Link copied to clipboard # SOLIDWORKS vs SketchUp Comparison - What are their main differences? Share [ Export ](/compare/solidworks/sketchup/export.csv) SOLIDWORKSSketchUp[+ Add Product](#) Pricing **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 **SketchUp** Free Trial **$129.00** 1 Seats Per Year · Go Subscription **$399.00** 1 Seats Per Year · Pro Subscription **$819.00** 1 Seats Per Year · Studio Subscription **Pricing Insights** from reviews Perceived Cost **SOLIDWORKS** $$$$$ **SketchUp** $$$$$ Average Discount **SOLIDWORKS** 10%3% more **SketchUp** 7% Uncover valuable pricing insights from real user feedback to improve your shopping experience. See it for free Time to Implement **SOLIDWORKS** 6 months Based on 100 responses **SketchUp** 6 months Based on 100 responses Return on Investment **SOLIDWORKS** 6 months Based on 100 responses **SketchUp** 6 months Based on 100 responses **Pros & Cons** from reviews **SOLIDWORKS** Ease of Use (37) Features (29) Performance Issues (17) Slow Performance (15) **SketchUp** Ease of Use (14) 3D Modeling (10) Poor Rendering Quality (7) Expensive (5) 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) **SketchUp** [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_7fe3ac866a6ee2c8e79ddc61b45ae7d2/adobe-illustrator.png "Product Avatar Image") Illustrator ](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-illustrator/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_b719ccec010eb3303c13fdb986b10d16/archicad.png "Product Avatar Image") Archicad ](https://www.g2.com/products/archicad/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_9260c677f2004b7164efa1fe041e6a44/coohom.png "Product Avatar Image") Coohom ](https://www.g2.com/products/coohom/reviews)[ View all ](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/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) **SketchUp** ![SketchUp 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/1837649/Screenshot-2026-08-14-at-11.19.21-AM.png) **Ratings** from reviews Meets Requirements **SOLIDWORKS** **8.8** /10 Based on 591 responses **SketchUp** **8.5** /10 Based on 1,135 responses Ease of Use **SOLIDWORKS** **8.7** /10 Based on 596 responses **SketchUp** **8.9** /10 Based on 1,153 responses Ease of Setup **SOLIDWORKS** **8.5** /10 Based on 166 responses **SketchUp** **9.0** /10 Based on 272 responses Ease of Admin **SOLIDWORKS** **8.2** /10 Based on 58 responses **SketchUp** **8.3** /10 Based on 104 responses Quality of Support **SOLIDWORKS** **8.2** /10 Based on 529 responses **SketchUp** **8.1** /10 Based on 904 responses Has the product been a good partner in doing business? **SOLIDWORKS** **8.4** /10 Based on 58 responses **SketchUp** **8.5** /10 Based on 101 responses Product Direction (% positive) **SOLIDWORKS** **8.6** /10 Based on 575 responses **SketchUp** **8.2** /10 Based on 1,122 responses **Features** ratings from reviews General-Purpose CAD **8.9** /10 Based on 133 responses **8.2** /10 Based on 329 responses Building Design and Building Information Modeling (BIM) Not enough data **7.5** /10 Based on 317 responses Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) **8.8** /10 Based on 56 responses Not enough data Uncover more feature rated insights from real users to improve your shopping experience. See it for free 3D Modeling Not enough data **7.2** /10 Based on 292 responses CAD Libraries **8.9** /10 Based on 40 responses Not enough data CAD Data Exchange **8.8** /10 Based on 38 responses Not enough data Additive Manufacturing **7.9** /10 Based on 71 responses Not enough data CAD Viewers **9.0** /10 Based on 55 responses Not enough data PCB Design **8.2** /10 Based on 15 responses Not enough data Simulation & CAE **8.3** /10 Based on 73 responses Not enough data Urban Planning and Design Not enough data **7.5** /10 Based on 166 responses Architectural Rendering Not enough data **7.2** /10 Based on 478 responses Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) **8.4** /10 Based on 95 responses 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.) 75.7% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 18.0% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 6.3% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 75.7% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 18.0% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 6.3% **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% [![SketchUp](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/fcc93ca191f4edc5826c62935fefbf14/sketchup.svg "SketchUp")](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) SketchUp Architecture & Planning 47.1% Design 16.6% Construction 11.2% Civil Engineering 2.4% Higher Education 1.3% Other 21.4% 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) **SketchUp Alternatives** ![Revit](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/cd17ee1624d3f48179b4871898b136de/revit.svg "Revit") [ Revit ](/products/revit/reviews) ![Archicad](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/8f4e8d9d02c774088c07c555e579c0ca/archicad.svg "Archicad") [ Archicad ](/products/archicad/reviews) ![AutoCAD](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1531166548/autocad.svg "AutoCAD") [ AutoCAD ](/products/autocad/reviews) ![Onshape](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/64b9ed904ebc3f3bc714a720216f40d4/onshape.svg "Onshape") [ Onshape ](/products/onshape/reviews) ## SOLIDWORKS vs SketchUp FAQs Generated using AI Last updated: August 14, 2026 ### What is the difference between SOLIDWORKS vs SketchUp? SOLIDWORKS is favored for advanced parametric modeling and engineering workflows, while SketchUp is preferred for intuitive 3D modeling and rapid visualization. | [SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews) | [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) | | --- | --- | | G2 Rating (reviews): 4.5/5 (646 reviews) | G2 Rating (reviews): 4.5/5 (1327 reviews) | | Largest Segment: Small-Business | Largest Segment: Small-Business | | Ease of Setup score: 8.3 | Ease of Setup score: 9.0 | | Quality of Support score: 8.2 | Quality of Support