# Top 10 SOLIDWORKS Alternatives & Competitors **Average Rating:** 4.5/5 **Total Number of Reviews:** 643 If you are considering SOLIDWORKS, you may also want to investigate similar alternatives or competitors to find the best solution. Other important factors to consider when researching alternatives to SOLIDWORKS include user interface and 3d models. The best overall SOLIDWORKS alternative is Autodesk Fusion. Other similar apps like SOLIDWORKS are Onshape, Designcenter Solid Edge, Inventor, and Creo. SOLIDWORKS alternatives can be found in [Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/mechanical-computer-aided-design-mcad) but may also be in [Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/computer-aided-manufacturing-cam) or [General-Purpose CAD Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/general-purpose-cad). ## Best Paid & Free Alternatives to SOLIDWORKS - [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) - [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) - [Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-solid-edge/reviews) - [Inventor](https://www.g2.com/products/inventor/reviews) - [Creo](https://www.g2.com/products/creo-2025-08-26/reviews) - [AutoCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad/reviews) - [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) - [Designcenter](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter/reviews) - [IronCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/ironcad/reviews) - [CATIA](https://www.g2.com/products/catia/reviews) ## 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. ### 1. [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) By Autodesk **Average Rating:** 4.5/5 **Total Reviews:** 520 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)](https://www.g2.com/categories/mechanical-computer-aided-design-mcad), [General-Purpose CAD](https://www.g2.com/categories/general-purpose-cad), [Simulation & CAE](https://www.g2.com/categories/simulation-cae), [CAD Viewers](https://www.g2.com/categories/cad-viewers), [Sketching](https://www.g2.com/categories/sketching) **Compare:** [SOLIDWORKS vs Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/compare/autodesk-fusion-vs-solidworks) **Compare Autodesk Fusion with other alternatives:** - [Autodesk Fusion vs Onshape](https://www.g2.com/compare/autodesk-fusion-vs-onshape) - [Autodesk Fusion vs Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/compare/autodesk-fusion-vs-designcenter-solid-edge) - [Autodesk Fusion vs Inventor](https://www.g2.com/compare/autodesk-fusion-vs-inventor) - [Autodesk Fusion vs Creo](https://www.g2.com/compare/autodesk-fusion-vs-creo-2025-08-26) - [Autodesk Fusion vs AutoCAD](https://www.g2.com/compare/autocad-vs-autodesk-fusion) - [Autodesk Fusion vs SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/compare/autodesk-fusion-vs-sketchup) - [Autodesk Fusion vs Designcenter](https://www.g2.com/compare/autodesk-fusion-vs-designcenter) - [Autodesk Fusion vs IronCAD](https://www.g2.com/compare/autodesk-fusion-vs-ironcad) - [Autodesk Fusion vs CATIA](https://www.g2.com/compare/autodesk-fusion-vs-catia) ### 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. 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)](https://www.g2.com/categories/mechanical-computer-aided-design-mcad), [General-Purpose CAD](https://www.g2.com/categories/general-purpose-cad), [Simulation & CAE](https://www.g2.com/categories/simulation-cae), [CAD Viewers](https://www.g2.com/categories/cad-viewers), [Sketching](https://www.g2.com/categories/sketching) **Compare:** [SOLIDWORKS vs Onshape](https://www.g2.com/compare/onshape-vs-solidworks) **Compare Onshape with other alternatives:** - [Onshape vs Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/compare/autodesk-fusion-vs-onshape) - [Onshape vs Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/compare/designcenter-solid-edge-vs-onshape) - [Onshape vs Inventor](https://www.g2.com/compare/inventor-vs-onshape) - [Onshape vs Creo](https://www.g2.com/compare/creo-2025-08-26-vs-onshape) - [Onshape vs AutoCAD](https://www.g2.com/compare/autocad-vs-onshape) - [Onshape