Onshape vs SolidWorks
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
Parametric 3D CAD for mechanical design.
The verdict
Both Onshape and SolidWorks are credible cad tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose Onshape if you want a lower starting price (free - $1500/user/yr), a free plan to start on and broader platform coverage. Cloud-native CAD and product data management.
SolidWorks - Parametric 3D CAD for mechanical design.
Onshape vs SolidWorks: side by side
| Dimension | Onshape | SolidWorks |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free - $1500/user/yrWinner | Custom |
| Free plan | YesWinner | No |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Subscription |
| Best for | Engineers, Distributed Teams | Mechanical Engineers, Manufacturers |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, AndroidWinner | Windows |
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
Onshape key facts
- Vendor
- PTC
- Pricing
- Freemium - Free - $1500/user/yr
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Web, iOS, Android
- Best for
- Engineers, Distributed Teams
- Editor rating
- 4.5 / 5
- Founded
- 2012
- Headquarters
- Boston, MA, USA
SolidWorks key facts
- Vendor
- Dassault Systèmes
- Pricing
- Subscription - Custom
- Free tier
- No
- Platforms
- Windows
- Best for
- Mechanical Engineers, Manufacturers
- Editor rating
- 4.5 / 5
- Founded
- 1995
- Headquarters
- Waltham, MA, USA
Frequently asked questions
Is Onshape better than SolidWorks?
Neither is universally better - Onshape edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Onshape or SolidWorks cheaper?
Onshape is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free - $1500/user/yr. Onshape starts at free - $1500/user/yr; SolidWorks starts at custom.
Can Onshape replace SolidWorks?
Yes for most teams - both are cad tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.
Side-by-side software breakdowns and pricing changes - in your inbox monthly.