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# SOLIDWORKS vs Solidworks Simulation Comparison - What are their main differences?

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SOLIDWORKSSIMULIA[+ Add Product](#)

Pricing

**SOLIDWORKS**
Free Trial

**$2,820.00** Per Year · SOLIDWORKS Design Standard Offer

**Solidworks Simulation**
No pricing available

**Pricing Insights**
from reviews

Time to Implement

**SOLIDWORKS**
4 months

Based on 14 responses

**Solidworks Simulation**
Not enough reviews yet

Return on Investment

**SOLIDWORKS**
16 months

Based on 13 responses

**Solidworks Simulation**
Not enough reviews yet

Perceived Cost

**SOLIDWORKS**
$$$$$

**Solidworks Simulation**
Not enough reviews yet

Average Discount

**SOLIDWORKS**
10%

**Solidworks Simulation**
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)

**Solidworks Simulation**
Not enough data

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)

**Solidworks Simulation**
Not enough data

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)

**Solidworks Simulation**
No screenshot available

**Ratings**
from reviews

Meets Requirements

**SOLIDWORKS**

8.8

8.8590

**Solidworks Simulation**

8.8

8.811

Ease of Use

**SOLIDWORKS**

8.7

8.7595

**Solidworks Simulation**

7.3

7.311

Ease of Setup

**SOLIDWORKS**

8.5

8.5165

**Solidworks Simulation**
Not enough data

Ease of Admin

**SOLIDWORKS**

8.2

8.258

**Solidworks Simulation**
Not enough data

Quality of Support

**SOLIDWORKS**

8.2

8.2528

**Solidworks Simulation**

7.4

7.47

Has the product been a good partner in doing business?

**SOLIDWORKS**

8.4

8.458

**Solidworks Simulation**
Not enough data

Product Direction (% positive)

**SOLIDWORKS**

8.6

8.6575

**Solidworks Simulation**

8.9

8.911

**Features**
ratings from reviews

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

Simulation & CAE

8.3

73

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.)
46.6%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
32.6%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
20.8%

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
46.6%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
32.6%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
20.8%

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
45.5%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
27.3%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
27.3%

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
45.5%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
27.3%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
27.3%

**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%

[![Solidworks Simulation](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_94a9f7a4503e6f3d5cdbf56efb8cac3e/solidworks-simulation.JPG "Solidworks Simulation")](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks-simulation/reviews)
Solidworks Simulation

Mechanical or Industrial Engineering
18.2%

Higher Education
18.2%

Recreational Facilities and Services
9.1%

Plastics
9.1%

Oil & Energy
9.1%

Other
36.4%

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)

**Solidworks Simulation Alternatives**

 ![Autodesk Fusion](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/28ab5b3990e257fc5851e9730734a9cc/autodesk-fusion.svg "Autodesk Fusion")

[
Autodesk Fusion
](/products/autodesk-fusion/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)

 ![Onshape](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/64b9ed904ebc3f3bc714a720216f40d4/onshape.svg "Onshape")

[
Onshape
](/products/onshape/reviews)

## SOLIDWORKS vs SIMULIA FAQs

Generated using AI

Last updated: August 16, 2026

### What is the difference between SOLIDWORKS vs SIMULIA?

SOLIDWORKS stands out for its higher user satisfaction, broader adoption, and ease of setup compared to SIMULIA, which is more specialized for advanced multiphysics simulation.

| [SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews) | [SIMULIA](https://www.g2.com/products/simulia/reviews) |
| --- | --- |
| 4.5/5 (646 reviews) | 4.3/5 (11 reviews) |
| — | — |
| 8.3 | — |
| 8.2 | 7.4 |
| Ease of Use (37 all-time mentions) | Advanced multiphysics simulation capabilities |

### How do the pricing models of SOLIDWORKS and SIMULIA compare?

SOLIDWORKS is rated as the stronger value on price and cost satisfaction compared to SIMULIA.

- **SOLIDWORKS:** In recent reviews, many cite competitive pricing and good value for money, though some mention high licensing costs for small companies.
- **SIMULIA:** Reviewers describe SIMULIA as expensive, especially for students, with fewer mentions of value for money.
- **Switching reasons:** Reviewers who switch to SOLIDWORKS often cite its reasonable pricing and broader feature set as key factors.

