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SOLIDWORKS alternatives: 6 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Oct 25, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank

Common reasons people leave SOLIDWORKS: desktop version is Windows only, and expensive, usually sold through resellers. We ranked 6 alternatives by how directly each one replaces SOLIDWORKS, 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
1FreeCAD logoFreeCADOpen sourceYesWindows, macOS, Linux3 of 370.3
2SoSolid EdgeFree plan + paidNoWindows4 of 462.6
3AuAutodesk InventorPaidNoWindows0 of 056.0
4CATIA logoCATIAPaidNoWindows, Web3 of 353.6
5Autodesk Fusion logoAutodesk FusionFree plan + paidNoWindows, macOS, Web0 of 046.7
  1. FreeCAD logo

    1. FreeCADTop pick

    Best for: Engineers and makers who want free, offline parametric CAD they fully control

    Open sourceWindows, macOS, Linux

    70.3

    score / 100

    Why switch from SOLIDWORKS

    Free and open source parametric CAD for those who can't justify the licence.

    Pros

    • Free and open source for any use
    • Workbenches for parts, assemblies, drawings, FEM, CAM and BIM
    • Fully scriptable with Python

    Cons

    • Interface less polished than commercial CAD
    • Steeper learning curve for complex models
    • Fewer supplier models and integrations
    Visit FreeCAD Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.363
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.15100
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

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

    Is FreeCAD a good SOLIDWORKS alternative?

    Verified facts

    3 of 3 verified
    License
    LGPL-2.1
    Checked Oct 25, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms
    Windows, Mac, Linux
    Checked Oct 25, 2026freecad.org(opens source in a new tab)
    Modeling approach
    Parametric
    Checked Oct 25, 2026freecad.org(opens source in a new tab)
  2. So

    2. Solid Edge

    Best for: Engineers and makers who want professional CAD with generous free editions

    Free plan + paidWindows

    62.6

    score / 100

    Why switch from SOLIDWORKS

    Similar capability with synchronous modeling and free editions for makers.

    Pros

    • Synchronous technology for fast direct edits
    • Free Community, Student and startup editions
    • Free 2D drafting tool

    Cons

    • Windows only
    • Smaller user community than SolidWorks
    • Commercial pricing usually requires talking to a reseller
    Visit Solid Edge Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.387
    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 Solid Edge a good SOLIDWORKS alternative?

    Verified facts

    4 of 4 verified
    Community Edition
    Free for non-commercial makers
    Checked Oct 25, 2026solidedge.siemens.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Community licence term
    Never expires
    Checked Oct 25, 2026solidedge.siemens.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Startup programme
    Free for startups under 3 years old
    Checked Oct 25, 2026solidedge.siemens.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Student Edition
    Free
    Checked Oct 25, 2026solidedge.siemens.com(opens source in a new tab)
  3. Au

    3. Autodesk Inventor

    Best for: Mechanical engineers working in Autodesk-based manufacturing teams

    PaidWindows

    56.0

    score / 100

    Why switch from SOLIDWORKS

    Comparable mechanical CAD that bundles well with AutoCAD in Autodesk shops.

    Pros

    • Full parametric part, assembly and drawing tools
    • Design automation with iLogic
    • Bundled with AutoCAD in Autodesk's collection

    Cons

    • Windows only
    • Subscription only
    • Traditional file-based data management
    Visit Autodesk Inventor Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.3100
    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 Inventor a good SOLIDWORKS alternative?

    Verified facts

    0 of 0 verified

    No sourced facts yet.

  4. CATIA logo

    4. CATIA

    Best for: Aerospace and automotive engineering organisations and their suppliers

    PaidWindows, Web

    53.6

    score / 100

    Why switch from SOLIDWORKS

    Dassault's high-end CAD for aerospace and automotive surface and systems design.

    Pros

    • Handles very large, complex assemblies
    • Class-A surfacing and systems engineering tools
    • Deep integration with 3DEXPERIENCE PLM

    Cons

    • Very expensive, with no public pricing
    • Steep learning curve
    • Overkill outside large engineering organisations
    Visit CATIA Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.357
    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 CATIA a good SOLIDWORKS alternative?

    Verified facts

    3 of 3 verified
    Free trial
    On application
    Checked Oct 25, 20263ds.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Student licences
    Yes
    Checked Oct 25, 20263ds.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Systems engineering
    CATIA Magic (MBSE)
    Checked Oct 25, 20263ds.com(opens source in a new tab)
  5. Autodesk Fusion logo

    5. Autodesk Fusion

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

    Free plan + paidWindows, macOS, Web

    46.7

    score / 100

    Why switch from SOLIDWORKS

    Cheaper cloud CAD with CAM included, cross-platform on Windows and Mac.

    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 Compare with SOLIDWORKSDetails and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.369
    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 SOLIDWORKS alternative?

    Verified facts

    0 of 0 verified

    No sourced facts yet.

The best SOLIDWORKS alternative for…

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

FreeCAD logo

Best SOLIDWORKS alternative for most people

FreeCAD

Free and open source parametric CAD for those who can't justify the licence.

FreeCAD logo

Best SOLIDWORKS alternative for a free option

FreeCAD

Free and open source parametric CAD for those who can't justify the licence.

So

Best SOLIDWORKS alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

Solid Edge

Similar capability with synchronous modeling and free editions for makers.

FreeCAD logo

Best SOLIDWORKS alternative for open source

FreeCAD

Free and open source parametric CAD for those who can't justify the licence.

Autodesk Fusion logo

Best SOLIDWORKS alternative for Mac

Autodesk Fusion

Cheaper cloud CAD with CAM included, cross-platform on Windows and Mac.

Au

Best SOLIDWORKS alternative for Windows

Autodesk Inventor

Comparable mechanical CAD that bundles well with AutoCAD in Autodesk shops.

FreeCAD logo

Best SOLIDWORKS alternative for Linux

FreeCAD

Free and open source parametric CAD for those who can't justify the licence.

Onshape logo

Best SOLIDWORKS alternative for iPhone and Android

Onshape

Browser-based CAD from the SOLIDWORKS founders' team, with built-in version control.

CATIA logo

Best SOLIDWORKS alternative for working in the browser

CATIA

Dassault's high-end CAD for aerospace and automotive surface and systems design.

SOLIDWORKS alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to SOLIDWORKS?

FreeCAD ranks first right now. Free and open source parametric CAD for those who can't justify the licence. Solid Edge and Onshape follow it in our ranking.

Is there a free alternative to SOLIDWORKS?

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 SOLIDWORKS?

Yes: FreeCAD.

Which SOLIDWORKS alternatives work on Linux?

FreeCAD runs on Linux.

Why do people switch from SOLIDWORKS?

The complaints we hear most: desktop version is Windows only; expensive, usually sold through resellers; licensing options are complicated.

How is this list ranked?

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