# Top 10 Desktop Metal Alternatives & Competitors **Average Rating:** 4.3/5 **Total Number of Reviews:** 2 Desktop Metal is not the only option for Additive Manufacturing Software. Explore other competing options and alternatives. Additive Manufacturing Software is a widely used technology, and many people are seeking productive, easily administered software solutions with ai text-to-3d and ai text-to-image. Other important factors to consider when researching alternatives to Desktop Metal include ease of use and reliability. The best overall Desktop Metal alternative is Autodesk Fusion. Other similar apps like Desktop Metal are Onshape, SOLIDWORKS, Designcenter Solid Edge, and Designcenter. Desktop Metal alternatives can be found in [Additive Manufacturing Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/additive-manufacturing) but may also be in [Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/mechanical-computer-aided-design-mcad) or [Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/computer-aided-manufacturing-cam). ## Best Paid & Free Alternatives to Desktop Metal - [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) - [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) - [SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews) - [Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-solid-edge/reviews) - [Designcenter](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter/reviews) - [Blender](https://www.g2.com/products/blender/reviews) - [Creo](https://www.g2.com/products/creo-2025-08-26/reviews) - [Tinkercad](https://www.g2.com/products/tinkercad/reviews) - [Ultimaker Cura](https://www.g2.com/products/ultimaker-cura/reviews) - [Simplify3D](https://www.g2.com/products/simplify3d/reviews) ## Top 10 Alternatives to Desktop Metal Recently Reviewed By G2 Community Browse options below. Based on reviewer data, you can see how Desktop Metal stacks up to the competition, check reviews from current & previous users in industries like Education Management and Logistics and Supply Chain, and find the best product for your business. ### 1. [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) By Autodesk **Average Rating:** 4.5/5 **Total Reviews:** 519 Autodesk Fusion is a comprehensive cloud software platform that integrates various tools for 3D design, manufacturing, electronics, simulation, and generative design. It serves as a collaborative, cloud-enabled CAD (Computer-Aided Design), CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing), CAE (Computer-Aided Engineering), and PCB (Printed Circuit Board) software. Categories in common with Desktop Metal: [Additive Manufacturing](https://www.g2.com/categories/additive-manufacturing) **Compare:** [Desktop Metal vs Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/compare/autodesk-fusion-vs-desktop-metal) **Compare Autodesk Fusion with other alternatives:** - [Autodesk Fusion vs Onshape](https://www.g2.com/compare/autodesk-fusion-vs-onshape) - [Autodesk Fusion vs SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/compare/autodesk-fusion-vs-solidworks) - [Autodesk Fusion vs Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/compare/autodesk-fusion-vs-designcenter-solid-edge) - [Autodesk Fusion vs Designcenter](https://www.g2.com/compare/autodesk-fusion-vs-designcenter) - [Autodesk Fusion vs Blender](https://www.g2.com/compare/autodesk-fusion-vs-blender) - [Autodesk Fusion vs Creo](https://www.g2.com/compare/autodesk-fusion-vs-creo-2025-08-26) - [Autodesk Fusion vs Tinkercad](https://www.g2.com/compare/autodesk-fusion-vs-tinkercad) - [Autodesk Fusion vs Ultimaker Cura](https://www.g2.com/compare/autodesk-fusion-vs-ultimaker-cura) - [Autodesk Fusion vs Simplify3D](https://www.g2.com/compare/autodesk-fusion-vs-simplify3d) ### 2. [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) By PTC **Average Rating:** 4.7/5 **Total Reviews:** 695 Onshape is a modern CAD system that eliminates design gridlock and helps engineers do their best work. Onshape unites advanced modeling tools and design data management in a secure cloud workspace that has rapidly become the primary CAD system for thousands of companies worldwide. Categories in common with Desktop Metal: [Additive Manufacturing](https://www.g2.com/categories/additive-manufacturing) **Compare:** [Desktop Metal vs Onshape](https://www.g2.com/compare/desktop-metal-vs-onshape) **Compare Onshape with other alternatives:** - [Onshape vs Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/compare/autodesk-fusion-vs-onshape) - [Onshape