Skip to main content
Saaskart

Fusion 360 vs SolidWorks: Which CAD Software Is Better in 2026?

Compare pricing, features, integrations, verified reviews, AI capabilities, security, and customer satisfaction, side by side, with no marketing spin.

Fusion 360
Fusion 360
Rating
,
Reviews
0
From
Custom

in CAD Software

SolidWorks
SolidWorks
Rating
,
Reviews
0
From
Custom

in CAD Software

Jump to scorecard Ask SIA

The Short Answer

Fusion 360 vs SolidWorks, in 15 seconds

Choose Fusion 360 if…

  • You prefer Fusion 360's approach and ecosystem

Choose SolidWorks if…

  • You prefer SolidWorks's approach and ecosystem

Head-to-Head Scorecard

How Fusion 360 and SolidWorks score

It's evenly matched, each leads on 0 of 9 measured dimensions.

  • Customer Rating

    Average score from verified user reviews

    Even
    Fusion
    No reviews
    SolidWorks
    No reviews

  • Review Volume

    Number of verified reviews, a proxy for adoption

    Even
    Fusion
    0
    SolidWorks
    0

  • Entry Pricing

    Lowest published starting price (free plan = lowest)

    Even
    Fusion
    Custom
    SolidWorks
    Custom

  • Free Access

    Availability of a free plan and/or free trial

    Even
    Fusion
    Free trial
    SolidWorks
    Free trial

  • Integrations

    Number of listed third-party integrations

    Even
    Fusion
    6
    SolidWorks
    6

  • Features

    Number of listed product capabilities

    Even
    Fusion
    0
    SolidWorks
    0

  • AI Features

    Capabilities mentioning AI, automation or ML

    Even
    Fusion
    ,
    SolidWorks
    ,

  • Security & Compliance

    Number of listed compliance certifications

    Even
    Fusion
    2
    SolidWorks
    2

  • Platforms & Deployment

    Supported platforms and deployment options

    Even
    Fusion
    4
    SolidWorks
    4

Feature Comparison

Fusion 360 vs SolidWorks feature breakdown

Search or filter the full feature matrix, core features, AI, integrations, APIs, security and compliance.

Fusion 360
SolidWorks
Overview
User rating
,
,
Pricing model
Quote-based
Quote-based
Starting price
Custom
Custom
Free version
Free trial
Features
Key capabilities
,
,
AI features
,
,
Integrations & API
Integrations
PDMERPPLMWindowsmacOSSTEP/IGES
PDMERPPLMWindowsmacOSSTEP/IGES
Public API
Platforms
Deployment
CloudSaaS
CloudSaaS
Platforms
WebAPI
WebAPI
Mobile support
Security & Compliance
Compliance
GDPRSOC 2
GDPRSOC 2
Vendor
Company
,
,
Verified
Founded
2013
1993
Headquarters
San Francisco, California, USA
Waltham, Massachusetts, USA

Pricing Comparison

Fusion 360 vs SolidWorks pricing

Entry pricing, plan tiers and the cost factors that shape total cost of ownership.

Fusion 360

Custom to start
ProfessionalCustom
  • Standard support
  • Integrations
  • integrated CAM
  • parametric and freeform CAD
EnterpriseCustom
  • Dedicated support and onboarding
  • Advanced security and controls
  • simulation (CAE)
  • Everything in Professional

SolidWorks

Custom to start
ProfessionalCustom
  • Integrations
  • Analytics and reporting
  • Standard support
  • assemblies and drawings
EnterpriseCustom
  • Dedicated support and onboarding
  • Everything in Professional
  • simulation add-ons
  • large ecosystem and community

Total cost of ownership factors

Free planFusion SolidWorks
Free trial to evaluateFusion SolidWorks
Transparent published pricingFusion SolidWorks
Public API (build vs. buy add-ons)Fusion SolidWorks

Beyond list price, factor in implementation, training, add-ons and per-seat scaling when estimating total cost of ownership.

