Link copied to clipboard # SOLIDWORKS vs Simcenter Simsolid Comparison - What are their main differences? Share [ Export ](/compare/solidworks/simcenter-simsolid/export.csv) SOLIDWORKSSimcenter Simsolid[+ Add Product](#) Pricing **SOLIDWORKS** Free Trial **$2,820.00** Per Year ยท SOLIDWORKS Design Standard Offer **Simcenter Simsolid** Free Trial No pricing available **Pricing Insights** from reviews Time to Implement **SOLIDWORKS** 4 months Based on 14 responses **Simcenter Simsolid** 3 monthsFaster Based on 7 responses Return on Investment **SOLIDWORKS** 16 months Based on 13 responses **Simcenter Simsolid** 11 months5 months sooner Based on 7 responses Perceived Cost **SOLIDWORKS** $$$$$ **Simcenter Simsolid** Not enough reviews yet Average Discount **SOLIDWORKS** 10% **Simcenter Simsolid** Not enough reviews yet **Pros & Cons** from 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) **Simcenter Simsolid** [ Ease of Use (27) ](https://www.g2.com/products/simcenter-simsolid/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1667617&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Simulation (22) ](https://www.g2.com/products/simcenter-simsolid/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1667679&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Not User-Friendly (6) ](https://www.g2.com/products/simcenter-simsolid/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1667968&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Learning Curve (5) ](https://www.g2.com/products/simcenter-simsolid/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1667397&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) 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) **Simcenter Simsolid** [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_1647e5dcb80aa33efc7aac4829419dbb/catia.jpg "Product Avatar Image") CATIA ](https://www.g2.com/products/catia/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_033aa224b72b00b72e8860e4e6401efc/microsoft-excel.png "Product Avatar Image") Microsoft Excel ](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-excel/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_ebd20dfe323991e61f69999c66255a10/onshape.png "Product Avatar Image") Onshape ](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_36bac478fb6a3587b6cf41b7e4d7ea22/pinnacle-software-au-pinnacle-enterprise.jpg "Product Avatar Image") Pinnacle Enterprise ](https://www.g2.com/products/pinnacle-software-au-pinnacle-enterprise/reviews)[ View all ](https://www.g2.com/products/simcenter-simsolid/integrations) Screenshots **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) **Simcenter Simsolid** ![Simcenter Simsolid 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/194676/image13EIDT.png) **Ratings** from reviews Meets Requirements **SOLIDWORKS** 8.8 8.8591 **Simcenter Simsolid** 8.0 8.0166 Ease of Use **SOLIDWORKS** 8.7 8.7596 **Simcenter Simsolid** 8.7 8.7177 Ease of Setup **SOLIDWORKS** 8.5 8.5166 **Simcenter Simsolid** 8.7 8.7121 Ease of Admin **SOLIDWORKS** 8.2 8.258 **Simcenter Simsolid** 8.6 8.633 Quality of Support **SOLIDWORKS** 8.2 8.2529 **Simcenter Simsolid** 8.4 8.4156 Has the product been a good partner in doing business? **SOLIDWORKS** 8.4 8.458 **Simcenter Simsolid** 9.0 9.031 Product Direction (% positive) **SOLIDWORKS** 8.6 8.6575 **Simcenter Simsolid** 8.6 8.6167 **Features** ratings from reviews Simulation & CAE 8.3 73 8.3 150 Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) 8.8 56 Not enough data CAD Data Exchange 8.8 38 Not enough data General-Purpose CAD 8.9 133 Not enough data PCB Design 8.2 15 Not enough data CAD Viewers 9.0 55 Not enough data Additive Manufacturing 7.9 71 Not enough data CAD Libraries 8.9 40 Not enough data Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) 8.4 95 Not enough data User Insights **Reviewers' Company Size** 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% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 48.8% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 29.5% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 21.7% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 48.8% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 