vs SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/compare/onshape-vs-solidworks) - [Onshape vs Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/compare/designcenter-solid-edge-vs-onshape) - [Onshape vs Designcenter](https://www.g2.com/compare/designcenter-vs-onshape) - [Onshape vs Blender](https://www.g2.com/compare/blender-vs-onshape) - [Onshape vs Creo](https://www.g2.com/compare/creo-2025-08-26-vs-onshape) - [Onshape vs Tinkercad](https://www.g2.com/compare/onshape-vs-tinkercad) - [Onshape vs Ultimaker Cura](https://www.g2.com/compare/onshape-vs-ultimaker-cura) - [Onshape vs Simplify3D](https://www.g2.com/compare/onshape-vs-simplify3d) ### 3. [SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews) By Solidworks **Average Rating:** 4.5/5 **Total Reviews:** 644 SOLIDWORKS offers complete 3D software tools that let you create, simulate, publish, and manage your data. SOLIDWORKS products are easy to learn and use, and help you design products better. Categories in common with Desktop Metal: [Additive Manufacturing](https://www.g2.com/categories/additive-manufacturing) **Compare:** [Desktop Metal vs SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/compare/desktop-metal-vs-solidworks) **Compare SOLIDWORKS with other alternatives:** - [SOLIDWORKS vs Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/compare/autodesk-fusion-vs-solidworks) - [SOLIDWORKS vs Onshape](https://www.g2.com/compare/onshape-vs-solidworks) - [SOLIDWORKS vs Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/compare/designcenter-solid-edge-vs-solidworks) - [SOLIDWORKS vs Designcenter](https://www.g2.com/compare/designcenter-vs-solidworks) - [SOLIDWORKS vs Blender](https://www.g2.com/compare/blender-vs-solidworks) - [SOLIDWORKS vs Creo](https://www.g2.com/compare/creo-2025-08-26-vs-solidworks) - [SOLIDWORKS vs Tinkercad](https://www.g2.com/compare/solidworks-vs-tinkercad) - [SOLIDWORKS vs Ultimaker Cura](https://www.g2.com/compare/solidworks-vs-ultimaker-cura) - [SOLIDWORKS vs Simplify3D](https://www.g2.com/compare/solidworks-vs-simplify3d) ### 4. [Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-solid-edge/reviews) By Siemens Digital Industries Software **Average Rating:** 4.3/5 **Total Reviews:** 606 Solid Edge is a portfolio of affordable, easy-to-use software solutions for product development — 3D design, simulation, manufacturing, data management, cloud collaboration, and more. Solid Edge combines the speed and simplicity of direct modeling with the flexibility and control of parametric design – made possible with synchronous technology. Categories in common with Desktop Metal: [Additive Manufacturing](https://www.g2.com/categories/additive-manufacturing) **Compare:** [Desktop Metal vs Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/compare/designcenter-solid-edge-vs-desktop-metal) **Compare Designcenter Solid Edge with other alternatives:** - [Designcenter Solid Edge vs Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/compare/autodesk-fusion-vs-designcenter-solid-edge) - [Designcenter Solid Edge vs Onshape](https://www.g2.com/compare/designcenter-solid-edge-vs-onshape) - [Designcenter Solid Edge vs SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/compare/designcenter-solid-edge-vs-solidworks) - [Designcenter Solid Edge vs Designcenter](https://www.g2.com/compare/designcenter-vs-designcenter-solid-edge) - [Designcenter Solid Edge vs Blender](https://www.g2.com/compare/blender-vs-designcenter-solid-edge) - [Designcenter Solid Edge vs Creo](https://www.g2.com/compare/creo-2025-08-26-vs-designcenter-solid-edge) - [Designcenter Solid Edge vs Tinkercad](https://www.g2.com/compare/designcenter-solid-edge-vs-tinkercad) - [Designcenter Solid Edge vs Ultimaker Cura](https://www.g2.com/compare/designcenter-solid-edge-vs-ultimaker-cura) - [Designcenter Solid Edge vs Simplify3D](https://www.g2.com/compare/designcenter-solid-edge-vs-simplify3d) ### 5. [Designcenter](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter/reviews) By Siemens Digital Industries Software **Average Rating:** 4.4/5 **Total Reviews:** 600 Designcenter is an integrated product design solution that streamlines and accelerates the product development process for engineers who need to deliver innovative products in a collaborative environment. Categories in common with Desktop Metal: [Additive Manufacturing](https://www.g2.com/categories/additive-manufacturing) **Compare:** [Desktop Metal vs