# Top 10 SOLIDWORKS Alternatives & Competitors (646)4.5 out of 5 While SOLIDWORKS is a leading solution in Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) Software, it's frequently compared with similar tools that offer different strengths. When comparing SOLIDWORKS with other tools, reviewers most often evaluate user interface and design software as key differentiators. The best overall alternative to SOLIDWORKS is [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews), rated ~4.5 stars on G2 from 510+ reviewers. It is frequently praised for design efficiency and features functionality. Other well-known alternatives to SOLIDWORKS are: - [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) – known for collaboration and online accessibility (G2 star rating ~4.7) - [Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-solid-edge/reviews) – highly rated for 3d modeling and efficiency (G2 star rating ~4.2) - [Inventor](https://www.g2.com/products/inventor/reviews) – offers 3d modeling and accuracy (G2 star rating ~4.4) - [Creo](https://www.g2.com/products/creo-2025-08-26/reviews) – best suited for teams that need modeling and modeling efficiency (G2 star rating ~4.1) Browse top options below. Based on G2 review data, SOLIDWORKS is most commonly used in industries like [Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/mechanical-computer-aided-design-mcad), [Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/computer-aided-manufacturing-cam), [General-Purpose CAD Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/general-purpose-cad). Compare user ratings by vertical to find the best fit. ## Best Paid & Free Alternatives to SOLIDWORKS - Autodesk Fusion - Onshape - Designcenter Solid Edge - Inventor - Creo - AutoCAD - SketchUp - Designcenter ## Top 10 Alternatives to SOLIDWORKS Recently Reviewed By G2 Community Browse options below. Based on reviewer data, you can see how SOLIDWORKS stacks up to the competition, check reviews from current & previous users in industries like Mechanical or Industrial Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing, and Higher Education, and find the best product for your business. [![G2 Advertising](/assets/my-g2-logo-41632af6f81a240a0a9886638f412b2ac9a29f4001534f8c83be89a58ef9d45d.svg "G2 Advertising")](https://sell.g2.com/case-studies/how-aisdr-uses-g2-ads-to-turn-g2-into-top-5-traffic-source) Sponsored G2 Advertising Get 2x conversion than Google Ads with G2 Advertising! G2 Advertising places your product in premium positions on high-traffic pages and on targeted competitor pages to reach buyers at key comparison moments. [ Learn More ](https://sell.g2.com/case-studies/how-aisdr-uses-g2-ads-to-turn-g2-into-top-5-traffic-source) [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/e00dd8bdafdafc988f2621d1c6fb30ad/fusion-360.png "Product Avatar Image") ](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) [ Autodesk Fusion ](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) By [Autodesk](https://www.g2.com/sellers/autodesk) [ 4.5/5(520) ](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews#reviews) Product Description 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. Reviewers say compared to SOLIDWORKS, Autodesk Fusion is: Easier to set up Easier to admin Easier to do business with Categories in common with SOLIDWORKS: [ Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) ](/categories/mechanical-computer-aided-design-mcad)[ General-Purpose CAD ](/categories/general-purpose-cad)[ Simulation & CAE ](/categories/simulation-cae)[ CAD Viewers ](/categories/cad-viewers)[ Sketching ](/categories/sketching) [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/ebd20dfe323991e61f69999c66255a10/onshape.png "Product Avatar Image") ](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) [ Onshape ](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) By [PTC](https://www.g2.com/sellers/ptc) [ 4.7/5(725) ](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews#reviews) Product Description 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. Reviewers say compared to SOLIDWORKS, Onshape is: Easier to admin Better at support Easier to set up Categories in common with SOLIDWORKS: [ Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) ](/categories/mechanical-computer-aided-design-mcad)[ General-Purpose CAD ](/categories/general-purpose-cad)[ Simulation & CAE ](/categories/simulation-cae)[ CAD Viewers ](/categories/cad-viewers)[ Sketching ](/categories/sketching) [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/3f9c0906fd6d9b7d077d88bc63dfc5f1/designcenter-solid-edge.png "Product Avatar Image") ](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-solid-edge/reviews) [ Designcenter Solid Edge ](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-solid-edge/reviews) By [Siemens Digital Industries Software](https://www.g2.com/sellers/siemens-digital-industries-software) [ 4.2/5(642) ](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-solid-edge/reviews#reviews) Product Description 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. Reviewers say compared to SOLIDWORKS, Designcenter Solid Edge is: Easier to do business with Easier to admin Better at support Categories in common with SOLIDWORKS: [ Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) ](/categories/mechanical-computer-aided-design-mcad)[ General-Purpose CAD ](/categories/general-purpose-cad)[ Simulation & CAE ](/categories/simulation-cae)[ Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) ](/categories/computer-aided-manufacturing-cam)[ Additive Manufacturing ](/categories/additive-manufacturing) [![G2 Advertising](/assets/my-g2-logo-41632af6f81a240a0a9886638f412b2ac9a29f4001534f8c83be89a58ef9d45d.svg "G2 Advertising")](https://sell.g2.com/case-studies/how-aisdr-uses-g2-ads-to-turn-g2-into-top-5-traffic-source) Sponsored G2 Advertising Get 2x conversion than Google Ads with G2 Advertising! G2 Advertising places your product in premium positions on high-traffic pages and on targeted competitor pages to reach buyers at key comparison moments. [ Learn More ](https://sell.g2.com/case-studies/how-aisdr-uses-g2-ads-to-turn-g2-into-top-5-traffic-source) [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/0198037acba79b477a7bfa122c512587/inventor.png "Product Avatar Image") ](https://www.g2.com/products/inventor/reviews) [ Inventor ](https://www.g2.com/products/inventor/reviews) By [Autodesk](https://www.g2.com/sellers/autodesk) [ 4.4/5(440) ](https://www.g2.com/products/inventor/reviews#reviews) Product Description Inventor® 3D CAD software offers an easy-to-use set of tools for 3D mechanical design, documentation, and product simulation. Categories in common with SOLIDWORKS: [ Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) ](/categories/mechanical-computer-aided-design-mcad)[ General-Purpose CAD ](/categories/general-purpose-cad)[ Simulation & CAE ](/categories/simulation-cae) [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/dd5e82850640b42678b1899ad0eb46af/creo-2025-08-26.png "Product Avatar Image") ](https://www.g2.com/products/creo-2025-08-26/reviews) [ Creo ](https://www.g2.com/products/creo-2025-08-26/reviews) By [PTC](https://www.g2.com/sellers/ptc) [ 4.1/5(203) ](https://www.g2.com/products/creo-2025-08-26/reviews#reviews) Product Description Creo Parametric provides a broad range of powerful yet flexible 3D CAD capabilities to accelerate the product development process. Reviewers say compared to SOLIDWORKS, Creo is: More expensive Categories in common with SOLIDWORKS: [ Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) ](/categories/mechanical-computer-aided-design-mcad)[ General-Purpose CAD ](/categories/general-purpose-cad)[ Simulation & CAE ](/categories/simulation-cae)[ Additive Manufacturing ](/categories/additive-manufacturing) [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/269a752fb4baefda8b9e83f98c7646dc/autocad.png "Product Avatar Image") ](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad/reviews) [ AutoCAD ](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad/reviews) By [Autodesk](https://www.g2.com/sellers/autodesk) [ 4.4/5(1,940) ](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad/reviews#reviews) Product Description 2D and 3D CAD design software tools. Reviewers say compared to SOLIDWORKS, AutoCAD is: Easier to do business with Better at support Easier to set up Categories in common with SOLIDWORKS: [ Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) ](/categories/mechanical-computer-aided-design-mcad)[ General-Purpose CAD ](/categories/general-purpose-cad) [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/19c4c507ebba54cd623e1c0a704becd9/sketchup.png "Product Avatar Image") ](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) [ SketchUp ](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) By [Trimble](https://www.g2.com/sellers/trimble) [ 4.5/5(1,327) ](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews#reviews) Product Description SketchUp is intuitive, powerful 3D modeling software built for professionals and creatives of all kinds. Reviewers say compared to SOLIDWORKS, SketchUp is: Easier to set up Easier to admin More usable Categories in common with SOLIDWORKS: [ General-Purpose CAD ](/categories/general-purpose-cad)[ Sketching ](/categories/sketching) [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/3f9c0906fd6d9b7d077d88bc63dfc5f1/designcenter.png "Product Avatar Image") ](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter/reviews) [ Designcenter ](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter/reviews) By [Siemens Digital Industries Software](https://www.g2.com/sellers/siemens-digital-industries-software) [ 4.4/5(670) ](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter/reviews#reviews) Product Description 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. Reviewers say compared to SOLIDWORKS, Designcenter is: Easier to admin Better at support Easier to do business with Categories in common with SOLIDWORKS: [ Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) ](/categories/mechanical-computer-aided-design-mcad)[ Additive Manufacturing ](/categories/additive-manufacturing) [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/f584e2c923da9de3a10ae225f8db786d/ironcad.png "Product Avatar Image") ](https://www.g2.com/products/ironcad/reviews) [ IronCAD ](https://www.g2.com/products/ironcad/reviews) By [IronCAD](https://www.g2.com/sellers/ironcad) [ 4.4/5(43) ](https://www.g2.com/products/ironcad/reviews#reviews) Product Description IronCAD's mission has and continues to be the creation of award winning 3D Design Collaboration Solutions that lead the industry in their ease-of-use and design productivity. Reviewers say compared to SOLIDWORKS, IronCAD is: Easier to admin Easier to set up Easier to do business with Categories in common with SOLIDWORKS: [ Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) ](/categories/mechanical-computer-aided-design-mcad)[ General-Purpose CAD ](/categories/general-purpose-cad)[ Simulation & CAE ](/categories/simulation-cae)[ CAD Viewers ](/categories/cad-viewers) [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/d5738f5e7922b4552c3ba543a2b9dee6/matlab.jpeg "Product Avatar Image") ](https://www.g2.com/products/matlab/reviews) [ MATLAB ](https://www.g2.com/products/matlab/reviews) By [MathWorks](https://www.g2.com/sellers/mathworks) [ 4.5/5(771) ](https://www.g2.com/products/matlab/reviews#reviews) Product Description MATLAB is a high-level programming and numeric computing environment widely utilized by engineers and scientists for data analysis, algorithm development, and system modeling. It offers a desktop environment optimized for iterative analysis and design processes, coupled with a programming language that directly expresses matrix and array mathematics. The Live Editor feature enables users to create scripts that integrate code, output, and formatted text within an executable notebook. Key Features and Functionality: - Data Analysis: Tools for exploring, modeling, and analyzing data. - Graphics: Functions for visualizing and exploring data through various plots and charts. - Programming: Capabilities to create scripts, functions, and classes for customized workflows. - App Building: Facilities to develop desktop and web applications. - External Language Interfaces: Integration with languages such as Python, C/C++, Fortran, and Java. - Hardware Connectivity: Support for connecting MATLAB to various hardware platforms. - Parallel Computing: Ability to perform large-scale computations and parallelize simulations using multicore desktops, GPUs, clusters, and cloud resources. - Deployment: Options to share MATLAB programs and deploy them to enterprise applications, embedded devices, and cloud environments. Primary Value and User Solutions: MATLAB streamlines complex mathematical computations and data analysis tasks, enabling users to develop algorithms and models efficiently. Its comprehensive toolboxes and interactive apps facilitate rapid prototyping and iterative design, reducing development time. The platform's scalability allows for seamless transition from research to production, supporting deployment on various systems without extensive code modifications. By integrating with multiple programming languages and hardware platforms, MATLAB provides a versatile environment that addresses the diverse needs of engineers and scientists across industries. Reviewers say compared to SOLIDWORKS, MATLAB is: Slower to reach roi Easier to admin Better at support Categories in common with SOLIDWORKS: [ Simulation & CAE ](/categories/simulation-cae) ## SOLIDWORKS Alternatives FAQs Generated using AI ### What are the best alternatives to SOLIDWORKS? The best alternatives to SOLIDWORKS based on user ratings and review counts include [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) (4.7/5 stars, 695 reviews), [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) (4.5/5 stars, 519 reviews), and [Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-solid-edge/reviews) (4.3/5 stars, 606 reviews). These alternatives are favored for their cloud-based collaboration, ease of administration, and advanced integrated features. Onshape stands out for its fully cloud-native platform and real-time collaboration, Autodesk Fusion for its all-in-one CAD/CAM/CAE/PCB integration, and Designcenter Solid Edge for its AI-powered synchronous technology and simulation capabilities. ### What features do alternatives offer that SOLIDWORKS does not? Alternatives to SOLIDWORKS offer features such as comprehensive cloud-based collaboration, integrated CAM and PCB design, advanced AI-driven automation, and seamless multi-device access that SOLIDWORKS lacks or has limited support for. For example, Autodesk Fusion integrates CAD, CAM, CAE, and PCB design in one cloud platform, enabling real-time team collaboration and generative design. Onshape provides a fully cloud-native CAD system with real-time version control and no need for installations, enhancing accessibility and security. Designcenter Solid Edge includes AI-powered synchronous technology for faster assembly and design modifications, and Designcenter NX offers seamless integration with PLM systems and advanced simulation tools. These features address SOLIDWORKS' limitations such as high system requirements, lack of cloud collaboration, and slower performance with large assemblies. ### Which Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) tools do reviewers recommend instead of SOLIDWORKS? Reviewers recommend [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) for its cloud-based accessibility, real-time collaboration, and ease of use across devices, making it ideal for teams and remote work. [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) is recommended for its integrated design-to-manufacturing workflow and affordability, especially for students and small businesses. [Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-solid-edge/reviews) is advised for users seeking AI-enhanced design efficiency and robust simulation tools. Additionally, [Creo](https://www.g2.com/products/creo-2025-08-26/reviews) and [Designcenter NX](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-nx/reviews) are suggested for handling complex assemblies and enterprise-level integration. These recommendations reflect a preference for tools that improve collaboration, reduce hardware dependency, and offer advanced modeling and simulation