# Top 10 Onshape Alternatives & Competitors (725)4.7 out of 5 Reviewers exploring Onshape often also consider these top-rated options in the same software category. Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) Software is used by teams seeking quick, easily administered platforms with features like cad models and bom visualization, according to G2 reviews. In most cases, users compare alternatives based on reliability and ease of use. The best overall alternative to Onshape is [SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews), rated ~4.5 stars on G2 from 631+ reviewers. It is frequently praised for 3d modeling and user interface. Other well-known alternatives to Onshape are: - [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) – known for design efficiency and features functionality (G2 star rating ~4.5) - [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) - [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) – best suited for teams that need 3d modeling and ease of learning (G2 star rating ~4.5) Browse top options below. Based on G2 review data, Onshape is most commonly used in industries like [Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/mechanical-computer-aided-design-mcad), [General-Purpose CAD Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/general-purpose-cad), [Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/computer-aided-manufacturing-cam). Compare user ratings by vertical to find the best fit. ## Best Paid & Free Alternatives to Onshape - SOLIDWORKS - Autodesk Fusion - Designcenter Solid Edge - Inventor - SketchUp - Designcenter - AutoCAD - Altium Develop ## Top 10 Alternatives to Onshape Recently Reviewed By G2 Community Browse options below. Based on reviewer data, you can see how Onshape stacks up to the competition, check reviews from current & previous users in industries like Mechanical or Industrial Engineering, Machinery, and Consumer Electronics, 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/8a92e2c305bc2b2784390d729470b9b4/solidworks.png "Product Avatar Image") ](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews) [ SOLIDWORKS ](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews) By [Dassault Systemes](https://www.g2.com/sellers/dassault-systemes) [ 4.5/5(646) ](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews#reviews) Product Description 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. Reviewers say compared to Onshape, SOLIDWORKS is: Slower to reach roi More expensive Better at meeting requirements Categories in common with Onshape: [ Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) ](/categories/mechanical-computer-aided-design-mcad)[ CAD Viewers ](/categories/cad-viewers)[ General-Purpose CAD ](/categories/general-purpose-cad)[ Simulation & CAE ](/categories/simulation-cae)[ Sketching ](/categories/sketching) [ ![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 Onshape, Autodesk Fusion is: Slower to reach roi Better at meeting requirements Categories in common with Onshape: [ Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) ](/categories/mechanical-computer-aided-design-mcad)[ CAD Viewers ](/categories/cad-viewers)[ General-Purpose CAD ](/categories/general-purpose-cad)[ Simulation & CAE ](/categories/simulation-cae)[ 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 Onshape, Designcenter Solid Edge is: Slower to reach roi More expensive Categories in common with Onshape: [ 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) [![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. Reviewers say compared to Onshape, Inventor is: Slower to reach roi More expensive Better at meeting requirements Categories in common with Onshape: [ 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/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 Onshape, SketchUp is: Slower to reach roi More expensive Better at meeting requirements Categories in common with Onshape: [ 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 Onshape, Designcenter is: More expensive Slower to reach roi Better at meeting requirements Categories in common with Onshape: [ 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/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 Onshape, AutoCAD is: Slower to reach roi More expensive Better at meeting requirements Categories in common with Onshape: [ 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/7f62e936e184242294b0a75aa09a6095/altium-develop.png "Product Avatar Image") ](https://www.g2.com/products/altium-develop/reviews) [ Altium Develop ](https://www.g2.com/products/altium-develop/reviews) By [Altium](https://www.g2.com/sellers/altium-caf10713-ff96-44ab-90af-cc9c6c9ef346) [ 4.5/5(1,050) ](https://www.g2.com/products/altium-develop/reviews#reviews) Product Description Altium Develop empowers teams to streamline and accelerate product development by connecting design, engineering, and collaboration tools in one unified platform — keeping every stage of innovation aligned and accessible. Reviewers say compared to Onshape, Altium Develop is: Slower to reach roi More expensive Better at meeting requirements Categories in common with Onshape: [ Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) ](/categories/mechanical-computer-aided-design-mcad)[ Product Data Management (PDM) ](/categories/product-data-management-pdm)[ General-Purpose CAD ](/categories/general-purpose-cad)[ PCB Design ](/categories/pcb-design) [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/1647e5dcb80aa33efc7aac4829419dbb/catia.jpg "Product Avatar Image") ](https://www.g2.com/products/catia/reviews) [ CATIA ](https://www.g2.com/products/catia/reviews) By [Dassault Systemes](https://www.g2.com/sellers/dassault-systemes) [ 4.2/5(255) ](https://www.g2.com/products/catia/reviews#reviews) Product