Designcenter](https://www.g2.com/compare/designcenter-vs-desktop-metal) **Compare Designcenter with other alternatives:** - [Designcenter vs Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/compare/autodesk-fusion-vs-designcenter) - [Designcenter vs Onshape](https://www.g2.com/compare/designcenter-vs-onshape) - [Designcenter vs SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/compare/designcenter-vs-solidworks) - [Designcenter vs Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/compare/designcenter-vs-designcenter-solid-edge) - [Designcenter vs Blender](https://www.g2.com/compare/blender-vs-designcenter) - [Designcenter vs Creo](https://www.g2.com/compare/creo-2025-08-26-vs-designcenter) - [Designcenter vs Tinkercad](https://www.g2.com/compare/designcenter-vs-tinkercad) - [Designcenter vs Ultimaker Cura](https://www.g2.com/compare/designcenter-vs-ultimaker-cura) - [Designcenter vs Simplify3D](https://www.g2.com/compare/designcenter-vs-simplify3d) ### 6. [Blender](https://www.g2.com/products/blender/reviews) By Blender **Average Rating:** 4.6/5 **Total Reviews:** 317 Blender is a free and open-source 3D creation suite that supports the entire 3D pipeline, including modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing, motion tracking, and video editing. Designed for versatility, Blender caters to a wide range of users, from hobbyists to professionals, enabling the creation of high-quality 3D content across various media platforms. Key Features and Functionality: - Modeling: Comprehensive tools for creating and editing 3D models, including sculpting and retopology. - Rendering: Integrated rendering engines like Cycles and EEVEE for realistic and real-time rendering. - Animation & Rigging: Advanced animation tools with a robust rigging system for character animation. - Video Editing: Built-in video editor for cutting, splicing, and adding effects to videos. - VFX: Tools for motion tracking, masking, and compositing to create visual effects. - Simulation: Capabilities for simulating fluids, smoke, fire, cloth, and rigid bodies. - Scripting: Python API for custom tools and add-ons. Primary Value and User Solutions: Blender's primary value lies in its comprehensive, all-in-one toolset that eliminates the need for multiple software applications, streamlining the 3D creation process. Its open-source nature ensures continuous improvement and adaptability, driven by a global community of developers and artists. Blender empowers users to produce professional-grade 3D content without financial barriers, fostering creativity and innovation across industries such as film, gaming, and design. Categories in common with Desktop Metal: [Additive Manufacturing](https://www.g2.com/categories/additive-manufacturing) **Compare:** [Desktop Metal vs Blender](https://www.g2.com/compare/blender-vs-desktop-metal) **Compare Blender with other alternatives:** - [Blender vs Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/compare/autodesk-fusion-vs-blender) - [Blender vs Onshape](https://www.g2.com/compare/blender-vs-onshape) - [Blender vs SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/compare/blender-vs-solidworks) - [Blender vs Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/compare/blender-vs-designcenter-solid-edge) - [Blender vs Designcenter](https://www.g2.com/compare/blender-vs-designcenter) - [Blender vs Creo](https://www.g2.com/compare/blender-vs-creo-2025-08-26) - [Blender vs Tinkercad](https://www.g2.com/compare/blender-vs-tinkercad) - [Blender vs Ultimaker Cura](https://www.g2.com/compare/blender-vs-ultimaker-cura) - [Blender vs Simplify3D](https://www.g2.com/compare/blender-vs-simplify3d) ### 7. [Creo](https://www.g2.com/products/creo-2025-08-26/reviews) By PTC **Average Rating:** 4.1/5 **Total Reviews:** 200 Creo Parametric provides a broad range of powerful yet flexible 3D CAD capabilities to accelerate the product development process. Categories in common with Desktop Metal: [Additive Manufacturing](https://www.g2.com/categories/additive-manufacturing) **Compare:** [Desktop Metal vs Creo](https://www.g2.com/compare/creo-2025-08-26-vs-desktop-metal) **Compare Creo with other alternatives:** - [Creo vs Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/compare/autodesk-fusion-vs-creo-2025-08-26) - [Creo vs Onshape](https://www.g2.com/compare/creo-2025-08-26-vs-onshape) - [Creo vs SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/compare/creo-2025-08-26-vs-solidworks) - [Creo