vs SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/compare/onshape-vs-sketchup) - [Onshape vs Designcenter](https://www.g2.com/compare/designcenter-vs-onshape) - [Onshape vs IronCAD](https://www.g2.com/compare/ironcad-vs-onshape) - [Onshape vs CATIA](https://www.g2.com/compare/catia-vs-onshape) ### 3. [Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-solid-edge/reviews) By Siemens Digital Industries Software **Average Rating:** 4.3/5 **Total Reviews:** 610 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)](https://www.g2.com/categories/mechanical-computer-aided-design-mcad), [General-Purpose CAD](https://www.g2.com/categories/general-purpose-cad), [Simulation & CAE](https://www.g2.com/categories/simulation-cae), [Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM)](https://www.g2.com/categories/computer-aided-manufacturing-cam), [Additive Manufacturing](https://www.g2.com/categories/additive-manufacturing) **Compare:** [SOLIDWORKS vs Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/compare/designcenter-solid-edge-vs-solidworks) **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 Inventor](https://www.g2.com/compare/designcenter-solid-edge-vs-inventor) - [Designcenter Solid Edge vs Creo](https://www.g2.com/compare/creo-2025-08-26-vs-designcenter-solid-edge) - [Designcenter Solid Edge vs AutoCAD](https://www.g2.com/compare/autocad-vs-designcenter-solid-edge) - [Designcenter Solid Edge vs SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/compare/designcenter-solid-edge-vs-sketchup) - [Designcenter Solid Edge vs Designcenter](https://www.g2.com/compare/designcenter-vs-designcenter-solid-edge) - [Designcenter Solid Edge vs IronCAD](https://www.g2.com/compare/designcenter-solid-edge-vs-ironcad) - [Designcenter Solid Edge vs CATIA](https://www.g2.com/compare/catia-vs-designcenter-solid-edge) ### 4. [Inventor](https://www.g2.com/products/inventor/reviews) By Autodesk **Average Rating:** 4.4/5 **Total Reviews:** 440 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)](https://www.g2.com/categories/mechanical-computer-aided-design-mcad), [General-Purpose CAD](https://www.g2.com/categories/general-purpose-cad), [Simulation & CAE](https://www.g2.com/categories/simulation-cae) **Compare:** [SOLIDWORKS vs Inventor](https://www.g2.com/compare/inventor-vs-solidworks) **Compare Inventor with other alternatives:** - [Inventor vs Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/compare/autodesk-fusion-vs-inventor) - [Inventor vs Onshape](https://www.g2.com/compare/inventor-vs-onshape) - [Inventor vs Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/compare/designcenter-solid-edge-vs-inventor) - [Inventor vs Creo](https://www.g2.com/compare/creo-2025-08-26-vs-inventor) - [Inventor vs AutoCAD](https://www.g2.com/compare/autocad-vs-inventor) - [Inventor vs SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/compare/inventor-vs-sketchup) - [Inventor vs Designcenter](https://www.g2.com/compare/designcenter-vs-inventor) - [Inventor vs IronCAD](https://www.g2.com/compare/inventor-vs-ironcad) - [Inventor vs CATIA](https://www.g2.com/compare/catia-vs-inventor) ### 5. [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. Reviewers say compared to SOLIDWORKS, Creo is: - More expensive Categories in common with SOLIDWORKS: [Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)](https://www.g2.com/categories/mechanical-computer-aided-design-mcad), [General-Purpose CAD](https://www.g2.com/categories/general-purpose-cad), [Simulation & CAE](https://www.g2.com/categories/simulation-cae), [Additive Manufacturing](https://www.g2.com/categories/additive-manufacturing) **Compare:** [SOLIDWORKS vs Creo](https://www.g2.com/compare/creo-2025-08-26-vs-solidworks) **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 Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/compare/creo-2025-08-26-vs-designcenter-solid-edge) - [Creo vs Inventor](https://www.g2.com/compare/creo-2025-08-26-vs-inventor) - [Creo vs AutoCAD](https://www.g2.com/compare/autocad-vs-creo-2025-08-26) - [Creo vs SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/compare/creo-2025-08-26-vs-sketchup) - [Creo vs Designcenter](https://www.g2.com/compare/creo-2025-08-26-vs-designcenter) - [Creo vs IronCAD](https://www.g2.com/compare/creo-2025-08-26-vs-ironcad) - [Creo vs CATIA](https://www.g2.com/compare/catia-vs-creo-2025-08-26) ### 6. [AutoCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad/reviews) By Autodesk **Average Rating:** 4.4/5 **Total Reviews:** 1,936 2D and 3D CAD design software tools. Reviewers say compared to SOLIDWORKS, AutoCAD is: - Easier to do business with - Better at support - Easier to admin Categories in common with SOLIDWORKS: [Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)](https://www.g2.com/categories/mechanical-computer-aided-design-mcad), [General-Purpose CAD](https://www.g2.com/categories/general-purpose-cad) **Compare:** [SOLIDWORKS vs AutoCAD](https://www.g2.com/compare/autocad-vs-solidworks) **Compare AutoCAD with other alternatives:** - [AutoCAD vs Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/compare/autocad-vs-autodesk-fusion) - [AutoCAD vs Onshape](https://www.g2.com/compare/autocad-vs-onshape) - [AutoCAD vs Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/compare/autocad-vs-designcenter-solid-edge) - [AutoCAD vs Inventor](https://www.g2.com/compare/autocad-vs-inventor) - [AutoCAD vs Creo](https://www.g2.com/compare/autocad-vs-creo-2025-08-26) - [AutoCAD vs SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/compare/autocad-vs-sketchup) - [AutoCAD vs Designcenter](https://www.g2.com/compare/autocad-vs-designcenter) - [AutoCAD vs IronCAD](https://www.g2.com/compare/autocad-vs-ironcad) - [AutoCAD vs CATIA](https://www.g2.com/compare/autocad-vs-catia) ### 7. [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) By Trimble **Average Rating:** 4.5/5 **Total Reviews:** 1,327 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 - Easier to do business with Categories in common with SOLIDWORKS: [General-Purpose CAD](https://www.g2.com/categories/general-purpose-cad), [Sketching](https://www.g2.com/categories/sketching) **Compare:** [SOLIDWORKS vs SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/compare/solidworks-vs-sketchup) **Compare SketchUp with other alternatives:** - [SketchUp vs Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/compare/autodesk-fusion-vs-sketchup) - [SketchUp vs Onshape](https://www.g2.com/compare/onshape-vs-sketchup) - [SketchUp vs Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/compare/designcenter-solid-edge-vs-sketchup) - [SketchUp vs Inventor](https://www.g2.com/compare/inventor-vs-sketchup) - [SketchUp vs Creo](https://www.g2.com/compare/creo-2025-08-26-vs-sketchup) - [SketchUp vs AutoCAD](https://www.g2.com/compare/autocad-vs-sketchup) - [SketchUp vs Designcenter](https://www.g2.com/compare/designcenter-vs-sketchup) - [SketchUp vs IronCAD](https://www.g2.com/compare/ironcad-vs-sketchup) - [SketchUp vs CATIA](https://www.g2.com/compare/catia-vs-sketchup) ### 8. [Designcenter](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter/reviews) By Siemens Digital Industries Software **Average Rating:** 4.4/5 **Total Reviews:** 613 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: - Better at support - Easier to admin - Easier to do business with Categories in common with SOLIDWORKS: [Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)](https://www.g2.com/categories/mechanical-computer-aided-design-mcad), [Additive Manufacturing](https://www.g2.com/categories/additive-manufacturing) **Compare:** [SOLIDWORKS vs Designcenter](https://www.g2.com/compare/designcenter-vs-solidworks) **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 Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/compare/designcenter-vs-designcenter-solid-edge) - [Designcenter vs Inventor](https://www.g2.com/compare/designcenter-vs-inventor) - [Designcenter vs Creo](https://www.g2.com/compare/creo-2025-08-26-vs-designcenter) - [Designcenter vs AutoCAD](https://www.g2.com/compare/autocad-vs-designcenter) - [Designcenter vs SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/compare/designcenter-vs-sketchup) - [Designcenter