features beyond SOLIDWORKS capabilities. ### How does SOLIDWORKS compare to Autodesk Fusion? According to G2 data, both [SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews) and [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) hold an equal average rating of 4.5 out of 5, with SOLIDWORKS having 643 reviews and Autodesk Fusion 519 reviews. Both products score equally on meeting requirements (8.8) and usability (8.6). However, Autodesk Fusion leads SOLIDWORKS by 0.5 points in Ease of Setup (8.8 vs 8.3), Ease of Admin (8.5 vs 8.0), Better Support (8.4 vs 8.2), and Ease of Doing Business With (8.8 vs 8.3). Users praise [SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews) for its ease of use (34 mentions), extensive features (28 mentions), robust 3D modeling (25 mentions), intuitive user interface (20 mentions), and strong CAD integration (15 mentions). It is noted for its parametric design capabilities, simulation tools, and large community support. However, common cons include performance issues such as slow operation and crashes with large assemblies (16 mentions), high system and licensing costs (11 mentions), and a steep learning curve for advanced features. [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) is recognized for its ease of use (29 mentions), design efficiency (16 mentions), integrated CAD/CAM/CAE/PCB capabilities, and collaboration features. Users appreciate its intuitive interface, cloud-based workflow, and affordability compared to SOLIDWORKS. Drawbacks include difficulties with assembly handling (9 mentions), performance issues on complex models (9 mentions), dependency on internet connectivity, and some advanced features locked behind paid plans. Fusion's cloud collaboration and cross-platform availability (Windows and Mac) are highlighted advantages over SOLIDWORKS, which is Windows-only. ### Why do users choose Autodesk Fusion over SOLIDWORKS? Users choose [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) over [SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews) primarily due to its integrated all-in-one platform that combines CAD, CAM, CAE, and PCB design in a single cloud-based environment, streamlining workflows and reducing the need for multiple software tools. Fusion's subscription pricing model is significantly more affordable, often cited as approximately 10% of the cost of SOLIDWORKS, making it accessible for smaller businesses, hobbyists, and educational users. Additionally, Fusion offers superior ease of setup (8.8 vs 8.3) and administration (8.5 vs 8.0), along with better support (8.4 vs 8.2) and ease of doing business (8.8 vs 8.3), reflecting a smoother user experience. Its cloud-based collaboration features enable real-time teamwork and access from any device, including Mac systems, which SOLIDWORKS does not natively support. Fusion's integrated electronics design and PCB capabilities provide a unique advantage for projects requiring mechanical-electronic integration, which SOLIDWORKS lacks natively. Users also highlight Fusion's more intuitive interface and lower learning curve for beginners, making it easier to adopt. The ability to handle design, simulation, and manufacturing preparation within one platform without additional software purchases is a key factor. Despite some performance and assembly handling challenges, Fusion's cost-effectiveness, cloud collaboration, cross-platform support, and integrated feature set drive users to prefer it over SOLIDWORKS, especially for electronics-focused or budget-conscious projects. ### Explore Articles [ Citrix DaaS vs V2 Cloud: which virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) platform is worth it for mid-market teams needing enterprise-grade security without per-user licensing costs? ](https://www.g2.com/discussions/citrix-daas-vs-v2-cloud-which-virtual-desktop-infrastructure-vdi-platform-is-worth-it-for-mid-market-teams-needing-enterprise-grade-security-without-per-user-licensing-costs) [ What software provides the most advanced client communication features? ](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-software-provides-the-most-advanced-client-communication-features) [ Which application portfolio management platforms help non-technical stakeholders get visibility into the app portfolio without getting lost in architecture diagrams? ](https://www.g2.com/discussions/which-application-portfolio-management-platforms-help-non-technical-stakeholders-get-visibility-into-the-app-portfolio-without-getting-lost-in-architecture-diagrams) [ What is the most affordable presentation software for SMBs? ](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-the-most-affordable-presentation-software-for-smbs) [ Which community association management systems offer integrated document management and digital record storage? ](https://www.g2.com/discussions/which-community-association-management-systems-offer-integrated-document-management-and-digital-record-storage) [ Which community association management software combines communication tools with automated billing and collections? ](https://www.g2.com/discussions/which-community-association-management-software-combines-communication-tools-with-automated-billing-and-collections) ### Spotlight Categories [ Product Analytics Software ](https://www.g2.com/categories/product-analytics) [ Procure to Pay Software ](https://www.g2.com/categories/procure-to-pay) [ Online Community Management Software ](https://www.g2.com/categories/online-community-management)