8.2 (13 reviews) | #### Platform | Feature | Rhinoceros | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Board size** | Not enough data | 8.6 (13 reviews) | | **Layers** | Not enough data | 8.1 (12 reviews) | #### Customization | Feature | Rhinoceros | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Custom commands** | Not enough data | 7.8 (12 reviews) | | **Custom interface** | Not enough data | 8.3 (12 reviews) | ### Simulation & CAE | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **Rhinoceros** | N/A | N/A | | **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.2/10 | 64 | #### Design | Feature | Rhinoceros | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **3D/solid modeling Tools** | Not enough data | 9.2 (62 reviews) | | **Drawing Tools** | Not enough data | 9.0 (62 reviews) | | **Editing Tools** | Not enough data | 8.8 (62 reviews) | | **Rendering tools** | Not enough data | 7.7 (60 reviews) | #### Tools | Feature | Rhinoceros | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Fluid analysis** | Not enough data | 8.0 (54 reviews) | | **Finite element analysis** | Not enough data | 7.9 (56 reviews) | | **Multibody dynamics** | Not enough data | 7.4 (49 reviews) | #### Work | Feature | Rhinoceros | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Discrete event modeling** | Not enough data | 7.6 (41 reviews) | | **Continuous event modeling** | Not enough data | 7.8 (42 reviews) | | **Mechanical event simulation** | Not enough data | 8.3 (51 reviews) | | **Manufacturing process simulation** | Not enough data | 8.1 (44 reviews) | | **Integrate** | Not enough data | 8.4 (47 reviews) | #### Environment | Feature | Rhinoceros | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Hardware support** | Not enough data | 8.3 (53 reviews) | | **Task** | Not enough data | 8.4 (51 reviews) | | **Manage Multiple Profiles** | Not enough data | 8.2 (49 reviews) | | **Command Clarity** | Not enough data | 8.6 (53 reviews) | ### Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **Rhinoceros** | N/A | N/A | | **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.4/10 | 45 | #### Tools - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) | Feature | Rhinoceros | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **3D/solid modeling Tools** | Not enough data | 9.4 (36 reviews) | | **Rendering Tools** | Not enough data | 8.7 (28 reviews) | | **Drawing Tools** | Not enough data | 9.2 (30 reviews) | | **Editing Tools** | Not enough data | 9.1 (26 reviews) | | **Text Editing Tools** | Not enough data | 7.7 (25 reviews) | #### File Options - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) | Feature | Rhinoceros | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Export Files** | Not enough data | 8.6 (31 reviews) | | **Import Files** | Not enough data | 8.6 (27 reviews) | | **File Interoperability** | Not enough data | 8.3 (29 reviews) | | **Backwards compatibility** | Not enough data | 8.0 (26 reviews) | | **File size** | Not enough data | 7.3 (32 reviews) | #### Customization - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) | Feature | Rhinoceros | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Custom Commands** | Not enough data | 8.4 (23 reviews) | | **Custom Scripts** | Not enough data | 8.4 (24 reviews) | | **Custom Menus** | Not enough data | 7.6 (24 reviews) | | **Custom Interface** | Not enough data | 8.2 (24 reviews) | #### Environment - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) | Feature | Rhinoceros | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Hardware support** | Not enough data | 8.0 (27 reviews) | | **Task-based interfaces** | Not enough data | 8.4 (23 reviews) | | **Manage Multiple Profiles** | Not enough data | 7.9 (23 reviews) | | **Command Clarity** | Not enough data | 9.0 (27 reviews) | --- ## Categories **Shared Categories (2):** [Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/mechanical-computer-aided-design-mcad), [General-Purpose CAD Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/general-purpose-cad) **Unique to SOLIDWORKS (8):** [Simulation & CAE Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/simulation-cae), [CAD Viewers](https://www.g2.com/categories/cad-viewers), [Sketching Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/sketching), [PCB Design Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/pcb-design), [Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/computer-aided-manufacturing-cam), [CAD Libraries](https://www.g2.com/categories/cad-libraries), [CAD Data Exchange Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/cad-data-exchange), [Additive Manufacturing Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/additive-manufacturing) --- ## Reviewer Demographics ### By Company Size | Segment | Rhinoceros | SOLIDWORKS | |---|---|---| | **Small-Business** | 56.0% | 44.3% | | **Mid-Market** | 25.0% | 33.8% | | **Enterprise** | 19.0% | 21.9% | ### By Industry #### Rhinoceros - **Architecture & Planning:** 37.6% - **Design:** 25.3% - **Higher Education:** 4.8% - **Mechanical or Industrial Engineering:** 2.7% - **Construction:** 2.2% - **Marketing and Advertising:** 2.2% - **Information Technology and Services:** 1.6% - **Luxury Goods & Jewelry:** 1.6% - **Consumer Goods:** 1.6% - **Arts and Crafts:** 1.1% - **Other:** 19.4% #### SOLIDWORKS - **Mechanical or Industrial Engineering:** 23.1% - **Design:** 11.7% - **Automotive:** 6.6% - **Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing:** 5.9% - **Medical Devices:** 5.8% - **Machinery:** 5.6% - **Higher Education:** 4.7% - **Aviation & Aerospace:** 4.5% - **Oil & Energy:** 3.0% - **Consumer Goods:** 2.2% - **Other:** 26.8% --- ## Alternatives ### Alternatives to Rhinoceros - [AutoCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (1935 reviews) - [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (695 reviews) - [Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-solid-edge/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (606 reviews) - [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (519 reviews) - [Inventor](https://www.g2.com/products/inventor/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (440 reviews) - [Creo](https://www.g2.com/products/creo-2025-08-26/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (200 reviews) - [FreeCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/freecad/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (61 reviews) - [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1326 reviews) - [Designcenter](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (600 reviews) - [MicroStation](https://www.g2.com/products/microstation/reviews) — 4.0/5 stars (416 reviews) ### Alternatives to SOLIDWORKS - [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (519 reviews) - [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (695 reviews) - [Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-solid-edge/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (606 reviews) - [Inventor](https://www.g2.com/products/inventor/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (440 reviews) - [Creo](https://www.g2.com/products/creo-2025-08-26/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (200 reviews) - [AutoCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (1935 reviews) - [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1326 reviews) - [Designcenter](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (600 reviews) - [IronCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/ironcad/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (43 reviews) - [CATIA](https://www.g2.com/products/catia/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (255 reviews) --- ## Top Discussions ### Rhinoceros - Title: [How do I change command line auto-fill shortcuts](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-do-i-change-command-line-auto-fill-shortcuts) — 1 comment, 1 upvote > **Top comment:** "Select the setting in Options > Appearance > ‘Use fuzzy autocomplete’ checked " ### SOLIDWORKS - Title: [What is SOLIDWORKS used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-solidworks-used-for) — 3 comments, 1 upvote > **Top comment:** "A person can use SolidWorks for many things, Part modeling, Assembly Testing, rendering, Creating working animation of any machine or product. Start..." - Title: [How to stop or cancel a ongoing command.](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-to-stop-or-cancel-a-ongoing-command) — 2 comments, 1 upvote > **Top comment:** "By pressing escape key." - Title: [best use o this software](https://www.g2.com/discussions/35425-best-use-o-this-software) — 2 comments, 1 upvote > **Top comment:** "Making 2D sketches and extruding them to make 3d sketches." - Title: [Where is the Features toolbar in Solidworks?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/where-is-the-features-toolbar-in-solidworks) — 1 comment > **Top comment:** "Right-click in the window border, click Toolbars, and select or clear a toolbar name. Click Tools > Customize. On the Toolbars tab, select the toolbars to..." - Title: [What are features in Solidworks?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-are-features-in-solidworks) — 1 comment > **Top comment:** "Solidworks have so many feature like sketch tool, Part modeling, Assembly modeling, Drawing Tool, Sheet metal, weldments, Surface modeling, Rendering Tool,..." --- **Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/rhinoceros-vs-solidworks)