29.5% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 21.7% **Reviewers' Industry** [![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% [![Simcenter Simsolid](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/d83699653e967e265705cdd3b757685d/simcenter-simsolid.svg "Simcenter Simsolid")](https://www.g2.com/products/simcenter-simsolid/reviews) Simcenter Simsolid Automotive 33.7% Mechanical or Industrial Engineering 11.7% Education Management 3.6% Design 3.6% Transportation/Trucking/Railroad 3.6% Other 43.9% Alternatives **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) **Simcenter Simsolid Alternatives** ![Inventor](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/ce04423e3201c72cb3ff129d2325b8d4/inventor.svg "Inventor") [ Inventor ](/products/inventor/reviews) ![Autodesk Fusion](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/28ab5b3990e257fc5851e9730734a9cc/autodesk-fusion.svg "Autodesk Fusion") [ Autodesk Fusion ](/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) ![MATLAB](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_d5738f5e7922b4552c3ba543a2b9dee6/matlab.jpeg "MATLAB") [ MATLAB ](/products/matlab/reviews) ![Onshape](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/64b9ed904ebc3f3bc714a720216f40d4/onshape.svg "Onshape") [ Onshape ](/products/onshape/reviews) ## SOLIDWORKS vs Simcenter Simsolid FAQs Generated using AI Last updated: August 15, 2026 ### What is the difference between SOLIDWORKS vs Altair SimSolid? SOLIDWORKS stands out for its industry-standard parametric modeling and robust drafting tools, while Altair SimSolid is distinguished by its meshless simulation and rapid analysis capabilities. | [SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews) | [Altair SimSolid](https://www.g2.com/products/altair-simsolid/reviews) | | --- | --- | | 4.5/5 (646 reviews) | 4.3/5 (198 reviews) | | Small-Business | Small-Business | | 8.3 | 8.6 | | 8.2 | 8.3 | | Parametric modeling and unified 3D-to-2D workflow | Meshless simulation and rapid analysis | ### How do the pricing models of SOLIDWORKS and Altair SimSolid compare? Altair SimSolid is rated higher for price satisfaction, indicating reviewers consider it the stronger value compared to SOLIDWORKS. - **SOLIDWORKS:** In recent reviews, several reviewers cite high licensing costs and note that perpetual license pricing is very costly, especially for small companies. - **Altair SimSolid:** Reviewers mention that while the license is costly, they appreciate the value due to time savings and rapid simulation capabilities. - **Switching reasons:** Reviewers switching to Altair SimSolid highlight the speed of simulation and reduced setup time as key value drivers. ### What are the best alternatives to SOLIDWORKS and Altair SimSolid? The top 3 alternatives to SOLIDWORKS and Altair SimSolid are Autodesk Fusion, Onshape, and Ansys Mechanical. | 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 | Reviewers cite high licensing costs but strong value for robust features | Parametric modeling and unified 3D-to-2D workflow | | [Altair SimSolid](https://www.g2.com/products/altair-simsolid/reviews) | 4.3/5 (198 reviews) | Small-Business | License is costly but valued for rapid simulation and time savings | Meshless simulation and rapid analysis | | [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) | 4.5/5 (520 reviews) | Small-Business | โ€” | Integrated CAD, CAM, and CAE in a single platform | | [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) | 4.7/5 (725 reviews) | Small-Business | โ€” | Cloud-based collaboration and version control | | [Ansys Mechanical](https://www.g2.com/products/ansys-mechanical/reviews) | 4.4/5 (93 reviews) | Mid-Market | โ€” | Advanced simulation and analysis capabilities | ### Which Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) features should I prioritize when comparing SOLIDWORKS and Altair SimSolid? Buyers comparing SOLIDWORKS and Altair SimSolid should prioritize simulation speed, ease of use, parametric modeling, integration capabilities, and system requirements. - **Simulation speed:** Altair SimSolid is cited for time saving (12 all-time mentions) and rapid analysis, while SOLIDWORKS