### What are the best alternatives to SOLIDWORKS and SIMULIA?

The best alternatives to SOLIDWORKS and SIMULIA are Designcenter Solid Edge, 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) | — | Competitive pricing, good value for money | Ease of Use (37 all-time mentions) |
| [SIMULIA](https://www.g2.com/products/simulia/reviews) | 4.3/5 (11 reviews) | — | Expensive, especially for students | Advanced multiphysics simulation capabilities |
| [Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-solid-edge/reviews) | 4.3/5 (651 reviews) | Small-Business | — | — |
| [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) | 4.5/5 (520 reviews) | Small-Business | — | — |
| [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) | 4.7/5 (725 reviews) | Small-Business | — | — |

### Which Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) features should I prioritize when comparing SOLIDWORKS and SIMULIA?

Buyers comparing SOLIDWORKS and SIMULIA should prioritize ease of use, simulation capabilities, integration, user support, and performance.

- **Ease of Use:** SOLIDWORKS: 8.6; SIMULIA: 7.3
- **Simulation Tools:** SOLIDWORKS: 16 all-time mentions; SIMULIA: Advanced multiphysics simulation cited in reviews
- **Integration:** SOLIDWORKS: 15 all-time mentions for CAD integration; SIMULIA: Interconnected with SOLIDWORKS for FEA
- **Quality of Support:** SOLIDWORKS: 8.2; SIMULIA: 7.4
- **Performance:** SOLIDWORKS: 17 all-time mentions of performance issues; SIMULIA: Reviewers note need for powerful hardware

### What are the pros and cons of SOLIDWORKS vs SIMULIA?

SOLIDWORKS is praised for its ease of use and robust feature set, while SIMULIA is recognized for advanced multiphysics simulation capabilities.

- **SOLIDWORKS strengths:** Ease of Use (37 all-time mentions), Features (29), 3D Modeling (27), User Interface (21), Simulation Tools (16), CAD Integration (15), Efficiency (15), Assembly Design (12), Easy Learning (12)
- **SOLIDWORKS trade-offs:** Performance Issues (17), Slow Performance (15), High System Requirements (14), Complexity (11), Expensive (11)
- **SIMULIA strengths:** Advanced multiphysics simulation, broad solver support, and integration with SOLIDWORKS for FEA
- **SIMULIA trade-offs:** Reviewers cite high cost, steep learning curve for advanced features, and a need for improved technical support

### Is SOLIDWORKS or SIMULIA better for small businesses?

SOLIDWORKS is the better fit for small businesses, supported by its strong small-business reviewer sentiment and competitive pricing feedback.

- **SOLIDWORKS:** Reviewers from small businesses highlight ease of use, quick onboarding, and value for money.
- **SIMULIA:** Reviewers note higher costs and a steeper learning curve, making it less accessible for small businesses.

### Which Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) platform has better integrations?

SOLIDWORKS is favored for integrations, with reviewers frequently citing its compatibility with other CAD and simulation tools.

- **SOLIDWORKS:** CATIA (38 all-time mentions), SolidWorks Simulation (13 all-time mentions)
- **SIMULIA:** Integration with SOLIDWORKS for FEA is cited in reviews

### How do SOLIDWORKS and SIMULIA compare on customer support?

SOLIDWORKS and SIMULIA are close on Quality of Support, with SOLIDWORKS at 8.2 and SIMULIA at 7.4, a difference below the materiality threshold.

- **SOLIDWORKS:** Reviewers consistently mention responsive and helpful support, with 8.2 for Quality of Support.
- **SIMULIA:** Reviewers note that technical support could be improved, with a Quality of Support score of 7.4.

### Which is easier to implement, SOLIDWORKS or SIMULIA?

SOLIDWORKS is easier to implement, with an Ease of Setup score of 8.3 and consistently positive reviewer feedback, while SIMULIA lacks sufficient data for comparison.

- **SOLIDWORKS:** Reviewers highlight straightforward setup, quick onboarding, and minimal downtime for learning.
- **SIMULIA:** No Ease of Setup score or recent reviewer feedback on implementation experience.