vs IronCAD](https://www.g2.com/compare/designcenter-vs-ironcad) - [Designcenter vs CATIA](https://www.g2.com/compare/catia-vs-designcenter) ### 9. [IronCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/ironcad/reviews) By IronCAD **Average Rating:** 4.4/5 **Total Reviews:** 43 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)](https://www.g2.com/categories/mechanical-computer-aided-design-mcad), [General-Purpose CAD](https://www.g2.com/categories/general-purpose-cad), [Simulation & CAE](https://www.g2.com/categories/simulation-cae), [CAD Viewers](https://www.g2.com/categories/cad-viewers) **Compare:** [SOLIDWORKS vs IronCAD](https://www.g2.com/compare/ironcad-vs-solidworks) **Compare IronCAD with other alternatives:** - [IronCAD vs Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/compare/autodesk-fusion-vs-ironcad) - [IronCAD vs Onshape](https://www.g2.com/compare/ironcad-vs-onshape) - [IronCAD vs Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/compare/designcenter-solid-edge-vs-ironcad) - [IronCAD vs Inventor](https://www.g2.com/compare/inventor-vs-ironcad) - [IronCAD vs Creo](https://www.g2.com/compare/creo-2025-08-26-vs-ironcad) - [IronCAD vs AutoCAD](https://www.g2.com/compare/autocad-vs-ironcad) - [IronCAD vs SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/compare/ironcad-vs-sketchup) - [IronCAD vs Designcenter](https://www.g2.com/compare/designcenter-vs-ironcad) - [IronCAD vs CATIA](https://www.g2.com/compare/catia-vs-ironcad) ### 10. [CATIA](https://www.g2.com/products/catia/reviews) By Dassault Systemes **Average Rating:** 4.2/5 **Total Reviews:** 255 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 SOLIDWORKS, CATIA is: - More expensive Categories in common with SOLIDWORKS: [Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)](https://www.g2.com/categories/mechanical-computer-aided-design-mcad), [Simulation & CAE](https://www.g2.com/categories/simulation-cae) **Compare:** [SOLIDWORKS vs CATIA](https://www.g2.com/compare/catia-vs-solidworks) **Compare CATIA with other alternatives:** - [CATIA vs Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/compare/autodesk-fusion-vs-catia) - [CATIA vs Onshape](https://www.g2.com/compare/catia-vs-onshape) - [CATIA vs Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/compare/catia-vs-designcenter-solid-edge) - [CATIA vs Inventor](https://www.g2.com/compare/catia-vs-inventor) - [CATIA vs Creo](https://www.g2.com/compare/catia-vs-creo-2025-08-26) - [CATIA vs AutoCAD](https://www.g2.com/compare/autocad-vs-catia) - [CATIA vs SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/compare/catia-vs-sketchup) - [CATIA vs Designcenter](https://www.g2.com/compare/catia-vs-designcenter) - [CATIA vs IronCAD](https://www.g2.com/compare/catia-vs-ironcad) --- ## SOLIDWORKS Alternatives FAQs ### 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 - [Top-rated chatbot apps for e-commerce](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-are-the-top-rated-chatbot-apps-for-e-commerce) - [Best platforms for collaborative event planning](https://www.g2.com/discussions/best-platforms-for-collaborative-event-planning) - [Best platforms for automating data privacy workflows](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-are-the-leading-platforms-for-automating-data-privacy-workflows) - [Which voice recognition tool is best for IT companies](https://www.g2.com/discussions/which-voice-recognition-tool-is-best-for-it-companies) - [What is the top-rated website monitoring solution for enterprises?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-the-top-rated-website-monitoring-solution-for-enterprises) - [What's the best service for automated customer support chats](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-s-the-best-service-for-automated-customer-support-chats) ## Spotlight Categories - [Background Check Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/background-check) - [Fleet Management Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/fleet-management) - [Payroll Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/payroll)