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Solid Edge alternatives: 5 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Oct 25, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank

Common reasons people leave Solid Edge: windows only, and smaller user community than SolidWorks. We ranked 5 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Solid Edge, 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
1SOLIDWORKS logoSOLIDWORKSPaidNoWindows, Web3 of 366.5
2Onshape logoOnshapeFree plan + paidNoWeb, iOS, Android4 of 455.3
3Autodesk Fusion logoAutodesk FusionFree plan + paidNoWindows, macOS, Web0 of 049.1
  1. SOLIDWORKS logo

    1. SOLIDWORKSTop pick

    Best for: Mechanical engineers and product designers who need the most common CAD in industry

    PaidWindows, Web

    66.5

    score / 100

    Why switch from Solid Edge

    More widely used, with a larger pool of users and supplier models.

    Pros

    • Huge user base, training resources and supplier models
    • Mature part, assembly, sheet metal and drawing tools
    • Cloud collaboration through 3DEXPERIENCE

    Cons

    • Desktop version is Windows only
    • Expensive, usually sold through resellers
    • Licensing options are complicated
    Visit SOLIDWORKS Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.3100
    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 SOLIDWORKS a good Solid Edge alternative?

    Verified facts

    3 of 3 verified
    Positioning
    Industry-standard 3D CAD
    Checked Oct 25, 20263ds.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Cloud platform
    3DEXPERIENCE
    Checked Oct 25, 20263ds.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Release cadence
    Enhancements throughout each year
    Checked Oct 25, 20263ds.com(opens source in a new tab)
  2. Onshape logo

    2. Onshape

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

    Free plan + paidWeb, iOS, Android

    55.3

    score / 100

    Why switch from Solid Edge

    Browser-based CAD with a free plan and no Windows requirement.

    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 ×0.363
    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 Solid Edge 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)
  3. Autodesk Fusion logo

    3. Autodesk Fusion

    Best for: Makers and small product teams who want CAD, CAM and PCB tools in one package

    Free plan + paidWindows, macOS, Web

    49.1

    score / 100

    Why switch from Solid Edge

    Cross-platform CAD with integrated CAM and a free personal tier.

    Pros

    • CAD, CAM, simulation and electronics in one tool
    • Free personal-use licence for hobbyists
    • Cloud storage with built-in version history

    Cons

    • Personal tier restricts features and commercial use
    • Relies on Autodesk cloud and account
    • Advanced manufacturing features cost extra
    Visit Autodesk Fusion Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.377
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1515
    Votes ×0.150

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

    Is Autodesk Fusion a good Solid Edge alternative?

    Verified facts

    0 of 0 verified

    No sourced facts yet.

The best Solid Edge alternative for…

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

FreeCAD logo

Best Solid Edge alternative for most people

FreeCAD

Free and open source, including for commercial work.

FreeCAD logo

Best Solid Edge alternative for a free option

FreeCAD

Free and open source, including for commercial work.

Onshape logo

Best Solid Edge alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

Onshape

Browser-based CAD with a free plan and no Windows requirement.

FreeCAD logo

Best Solid Edge alternative for open source

FreeCAD

Free and open source, including for commercial work.

Autodesk Fusion logo

Best Solid Edge alternative for Mac

Autodesk Fusion

Cross-platform CAD with integrated CAM and a free personal tier.

SOLIDWORKS logo

Best Solid Edge alternative for Windows

SOLIDWORKS

More widely used, with a larger pool of users and supplier models.

FreeCAD logo

Best Solid Edge alternative for Linux

FreeCAD

Free and open source, including for commercial work.

Onshape logo

Best Solid Edge alternative for iPhone and Android

Onshape

Browser-based CAD with a free plan and no Windows requirement.

SOLIDWORKS logo

Best Solid Edge alternative for working in the browser

SOLIDWORKS

More widely used, with a larger pool of users and supplier models.

Solid Edge alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to Solid Edge?

FreeCAD ranks first right now. Free and open source, including for commercial work. SOLIDWORKS and Onshape follow it in our ranking.

Is there a free alternative to Solid Edge?

Yes. FreeCAD (open source), 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 Solid Edge?

Yes: FreeCAD.

Which Solid Edge alternatives work on Linux?

FreeCAD runs on Linux.

Why do people switch from Solid Edge?

The complaints we hear most: windows only; smaller user community than SolidWorks; commercial pricing usually requires talking to a reseller.

How is this list ranked?

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