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SketchUp covers 3D design and 2D documentation, but some users say its subscription cost is hard to justify. Others are still relying on Make 2017, the former free desktop version, and worry about losing access or support. FreeCAD and Blender are the clearest options if cost is the priority. AutoCAD, Fusion 360, Onshape, and SOLIDWORKS make more sense when you need specific drafting, manufacturing, or team workflows.
01Why people leave SketchUp
The subscription feels too expensive
A Reddit poster said SketchUp Pro’s yearly price was beyond their budget; another described the useful version as $99 per month.
You rely on an old desktop version
One long-time user said they were still using Make 2017 after the free desktop version ended and feared it would stop working on their Mac.
You use it only occasionally
A Reddit commenter said they used SketchUp only every few weeks or months, making the recurring cost harder to justify.
02The alternatives, ranked by fit
- Best free CAD
FreeCADFreeCADIf cost is the main reason you’re leaving, FreeCAD is listed as free and suited to budget-conscious users avoiding subscriptions. A commenter on r/SketchUp recommended it as an alternative. It is a better fit when you want CAD without an ongoing bill than when your priority is keeping SketchUp’s familiar workflow.
Trade-off: The listing flags quirks and a learning curve.
7.0/10from
Freefree plan - Best broad 3D
BlenderBlenderBlender is listed as free and suited to varied 3D workflows, with Python customization for users who want to extend it. A Reddit commenter said they switched from SketchUp to Blender after 14 years. Consider it if subscription cost matters more than staying in SketchUp’s design-and-documentation workflow.
Trade-off: The listing warns of learning time and possible add-on costs.
8.5/10from
Freefree plan - Best for DWG drafting
AutoCADAutoCADChoose AutoCAD if your SketchUp work depends on precise 2D technical drafting or DWG-based team workflows. Its listed strengths include specialized CAD toolsets, which may matter more than SketchUp’s broader 3D design focus. The listing shows a free plan and a starting price of $175; it does not specify the price period.
Trade-off: The listing says to skip it if the price or workflow is a poor fit.
6.5/10from
$175/mofree plan - Best for product design
Fusion 360Fusion 360Fusion 360 is aimed at product teams combining design and manufacturing, plus hobbyists within its personal-use limits. If your SketchUp projects are moving toward CAD/CAM work, that focus may fit better. The listing shows a free plan and a starting price of $56.67; it does not specify the price period.
Trade-off: The listing flags its cloud workflow and reported stability issues.
7.3/10from
$56.67/mofree plan - Best for shared CAD
OnshapeOnshapeOnshape is built for teams that need shared CAD workflows and integrated product data management. It may suit a team leaving SketchUp’s model-review sharing for a more CAD-focused setup. The listing includes a free plan for public, non-commercial projects and a starting price of $125, with annual per-user pricing noted.
Trade-off: You have to accept cloud-based work and annual per-user pricing.
6.8/10from
$125/mofree plan - Best for parts and assemblies
SOLIDWORKSSOLIDWORKSSOLIDWORKS is a more relevant switch if you’re leaving SketchUp to design professional parts and assemblies, rather than building or documenting spaces. Its listing also names shared-workstation teams and makers under the revenue limit as potential users. The listed starting price is $2; the price period is not specified.
Trade-off: Check the license terms; the listing notes possible Maker login friction.
6.8/10from
$2/mo
03Side by side
| Tool | Score | From | Free plan | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 SketchUp SketchUp (current) | 6.8 | $2.50/mo | Yes | Designers who need 3D and 2D documentation |
| FreeCAD FreeCAD | 7.0 | Free | Yes | Budget-conscious CAD users |
| Blender Blender | 8.5 | Free | Yes | 3D artists avoiding subscription costs |
| AutoCAD AutoCAD | 6.5 | $175/mo | Yes | Teams working in DWG |
| Fusion 360 Fusion 360 | 7.3 | $56.67/mo | Yes | Product teams combining design and manufacturing |
| Onshape Onshape | 6.8 | $125/mo | Yes | Teams that need shared CAD workflows |
| SOLIDWORKS SOLIDWORKS | 6.8 | $2/mo | No | Professional parts and assembly design |
Questions people ask
Is there a free SketchUp anymore?
The SketchUp listing indicates a free plan, but the published details do not say what it includes. Reddit users describe Make 2017 as the former free desktop version; one poster said they were still relying on it after the free desktop version ended. Don’t assume that legacy desktop access and the listed free plan are the same.
Is FreeCAD better than SketchUp?
It depends on what you need. FreeCAD is listed as free and suited to people avoiding subscriptions, while SketchUp is positioned for 3D design and 2D documentation. FreeCAD may be a better fit if avoiding a recurring bill is the priority; its listing warns of quirks and a learning curve.
Is RoomSketcher or SketchUp better?
The published information does not include RoomSketcher’s features or pricing, so we can’t make a sourced winner call. SketchUp is listed for designers who need 3D and 2D documentation, teams sharing models for review, and professionals using extensions. Compare those needs against RoomSketcher’s current published details before switching.