Pros & Cons

Fusion 360 vs SolidWorks: strengths and trade-offs

Fusion 360

Pros

  • Free trial offered
  • Compliance: GDPR, SOC 2
  • Public API available

Cons

  • No free plan
  • Pricing is quote-based (less transparent)

SolidWorks

Pros

  • Free trial offered
  • Compliance: GDPR, SOC 2
  • Public API available

Cons

  • No free plan
  • Pricing is quote-based (less transparent)

Buyer Fit

Who should use Fusion 360 vs SolidWorks?

Startups

Either

Either keeps early-stage costs lowest with its entry tier.

Small businesses

Either

Either offers the most accessible pricing for lean teams.

Agencies

Either

Either connects to more tools for multi-client workflows.

Enterprises

Either

Either leads on compliance and breadth for complex needs.

Ecommerce

Either

Either integrates with more of the commerce stack.

SaaS companies

Either

Either is the more developer- and automation-friendly choice.

Integration overlap

Shared integrations (6)

PDMERPPLMWindowsmacOSSTEP/IGES

Only in Fusion 360 (0)

Only in SolidWorks (0)

Keep Exploring

Other alternatives worth considering

Similar cad software products buyers compare alongside Fusion 360 and SolidWorks.

FreeCAD

FreeCAD

Custom
BricsCAD

BricsCAD

Custom
DraftSight

DraftSight

Custom
Solid Edge

Solid Edge

Custom
Shapr3d

Shapr3d

$299/mo
Onshape

Onshape

Custom
More Fusion 360 alternatives →More SolidWorks alternatives →

Ask SIA which solution fits your business

SIA, Saaskart's AI buying assistant, weighs Fusion 360 and SolidWorks against your team size, budget, integrations and compliance needs, then recommends the right fit and the questions to ask each vendor.

Get a personalised recommendation

Fusion 360 vs SolidWorks, Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Fusion 360 and SolidWorks?

Fusion 360 and SolidWorks are both CAD Software solutions. Fusion 360 is rated 0.0/5 by 0 users, while SolidWorks is rated 0.0/5 by 0 users. The main differences lie in pricing, features, and target audience.

Which is better, Fusion 360 or SolidWorks?

Based on user ratings, Fusion 360 scores higher at 0.0/5. The best choice depends on your team size, budget, and specific requirements.

Which is cheaper, Fusion 360 or SolidWorks?

Both products have custom pricing. We recommend contacting both vendors for a quote tailored to your team size.

Does Fusion 360 or SolidWorks have a free plan?

Neither Fusion 360 nor SolidWorks currently offers a free plan, but Fusion 360 provides a free trial.

Can I switch from Fusion 360 to SolidWorks?

Switching between Fusion 360 and SolidWorks is possible. Both support data export. Check integration compatibility and plan for data migration to minimise disruption to your team.

Who should use Fusion 360 vs SolidWorks?

Fusion 360 is best suited for teams that prioritise enterprise features. SolidWorks works well for teams needing advanced capabilities.

Our Verdict

The bottom line on Fusion 360 vs SolidWorks

Best Overall

Either

It's a tie balances user satisfaction and proven adoption.

Best for Startups

Either

It's a tie has the friendliest entry point for new teams.

Best for Enterprise

Either

It's a tie leads on compliance and feature breadth.

Best Value

Either

It's a tie delivers the lowest cost to get started.

Best AI Features

Either

Comparable AI capabilities on both sides.

Highest Rated

Either

Both earn equal user ratings.

Ready to decide between Fusion 360 and SolidWorks?

Visit Fusion 360 Visit SolidWorks Ask SIA
Compare more alternatives →

Get a recommendation

Not sure which to choose?

Tell us your requirements and our advisors will help you compare and shortlist the best-fit options, free and unbiased.

  • A real human, fast

    Someone on our team replies within one business day, no bots, no ticket queue.

  • Routed to the right team

    Buying, selling, partnering, or investing, you reach the people who can actually help.

  • Independent & unbiased

    No pushy sales. Just honest guidance grounded in the ecosystem.

  • Tailored to your context

    Tell us what you need and we shape the next steps around it.

Replies within 1 business day No spam, ever Free to reach out
  1. 1You
  2. 2Details
  3. 3Contact

Who are you? Pick the option that fits best.