vs Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/compare/creo-2025-08-26-vs-designcenter-solid-edge) - [Creo vs Designcenter](https://www.g2.com/compare/creo-2025-08-26-vs-designcenter) - [Creo vs Blender](https://www.g2.com/compare/blender-vs-creo-2025-08-26) - [Creo vs Tinkercad](https://www.g2.com/compare/creo-2025-08-26-vs-tinkercad) - [Creo vs Ultimaker Cura](https://www.g2.com/compare/creo-2025-08-26-vs-ultimaker-cura) - [Creo vs Simplify3D](https://www.g2.com/compare/creo-2025-08-26-vs-simplify3d) ### 8. [Tinkercad](https://www.g2.com/products/tinkercad/reviews) By Autodesk **Average Rating:** 4.5/5 **Total Reviews:** 119 Tinkercad is a free, web-based application that empowers users to create 3D designs, simulate electronic circuits, and develop code, all within a user-friendly interface. Launched in 2011 and now part of the Autodesk family, Tinkercad has become a popular platform for hobbyists, educators, and students to explore and develop their design and engineering skills. Key Features and Functionality: - 3D Design: Users can easily build and modify 3D models using a library of shapes and tools, making it accessible for beginners and efficient for experienced designers. - Circuits Simulation: Tinkercad offers a virtual environment to design and test electronic circuits, supporting components like Arduino microcontrollers and providing a hands-on approach to learning electronics. - Codeblocks: This feature allows users to create 3D models through block-based coding, integrating programming concepts with design to enhance computational thinking skills. - Educational Resources: The platform provides tutorials, lesson plans, and classroom management tools, making it an excellent resource for educators to incorporate STEM learning into their curriculum. Primary Value and User Solutions: Tinkercad addresses the need for an accessible, all-in-one platform for learning and creating in the realms of 3D design, electronics, and coding. By offering a free, browser-based solution, it eliminates barriers to entry, allowing users of all ages and skill levels to develop their creativity and technical abilities. Its integration of design and coding fosters a comprehensive understanding of the design process, preparing users for more advanced applications in engineering and technology fields. Categories in common with Desktop Metal: [Additive Manufacturing](https://www.g2.com/categories/additive-manufacturing) **Compare:** [Desktop Metal vs Tinkercad](https://www.g2.com/compare/desktop-metal-vs-tinkercad) **Compare Tinkercad with other alternatives:** - [Tinkercad vs Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/compare/autodesk-fusion-vs-tinkercad) - [Tinkercad vs Onshape](https://www.g2.com/compare/onshape-vs-tinkercad) - [Tinkercad vs SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/compare/solidworks-vs-tinkercad) - [Tinkercad vs Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/compare/designcenter-solid-edge-vs-tinkercad) - [Tinkercad vs Designcenter](https://www.g2.com/compare/designcenter-vs-tinkercad) - [Tinkercad vs Blender](https://www.g2.com/compare/blender-vs-tinkercad) - [Tinkercad vs Creo](https://www.g2.com/compare/creo-2025-08-26-vs-tinkercad) - [Tinkercad vs Ultimaker Cura](https://www.g2.com/compare/tinkercad-vs-ultimaker-cura) - [Tinkercad vs Simplify3D](https://www.g2.com/compare/simplify3d-vs-tinkercad) ### 9. [Ultimaker Cura](https://www.g2.com/products/ultimaker-cura/reviews) By Ultimaker B.V. **Average Rating:** 4.7/5 **Total Reviews:** 52 Ultimaker Cura is a free, open-source slicing software designed to prepare 3D models for printing. Developed by Ultimaker, it has become the preferred choice for both professionals and hobbyists due to its user-friendly interface and robust functionality. Compatible with a wide range of 3D printers, Ultimaker Cura simplifies the printing process by converting 3D models into printer-specific instructions. Key Features and Functionality: - Powerful Slicing Engine: At its core, Ultimaker Cura boasts a powerful, open-source slicing engine developed through years of expert in-house development and user contributions. - Integrated Workflow: The software integrates seamlessly with various CAD applications, streamlining the design-to-print process. - Ease of Use: With a user-friendly interface, Ultimaker Cura allows users to prepare prints with just a few clicks, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced users. - Ultimaker Marketplace: Users can access