Description CATIA is a comprehensive software suite developed by Dassault Systèmes, designed to facilitate the entire product development process from conceptualization to manufacturing. It integrates advanced 3D modeling, simulation, and collaboration tools, enabling users to design, analyze, and manage complex products and systems efficiently. CATIA's intuitive interface and robust capabilities support a wide range of industries, including aerospace, automotive, construction, and consumer goods, fostering innovation and enhancing product quality. Key Features and Functionality: - 3D Modeling and Design: Offers parametric and non-parametric modeling tools for creating precise and complex geometries, accommodating both mechanical and surface design needs. - Simulation and Analysis: Provides integrated simulation capabilities to test and validate product performance under real-world conditions, reducing the need for physical prototypes. - Systems Engineering: Supports model-based systems engineering (MBSE) to manage complex product architectures, ensuring consistency across mechanical, electrical, and software components. - Collaboration Tools: Facilitates real-time collaboration among multidisciplinary teams through a unified platform, enhancing communication and decision-making processes. - Knowledge Management: Enables the capture and reuse of design knowledge and best practices, promoting standardization and efficiency across projects. Primary Value and User Solutions: CATIA addresses the challenges of modern product development by providing a unified environment that integrates design, simulation, and collaboration tools. This integration allows organizations to accelerate innovation, improve product quality, and reduce time-to-market. By supporting a wide range of disciplines and industries, CATIA helps users manage complex product lifecycles, ensure design accuracy, and foster collaboration across global teams, ultimately leading to more sustainable and impactful customer experiences. Reviewers say compared to Onshape, CATIA is: More expensive Better at meeting requirements Categories in common with Onshape: [ Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) ](/categories/mechanical-computer-aided-design-mcad)[ Simulation & CAE ](/categories/simulation-cae) [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/a7b5cebd10be893e1da0e5a4a75ab6d4/rhinoceros.png "Product Avatar Image") ](https://www.g2.com/products/rhinoceros/reviews) [ Rhinoceros ](https://www.g2.com/products/rhinoceros/reviews) By [McNeel](https://www.g2.com/sellers/mcneel) [ 4.4/5(192) ](https://www.g2.com/products/rhinoceros/reviews#reviews) Product Description Rhinoceros, commonly known as Rhino, is a 3D computer-aided design (CAD) application developed by Robert McNeel & Associates. It specializes in free-form NURBS (Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines) modeling, enabling users to create, edit, analyze, document, render, animate, and translate complex 3D geometries with precision. Widely adopted across various industries—including architecture, industrial design, naval engineering, jewelry design, and multimedia—Rhino offers a comprehensive suite of tools for professionals seeking accuracy and flexibility in their design processes. Key Features and Functionality: - Comprehensive Modeling Tools: Rhino provides an extensive array of tools for creating and editing points, curves, surfaces, solids, meshes, and subdivision geometry (SubD). Users can generate complex shapes through operations like lofting, sweeping, and blending, facilitating intricate design work. - Precision and Accuracy: The software ensures high levels of accuracy, essential for designing, prototyping, engineering, and manufacturing applications ranging from intricate jewelry pieces to large-scale architectural projects. - Extensive Compatibility: Rhino supports over 30 CAD file formats, including DWG/DXF, IGES, STEP, and STL, allowing seamless integration with other design, drafting, CAM, engineering, analysis, rendering, animation, and illustration software. - Advanced Rendering and Presentation: With built-in rendering capabilities and support for various third-party rendering plugins, Rhino enables users to produce high-quality visualizations and presentations of their designs. - Grasshopper Integration: The inclusion of Grasshopper, a visual programming language, allows for parametric and algorithmic design, enabling users to create generative forms and automate complex modeling tasks without prior programming knowledge. - Customization and Extensibility: Rhino's open architecture and SDK facilitate customization of the interface and the creation of custom commands and menus. Additionally, a vast ecosystem of plugins extends its functionality to cater to specific industry needs. Primary Value and User Solutions: Rhino's primary value lies in its ability to provide an affordable yet powerful 3D modeling solution that balances flexibility, precision, and user-friendliness. It addresses the needs of professionals who require accurate and complex modeling capabilities without the steep learning curve or high costs associated with other high-end CAD software. By supporting a wide range of file formats and offering extensive customization options, Rhino ensures seamless workflow integration and adaptability to various project requirements. Its integration with Grasshopper further empowers users to explore parametric design and computational modeling, fostering innovation and efficiency in the design process. Reviewers say compared to Onshape, Rhinoceros is: Slower to reach roi More expensive Better at meeting requirements Categories in common with Onshape: [ Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) ](/categories/mechanical-computer-aided-design-mcad)[ General-Purpose CAD ](/categories/general-purpose-cad) ## Onshape Alternatives FAQs Generated using AI ### How does Onshape compare to SOLIDWORKS? According to G2 data, [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) holds a higher average rating of 4.7/5 across 695 reviews compared to [SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews) with 4.5/5 from 643 reviews. Onshape excels in ease of setup (9.3 vs 8.3) and ease of administration (9.1 vs 8.0), showing a 1.0 and 1.1 point lead respectively. It also leads in support quality (9.3 vs 8.2) and ease of doing business (9.3 vs 8.3) by over 1 point each. Conversely, SOLIDWORKS scores higher in meeting requirements (8.8 vs 8.4) and usability (8.6 vs 9.0), with Onshape leading usability by 0.4 points. User sentiment highlights Onshape's strengths in ease of use (28 mentions), collaboration (22), online accessibility (21), version control (13), and cloud services (14). Its cloud-native architecture enables real-time collaboration, seamless sharing, and access from any device without installation. SOLIDWORKS users praise its comprehensive feature set (28 mentions), 3D modeling capabilities (25), simulation tools (15), and strong community support. It is recognized for robust parametric design, simulation, and integration with manufacturing workflows. Overall, Onshape offers superior cloud-based collaboration, ease of administration, and accessibility, while SOLIDWORKS provides a more mature feature set and simulation capabilities favored in traditional engineering environments. ### What are the best alternatives to Onshape? The best alternatives to Onshape include [SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews) (4.5/5 stars, 643 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 offer robust 3D modeling, simulation, and collaboration features, with strong user satisfaction and extensive capabilities for complex mechanical design. ### What features do alternatives offer that Onshape does not? Onshape lacks advanced 3D sketching, surface editing tools like patching and sculpting, integrated animation capabilities, and a fully developed drawing environment with features such as auto dimensioning, break and section views in the same drawing, and comprehensive GD&T support. It also does not support offline access and has limited CAM and circuit design functionalities compared to some alternatives. ### Which Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) tools do reviewers recommend instead of Onshape? Reviewers recommend [SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews) for its intuitive parametric modeling, extensive simulation tools, and strong industry adoption, making it suitable for both beginners and professionals. [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) is favored for its all-in-one cloud platform integrating CAD, CAM, CAE, and PCB design, with excellent collaboration and ease of use. [Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-solid-edge/reviews) is praised for its synchronous technology blending direct and parametric modeling, AI-powered features, and efficient handling of large assemblies. These tools are recommended for users seeking comprehensive MCAD solutions with advanced features beyond Onshape's current offerings. ### Why do users choose SOLIDWORKS over Onshape? Users choose [SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews) over Onshape primarily for its comprehensive and mature feature set, especially in advanced 3D modeling, simulation, and parametric design. With 28 mentions praising its features and 15 highlighting simulation tools, SOLIDWORKS is favored for complex engineering tasks requiring detailed analysis and manufacturing integration. SOLIDWORKS is widely regarded as an industry standard with a large user community and extensive tutorials, making it attractive for professionals seeking robust CAD capabilities. Its strong integration with other CAD and CAM tools and support for complex assemblies further solidify its appeal. Despite higher system requirements and licensing costs, users appreciate SOLIDWORKS for its precision, extensive toolset, and reliability in professional settings. The software’s ability to handle detailed surface modeling, sheet metal design, and motion analysis are key reasons users prefer it. Additionally, some users find SOLIDWORKS’ UI and workflows more familiar and intuitive for traditional CAD practices, which influences their choice over Onshape’s cloud-based, browser-dependent platform. ### Explore Articles [ Best-rated onboarding software for sales teams ](https://www.g2.com/discussions/best-rated-onboarding-software-for-sales-teams) [ What are the best M&A software platforms for organizations transitioning from legacy systems and infrastructure? ](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-are-the-best-m-a-software-platforms-for-organizations-transitioning-from-legacy-systems-and-infrastructure) [ Which call center management software is best rated ](https://www.g2.com/discussions/which-call-center-management-software-is-best-rated) [ Top rated board meeting software reviews ](https://www.g2.com/discussions/top-rated-board-meeting-software-reviews) [ Best tools for employee turnover prediction ](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-are-the-best-tools-for-employee-turnover-prediction) [ Top employee attendance and leave tracking systems ](https://www.g2.com/discussions/top-employee-attendance-and-leave-tracking-systems) ### Spotlight Categories [ Sales Compensation Software ](https://www.g2.com/categories/sales-compensation) [ Online Reputation Management Software ](https://www.g2.com/categories/online-reputation-management) [ Demand Side Platform (DSP) ](https://www.g2.com/categories/demand-side-platform-dsp)