score: 8.1 | | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength: Ease of Use (37 all-time mentions) | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength: Ease of Use (14 all-time mentions) | ### How do the pricing models of SOLIDWORKS and SketchUp compare? SketchUp is rated higher for value, with a stronger Price/Cost satisfaction score than SOLIDWORKS. - **SOLIDWORKS:** In recent reviews, several reviewers cite high licensing costs and expensive perpetual pricing as trade-offs, though some note reasonable value for professional engineering work. - **SketchUp:** Reviewers frequently highlight SketchUp as cost-effective, intuitive, and affordable for small to medium projects, though some mention recurring subscription pricing as a drawback. - **Switching reasons:** Reviewers mention switching to SketchUp for its lower cost and faster onboarding for design visualization tasks. ### What are the best alternatives to SOLIDWORKS and SketchUp? The top three alternatives to SOLIDWORKS and SketchUp are Archicad, Autodesk Fusion, and Onshape. | 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 cost but strong value for advanced engineering | Ease of Use (37 all-time mentions) | | [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) | 4.5/5 (1327 reviews) | Small-Business | Reviewers highlight cost-effectiveness and fast onboarding | Ease of Use (14 all-time mentions) | | [Archicad](https://www.g2.com/products/archicad/reviews) | 4.6/5 (294 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Strong architectural modeling and BIM capabilities | | [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) | 4.5/5 (520 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Integrated CAD, CAM, and CAE workflows | | [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) | 4.7/5 (725 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Cloud-based collaboration and version control | ### Which Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) features should I prioritize when comparing SOLIDWORKS and SketchUp? Buyers should prioritize Modeling, Ease of Use, Simulation Tools, Integration Capabilities, and Rendering Quality when comparing SOLIDWORKS and SketchUp. - **Modeling:** SOLIDWORKS (27 all-time mentions), SketchUp (10 all-time mentions) - **Ease of Use:** SOLIDWORKS (8.6/10, 37 all-time mentions), SketchUp (8.9/10, 14 all-time mentions) - **Simulation Tools:** SOLIDWORKS (16 all-time mentions), SketchUp (—) - **Integration Capabilities:** SOLIDWORKS (CATIA, 38 all-time mentions), SketchUp (AutoCAD, 93 all-time mentions; V-Ray, 22 all-time mentions) - **Rendering Quality:** SketchUp reviewers frequently cite limited rendering capabilities (7 all-time mentions), while SOLIDWORKS reviewers focus more on simulation and engineering features. ### What are the pros and cons of SOLIDWORKS vs SketchUp? SOLIDWORKS stands out for advanced engineering and parametric modeling, while SketchUp excels in intuitive 3D modeling and rapid visualization. - **SOLIDWORKS strengths:** Ease of Use (37 all-time mentions), robust 3D Modeling (27), advanced Simulation Tools (16), strong CAD Integration (15), and efficient assembly design workflows. - **SOLIDWORKS trade-offs:** Performance Issues (17), Slow Performance (15), High System Requirements (14), Complexity (11), and Expensive licensing (11). - **SketchUp strengths:** Ease of Use (14 all-time mentions), intuitive modeling (10), rapid learning curve (9), 3D Warehouse asset library (6), and fast design iteration. - **SketchUp trade-offs:** Poor Rendering Quality (7), Expensive subscription sentiment (5), Limited Rendering Capabilities (5), Plugin Issues (5), and Slow Performance with large models (5). ### Is SOLIDWORKS or SketchUp better for small businesses? SketchUp is the better fit for small businesses, supported by its largest segment and reviewer sentiment on affordability and ease of use. - **SOLIDWORKS:** Largest segment is Small-Business; reviewers note strong engineering features but cite high system requirements and licensing costs as trade-offs for smaller teams. - **SketchUp:** Largest segment is Small-Business; reviewers consistently highlight intuitive setup, fast onboarding, and cost-effectiveness for small business needs. ### Which Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) platform has better integrations? SketchUp is favored for integrations, with more reviewer-cited third-party connections and higher mention counts. - **SOLIDWORKS:** Integrates with CATIA (38 all-time mentions) and SolidWorks Simulation (13 all-time mentions). - **SketchUp:** Integrates with AutoCAD (93 all-time mentions), V-Ray (22 all-time mentions), and Coohom (recent reviews). ### How do SOLIDWORKS and SketchUp compare on customer support? SOLIDWORKS and SketchUp are rated at parity on Quality of Support, with scores of 8.2 and 8.1 respectively. - **SOLIDWORKS:** Reviewers frequently describe responsive support, extensive tutorials, and a large user community for troubleshooting. - **SketchUp:** Reviewers highlight helpful support, easy onboarding, and accessible online resources, with some noting occasional delays for licensing issues. ### Which is easier to implement, SOLIDWORKS or SketchUp? SketchUp is rated higher for Ease of Setup, with a 0.7-point advantage over SOLIDWORKS. - **SOLIDWORKS:** Reviewers describe straightforward initial setup but note that installation can be time-consuming and hardware requirements are high for optimal performance. - **SketchUp:** Reviewers consistently praise the simple, fast setup process and minimal learning curve, making it easy to implement for new users and teams. ### Which product has better Modeling? SOLIDWORKS is favored for Modeling, with higher all-time mention counts and strong reviewer sentiment for advanced modeling workflows. - **SOLIDWORKS:** 3D Modeling (27 all-time mentions), Ease of Use (8.6/10), reviewers highlight robust parametric modeling and assembly features. - **SketchUp:** 3D Modeling (10 all-time mentions), Ease of Use (8.9/10), reviewers emphasize intuitive modeling and rapid concept visualization.