a wide range of plugins and material profiles through the Ultimaker Marketplace, enhancing the software's capabilities and compatibility. Primary Value and User Solutions: Ultimaker Cura addresses the complexities of 3D printing by offering a streamlined, intuitive platform that caters to both novices and experts. Its compatibility with various 3D printers and integration with CAD software reduces the learning curve and enhances productivity. By providing a reliable and efficient slicing engine, Ultimaker Cura ensures high-quality print results, making it an invaluable tool for designers, engineers, and manufacturers seeking to bring their digital models to life. Categories in common with Desktop Metal: [Additive Manufacturing](https://www.g2.com/categories/additive-manufacturing) **Compare:** [Desktop Metal vs Ultimaker Cura](https://www.g2.com/compare/desktop-metal-vs-ultimaker-cura) **Compare Ultimaker Cura with other alternatives:** - [Ultimaker Cura vs Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/compare/autodesk-fusion-vs-ultimaker-cura) - [Ultimaker Cura vs Onshape](https://www.g2.com/compare/onshape-vs-ultimaker-cura) - [Ultimaker Cura vs SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/compare/solidworks-vs-ultimaker-cura) - [Ultimaker Cura vs Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/compare/designcenter-solid-edge-vs-ultimaker-cura) - [Ultimaker Cura vs Designcenter](https://www.g2.com/compare/designcenter-vs-ultimaker-cura) - [Ultimaker Cura vs Blender](https://www.g2.com/compare/blender-vs-ultimaker-cura) - [Ultimaker Cura vs Creo](https://www.g2.com/compare/creo-2025-08-26-vs-ultimaker-cura) - [Ultimaker Cura vs Tinkercad](https://www.g2.com/compare/tinkercad-vs-ultimaker-cura) - [Ultimaker Cura vs Simplify3D](https://www.g2.com/compare/simplify3d-vs-ultimaker-cura) ### 10. [Simplify3D](https://www.g2.com/products/simplify3d/reviews) By Simplify3D **Average Rating:** 4.2/5 **Total Reviews:** 41 Simplify3D is a 3D slicing and printing solution. Categories in common with Desktop Metal: [Additive Manufacturing](https://www.g2.com/categories/additive-manufacturing) **Compare:** [Desktop Metal vs Simplify3D](https://www.g2.com/compare/desktop-metal-vs-simplify3d) **Compare Simplify3D with other alternatives:** - [Simplify3D vs Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/compare/autodesk-fusion-vs-simplify3d) - [Simplify3D vs Onshape](https://www.g2.com/compare/onshape-vs-simplify3d) - [Simplify3D vs SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/compare/solidworks-vs-simplify3d) - [Simplify3D vs Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/compare/designcenter-solid-edge-vs-simplify3d) - [Simplify3D vs Designcenter](https://www.g2.com/compare/designcenter-vs-simplify3d) - [Simplify3D vs Blender](https://www.g2.com/compare/blender-vs-simplify3d) - [Simplify3D vs Creo](https://www.g2.com/compare/creo-2025-08-26-vs-simplify3d) - [Simplify3D vs Tinkercad](https://www.g2.com/compare/simplify3d-vs-tinkercad) - [Simplify3D vs Ultimaker Cura](https://www.g2.com/compare/simplify3d-vs-ultimaker-cura) ## Explore Articles - [Leading software for automating product demos in my industry](https://www.g2.com/discussions/leading-software-for-automating-product-demos-in-my-industry) - [Leading software for managing member communities online](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-the-leading-software-for-managing-member-communities-online) - [How exhaustive is the discovery process for SaaS applications?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-exhaustive-is-the-discovery-process-for-saas-applications) - [Which sales performance software is most user-friendly](https://www.g2.com/discussions/which-sales-performance-software-is-most-user-friendly) - [Business process management software reviews](https://www.g2.com/discussions/business-process-management-software-reviews-experts-needed) - [What are the best financial data APIs for fintech developers consolidating market data feeds into integrated applications?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-are-the-best-financial-data-apis-for-fintech-developers-consolidating-market-data-feeds-into-integrated-applications) ## Spotlight Categories - [Business Process Management Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/business-process-management) - [A/B Testing Tools](https://www.g2.com/categories/a-b-testing-tools) - [Analytics Platforms](https://www.g2.com/categories/analytics-platforms)