We may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page. It never changes a score or a ranking. How we make money
If you’re leaving SOLIDWORKS, first decide what you need to replace: parametric part design, team collaboration, Windows dependence or the Maker license experience. Reddit users cite limited support for other operating systems and Maker login friction, though some Maker users say the desktop software works well between logins. Our shortlist favors direct CAD alternatives, then adds drafting and design tools for narrower needs. Prices and plan details vary; check the current terms before switching.
01Why people leave SOLIDWORKS
Limited support beyond Windows
A Reddit poster says lack of first-class support for other operating systems was a long-running frustration. FreeCAD and Onshape offer different workflows to consider.
Maker login and update friction
Reddit users report frequent 3DEXPERIENCE logins and mandatory updates. Others say Maker works well, but login trouble can still interrupt use.
The license may not fit
Maker users describe a product suited to personal projects, with recurring login requirements. Check its current terms against your commercial use before buying.
02The alternatives, ranked by fit
- CAD and manufacturing
Fusion 360Fusion 360Fusion 360 is the closest fit here for teams combining product design and manufacturing. Its listing calls out CAD/CAM coverage and a free plan, with pricing from $56.67. That makes it worth comparing if you want a broader workflow than parts and assemblies alone. The tradeoff is a cloud workflow, and the listing flags reported stability issues.
Trade-off: Cloud workflow and reported stability issues may not suit every team.
7.3/10from
$56.67/mofree plan - Free, subscription-free CAD
FreeCADFreeCADFreeCAD is a direct option if subscription cost or operating-system choice is pushing you away from SOLIDWORKS: its listing describes it as free, unrestricted CAD. The catch is significant for switchers. Reddit commenters say it is not intuitive for people arriving from SOLIDWORKS, Inventor or NX, and the listing warns of quirks and a learning curve.
Trade-off: Free, but expect quirks and a learning curve.
7.0/10from
Freefree plan - Shared team CAD
OnshapeOnshapeOnshape is listed for teams needing shared CAD workflows and commercial users wanting integrated PDM. It may fit better than SOLIDWORKS if team collaboration is the priority and cloud-based work is acceptable. There is a free plan, while the listed starting price is $125; the source describes paid pricing as annual per user.
Trade-off: Cloud-based work and annual per-user pricing.
6.8/10from
$125/mofree plan - CAD, CAM and PCB
Autodesk FusionAutodesk FusionAutodesk Fusion is listed for teams combining CAD and CAM, plus designers who need PCB tools. Its listing includes a free option, which may appeal if you want broad coverage before committing to paid software. Paid pricing is not published on the vendor's site, so compare the current terms before planning a switch.
Trade-off: Paid pricing is not published; check workflow limits.
7.8/10from
Freefree plan - DWG and 2D drafting
AutoCADAutoCADAutoCAD makes more sense if your main SOLIDWORKS use is precise 2D technical drafting or DWG-based work, not full 3D part and assembly design. Its listing highlights specialized CAD toolsets and a free plan, with a starting price of $175. It is a focused alternative, not a like-for-like replacement for every CAD workflow.
Trade-off: A focused drafting choice, not a full SOLIDWORKS substitute.
6.5/10from
$175/mofree plan - 3D design and review
SketchUpSketchUpSketchUp is listed for designers who need both 3D and 2D documentation, teams sharing models for review, and professionals using extensions. Consider it if those needs matter more than reproducing a SOLIDWORKS parts-and-assemblies workflow. The listing includes a free plan and a starting price of $2.5, but warns that desktop use brings an annual bill.
Trade-off: Desktop workflow has a meaningful annual bill.
6.8/10from
$2.50/mofree plan
03Side by side
| Tool | Score | From | Free plan | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 SOLIDWORKS SOLIDWORKS (current) | 6.8 | $2/mo | No | Professional parts and assembly design |
| Fusion 360 Fusion 360 | 7.3 | $56.67/mo | Yes | Product teams combining design and manufacturing |
| FreeCAD FreeCAD | 7.0 | Free | Yes | Budget-conscious CAD users |
| Onshape Onshape | 6.8 | $125/mo | Yes | Teams that need shared CAD workflows |
| Autodesk Fusion Autodesk Fusion | 7.8 | Free | Yes | Hobbyists learning functional CAD |
| AutoCAD AutoCAD | 6.5 | $175/mo | Yes | Teams working in DWG |
| SketchUp SketchUp | 6.8 | $2.50/mo | Yes | Designers who need 3D and 2D documentation |
Questions people ask
What are the top 5 CAD software?
There is no universal top five in the published information. For a SOLIDWORKS switch, compare Fusion 360 for CAD and manufacturing, FreeCAD for free CAD, Onshape for shared cloud workflows, Autodesk Fusion for CAD/CAM and PCB tools, and AutoCAD for DWG drafting.
Is SOLIDWORKS free for students?
The information here does not state whether SOLIDWORKS is free for students or give student eligibility terms. Check the current SOLIDWORKS education offer directly before budgeting. Among these alternatives, the listings identify free plans for several products, but do not establish student-specific terms.
What is the best AI for SOLIDWORKS?
The published information does not identify an AI tool that integrates with SOLIDWORKS, so we can’t name a best one. Meshy is listed for AI-generated 3D assets, but that does not establish SOLIDWORKS integration or make it a parametric CAD replacement.