is noted for simulation tools (16 all-time mentions) but with slower performance on large assemblies. - **Ease of use:** SOLIDWORKS (37 all-time mentions) and Altair SimSolid (26 all-time mentions) are both praised, but Altair SimSolid is highlighted for quick setup and meshless workflow. - **Parametric modeling:** SOLIDWORKS is frequently cited for parametric power and unified 3D-to-2D workflows; Altair SimSolid is not cited for parametric modeling. - **Integration capabilities:** SOLIDWORKS is cited for CAD integration (15 all-time mentions) and compatibility with CATIA; Altair SimSolid is noted for integration as an add-on with NX and other platforms. - **System requirements:** Both products are cited for high system requirements (SOLIDWORKS: 14 all-time mentions; Altair SimSolid: 4 all-time mentions), but reviewers note SOLIDWORKS is more resource-intensive for large assemblies. ### What are the pros and cons of SOLIDWORKS vs Altair SimSolid? SOLIDWORKS is strongest in parametric modeling and unified design workflows, while Altair SimSolid excels in rapid, meshless simulation for large assemblies. - **SOLIDWORKS strengths:** Ease of use (37 all-time mentions), robust 3D modeling (27), parametric power, unified 3D-to-2D workflow, strong CAD integration (15), and a large user community. - **SOLIDWORKS trade-offs:** Performance issues (17), slow performance with large assemblies (15), high system requirements (14), complexity for advanced features (11), and high licensing costs (11). - **Altair SimSolid strengths:** Ease of use (26), rapid simulation and time saving (12), meshless analysis (11), efficiency improvement (10), and quick setup (10). - **Altair SimSolid trade-offs:** Expensive licensing (5), learning curve (5), complex interface (4), challenges with complex modeling (4), and high system requirements (4). ### Is SOLIDWORKS or Altair SimSolid better for small businesses? Both SOLIDWORKS and Altair SimSolid are most widely used by small businesses, but SOLIDWORKS receives more frequent praise for its ease of learning and onboarding for small teams. - **SOLIDWORKS:** Largest segment is Small-Business; reviewers highlight its intuitive interface, easy onboarding, and strong support resources for small teams. - **Altair SimSolid:** Largest segment is Small-Business; reviewers appreciate its rapid simulation and quick setup, but note a steeper learning curve for advanced features. ### Which Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) platform has better integrations? SOLIDWORKS is favored for integrations, with more frequent reviewer mentions of third-party compatibility and CAD ecosystem support. - **SOLIDWORKS:** Integrates with CATIA (38 all-time mentions) and SolidWorks Simulation (13 all-time mentions), with reviewers citing strong compatibility with other CAD tools. - **Altair SimSolid:** Reviewers mention integration as an add-on with NX and compatibility with various CAD formats, but with fewer all-time mentions and less emphasis on third-party ecosystem breadth. ### How do SOLIDWORKS and Altair SimSolid compare on customer support? SOLIDWORKS and Altair SimSolid are rated nearly identically on Quality of Support, with scores of 8.2 and 8.3 respectively, indicating parity. - **SOLIDWORKS:** Reviewers frequently describe support as responsive and helpful, with strong onboarding resources and a large community for troubleshooting. - **Altair SimSolid:** Reviewers note good support experiences, especially for setup and technical questions, but some mention limited resources for advanced topics and a desire for more tutorials. ### Which is easier to implement, SOLIDWORKS or Altair SimSolid? Altair SimSolid scores higher on Ease of Setup (8.6 vs. 8.3), indicating reviewers find it easier to implement than SOLIDWORKS. - **SOLIDWORKS:** Reviewers describe setup as straightforward for most users, with easy onboarding for those with CAD experience, but note that installation can be time-consuming and resource-intensive for complex environments. - **Altair SimSolid:** Reviewers consistently highlight very easy and quick initial setup, minimal manual integration, and rapid deployment, especially for simulation workflows.