Fusion 360 vs SolidWorks
A comprehensive head-to-head comparison of two leading manufacturing solutions in 2026. Compare features, pricing, ratings, and more to find the right fit.
Quick Verdict
Choose Fusion 360 if you need 3D CAD modeling and prefer a free starting option. Choose SolidWorks if you prioritize 3D solid modeling and want plans starting at $4195/year. Fusion 360 has a higher user rating (4.4 vs 4.3).
Fusion 360 vs SolidWorks: At a Glance
| Criteria | Fusion 360 | SolidWorks |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.4 | 4.3 |
| Pricing | Free | $4195/year |
| Pricing Model | freemium | subscription |
| Free Plan | ||
| Platforms | Windows, Macos, Web | Windows |
| Category | Manufacturing | Manufacturing |
| Founded | 1982 | 1981 |
Feature Comparison: Fusion 360 vs SolidWorks
| Feature | Fusion 360 | SolidWorks |
|---|---|---|
| 3D CAD modeling | ||
| Simulation | ||
| CAM programming | ||
| PCB design | ||
| Cloud collaboration | ||
| Autodesk ecosystem | ||
| Manufacturing partners | ||
| PLM systems | ||
| ERP systems | ||
| Cloud security | ||
| Data encryption | ||
| Access controls | ||
| Version control | ||
| Real-time collaboration | ||
| Design reviews | ||
| 3D solid modeling | ||
| Assembly design | ||
| Technical drawings | ||
| Rendering | ||
| PDM systems | ||
| CAM software | ||
| PLM platforms | ||
| Enterprise security | ||
| Data vault | ||
| Audit trails | ||
| PDM integration |
Fusion 360 vs SolidWorks: Pricing Breakdown
Fusion 360 Pricing
Model: freemium
- Non-commercial use
- Basic CAD tools
- Cloud storage
- Community support
- Full CAD/CAM/CAE
- Simulation
- Rendering
- Data management
SolidWorks Pricing
Model: subscription
- 3D CAD
- Assembly modeling
- 2D drawings
- Basic simulation
- Advanced features
- Photo-realistic rendering
- Advanced simulation
- Data utilities
- Everything included
- CAM capabilities
- Advanced simulation
- Reverse engineering
Pros and Cons
Fusion 360
Pros
- Highly rated by users (4.4/5)
- Free plan available to get started
- Available on 3 platforms (Windows, Macos, Web)
- Rich feature set with 15+ capabilities
- Strong 3D CAD modeling functionality
- Strong Simulation functionality
Cons
- May require time to learn advanced features
SolidWorks
Pros
- Highly rated by users (4.3/5)
- Rich feature set with 15+ capabilities
- Strong 3D solid modeling functionality
- Strong Assembly design functionality
Cons
- No free plan available
- Limited platform support (Windows only)
- May require time to learn advanced features
Who Should Use Fusion 360 vs SolidWorks?
Choose Fusion 360 if you:
- Need 3D CAD modeling
- Want to start for free
- Work primarily on Windows and Macos
- Value Simulation
Choose SolidWorks if you:
- Need 3D solid modeling
- Have a budget of $4195/year+
- Work primarily on Windows
- Value Assembly design
Frequently Asked Questions: Fusion 360 vs SolidWorks
Is Fusion 360 better than SolidWorks?
It depends on your needs. Fusion 360 has a 4.4/5 user rating while SolidWorks has 4.3/5. Fusion 360 excels in 3D CAD modeling and Simulation, while SolidWorks stands out with 3D solid modeling and Assembly design. Consider your budget (Free vs $4195/year), platform needs, and specific feature requirements.
Which is cheaper, Fusion 360 or SolidWorks?
Fusion 360 offers a free plan and starts at Free. SolidWorks starts at $4195/year. Fusion 360 has a clear pricing advantage with its free tier.
Can I use Fusion 360 and SolidWorks together?
While both are manufacturing tools, some teams use complementary software together. Check each product's API and integration capabilities for compatibility. However, most users find that one solution covers their core manufacturing needs.
What are the main differences between Fusion 360 and SolidWorks?
The key differences include: pricing model (freemium vs subscription), platform support (Windows, Macos, Web vs Windows), and feature focus. Fusion 360 emphasizes 3D CAD modeling, Simulation, CAM programming while SolidWorks focuses on 3D solid modeling, Assembly design, Technical drawings. User ratings differ slightly: 4.4 vs 4.3 out of 5.
Ready to choose?
Explore detailed reviews, user ratings, and pricing for both Fusion 360 and SolidWorks.