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Autodesk Inventor alternatives: 5 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Oct 25, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank

Common reasons people leave Autodesk Inventor: windows only, and subscription only. We ranked 5 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Autodesk Inventor, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. FreeCAD currently ranks first.

Quick comparison

#AppPricingOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1Onshape logoOnshapeFree plan + paidNoWeb, iOS, Android4 of 457.2
  1. Onshape logo

    1. OnshapeTop pick

    Best for: Engineering teams who want collaborative CAD without installs or file conflicts

    Free plan + paidWeb, iOS, Android

    57.2

    score / 100

    Why switch from Autodesk Inventor

    Browser-based CAD with built-in version control and no installs.

    Pros

    • Runs in any browser with nothing to install
    • Real-time collaboration with full version history
    • Free plan for hobby and personal projects

    Cons

    • Requires an internet connection
    • Free plan documents are public
    • Paid plans are expensive for individuals
    Visit Onshape Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.369
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Onshape a good Autodesk Inventor alternative?

    Verified facts

    4 of 4 verified
    Free plan
    Yes, public documents only
    Checked Oct 25, 2026onshape.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Standard plan
    $1,500 per user per year
    Checked Oct 25, 2026onshape.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Professional plan
    $2,500 per user per year
    Checked Oct 25, 2026onshape.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Professional trial
    Up to 6 months (Discovery Program)
    Checked Oct 25, 2026onshape.com(opens source in a new tab)

The best Autodesk Inventor alternative for…

The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.

FreeCAD logo

Best Autodesk Inventor alternative for most people

FreeCAD

Free and open source parametric CAD for budget-conscious engineers.

FreeCAD logo

Best Autodesk Inventor alternative for a free option

FreeCAD

Free and open source parametric CAD for budget-conscious engineers.

So

Best Autodesk Inventor alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

Solid Edge

Siemens CAD with synchronous technology and free editions for makers and startups.

FreeCAD logo

Best Autodesk Inventor alternative for open source

FreeCAD

Free and open source parametric CAD for budget-conscious engineers.

Autodesk Fusion logo

Best Autodesk Inventor alternative for Mac

Autodesk Fusion

Autodesk's cloud CAD/CAM, cheaper and cross-platform for smaller teams.

SOLIDWORKS logo

Best Autodesk Inventor alternative for Windows

SOLIDWORKS

The most widely used mechanical CAD, with a huge pool of trained users.

FreeCAD logo

Best Autodesk Inventor alternative for Linux

FreeCAD

Free and open source parametric CAD for budget-conscious engineers.

Onshape logo

Best Autodesk Inventor alternative for iPhone and Android

Onshape

Browser-based CAD with built-in version control and no installs.

SOLIDWORKS logo

Best Autodesk Inventor alternative for working in the browser

SOLIDWORKS

The most widely used mechanical CAD, with a huge pool of trained users.

Autodesk Inventor alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to Autodesk Inventor?

FreeCAD ranks first right now. Free and open source parametric CAD for budget-conscious engineers. SOLIDWORKS and Solid Edge follow it in our ranking.

Is there a free alternative to Autodesk Inventor?

Yes. FreeCAD (open source), Solid Edge (free plan + paid), Onshape (free plan + paid) and Autodesk Fusion (free plan + paid) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.

Is there an open-source alternative to Autodesk Inventor?

Yes: FreeCAD.

Which Autodesk Inventor alternatives work on Linux?

FreeCAD runs on Linux.

Why do people switch from Autodesk Inventor?

The complaints we hear most: windows only; subscription only; traditional file-based data management.

How is this list ranked?

Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Autodesk Inventor, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.