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    Overview
    ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price

    AutoCAD

    Score8.1 out of 10
    N/AAutoCAD is a CAD product from Autodesk. It allows designers to work in 2D and 3D, and is available on Windows and Mac, but with extensive online collaboration tools.

    $245

    per month

    BricsCAD

    Score9.4 out of 10
    N/ABricsCAD is a computer-aided design (CAD) toolkit, supporting 2D drawing, 3D modeling and visualizations, and is customizable as well as compatible with many 3rd party applications, developed by Belgian company Bricsys, a Hexagon company since late 2018.

    $314

    per year

    Onshape

    Score6.4 out of 10
    N/AOnshape is a cloud-native product development platform with integrated CAD, data management and analytics. Onshape aims to accelerate time to market and improve innovation by: 1) Access: Unlike file-based CAD which is on-premise only, Onshape enables remote access for designers and engineers from anywhere, and on any internet-connected device -including tablets and smart phones. 2) Collaboration: Onshape aims to eliminate the version control problems and blocking of file-based…

    $1,500

    per year per user

    Pricing
    AutoCADBricsCADOnshape
    Editions & Modules
    Monthly Subscription
    $245
    per month per user
    Yearly Subscription
    $1975
    per year per user
    3-Year Subscription
    $5925
    3 years per user
    BricsCAD Lite
    $590
    one-time fee
    BricsCAD Pro
    $1,265
    one-time fee
    BricsCAD Mechanical
    $1,780
    one-time fee
    BricsCAD BIM
    $1,890
    one-time fee
    BricsCAD Ultimate
    $2,100
    one-time fee
    Standard
    1,500
    per year per user
    Professional
    2,500
    per year per user
    Enterprise
    Contact sales team
    per year per user
    Offerings
    Pricing Offerings
    AutoCADBricsCADOnshape
    Free Trial
    YesYesYes
    Free/Freemium Version
    NoNoYes
    Premium Consulting/Integration Services
    NoNoNo
    Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup feeNo setup fee
    Additional DetailsNo dedicated hardware is required. Works on all web-connected devices including tablet, Chromebook, iPhone, Android.
    More Pricing Information
    Community Pulse
    AutoCADBricsCADOnshape
    Considered Multiple Products
    Autodesk
    Chose AutoCAD
    AutoCAD has a more user-friendly approach to drawing, and the interface is easy to use and is understandable. BricsCAD is an exact replica of AutoCAD in terms of user commands, however, it is cheaper to license. The industry that we work in, though, expects a certain file type …
    Incentivized
    Chose AutoCAD
    AutoCAD has been around for over 30 years. AutoCAD was one of the first CAD programs that ran on a PC.
    Intergraph ran off a mainframe until MicroStation came in a PC version at a later date. By this time, AutoCAD had a market on smaller companies because of the cost and colleges …
    Incentivized
    Chose AutoCAD
    AutoCAD is the industry best and is well integrated with regular updates and fixes if required. Being very developer friendly and having a huge community of enthusiasts behind takes it miles ahead of the competition. Some might get an edge over price but due to this being an …
    Incentivized
    Hexagon AB
    Chose BricsCAD
    Very cost-effective solution, it even supports pointclouds natively and is something we will investigate further as time goes on and may in fact utilise it to replace AutoCAD with 3rd party add-ins at some point in the future, and we hope it can further reduce costs in the …
    Incentivized
    PTC
    Chose Onshape
    We chose Onshape for its ease of use and ultimately its mobility. Our mobile team wanted to be able to do work anywhere with a solid internet connection, instead of having to rely on bulky and tethered desktop machines or high powered laptops. All of Autodesk's products, while …
    Incentivized
    Chose Onshape
    OnShape is more powerful, user friendly, and versatile than these alternatives.
    Incentivized
    Chose Onshape
    I've used Solidworks for Cad and it is very heavy/intense software. Onshape is lightweight and easy to use. Solidworks has more add-ons like simulation and stress analysis which Onshape doesn't.
    Incentivized
    Key User Insights
    Would buy again
    96%
    Would buy again
    45 Answers
    No answers on this topic
    100%
    Would buy again
    41 Answers
    Delivers good value for the price
    93%
    Delivers good value for the price
    38 Answers
    No answers on this topic
    100%
    Delivers good value for the price
    41 Answers
    Happy with the feature set
    91%
    Happy with the feature set
    43 Answers
    No answers on this topic
    100%
    Happy with the feature set
    41 Answers
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    88%
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    29 Answers
    No answers on this topic
    100%
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    37 Answers
    Implementation went as expected
    95%
    Implementation went as expected
    38 Answers
    No answers on this topic
    100%
    Implementation went as expected
    37 Answers
    Features
    AutoCADBricsCADOnshape
    Computer-Aided Design Software
    Comparison of Computer-Aided Design Software features of AutoCAD and BricsCAD and Onshape
    Feature
    AutoCAD
    7.0
    7 Ratings
    7% below category average
    BricsCAD
    8.4
    1 Ratings
    12% above category average
    Onshape
    -
    Ratings
    3D Modeling6.07 Ratings9.01 Ratings00 Ratings
    2D Drafting8.77 Ratings10.01 Ratings00 Ratings
    Rendering and Visualization6.37 Ratings8.01 Ratings00 Ratings
    Parametric Design7.57 Ratings7.01 Ratings00 Ratings
    Collaboration and Sharing8.77 Ratings00 Ratings00 Ratings
    Compatibility with other software and formats8.77 Ratings9.01 Ratings00 Ratings
    Assembly Design6.77 Ratings00 Ratings00 Ratings
    Simulation and Analysis4.76 Ratings00 Ratings00 Ratings
    Documentation and Annotation7.67 Ratings9.01 Ratings00 Ratings
    Customization and Extensions5.37 Ratings7.01 Ratings00 Ratings
    Best Alternatives
    AutoCADBricsCADOnshape
    Small Businesses
    Onshape
    Score6.4 out of 10
    Onshape
    Score6.4 out of 10
    Autodesk Inventor
    Score8.2 out of 10
    Medium-sized Companies
    Onshape
    Score6.4 out of 10
    Onshape
    Score6.4 out of 10
    DraftSight
    Score8.3 out of 10
    Enterprises
    PTC Creo
    Score7.6 out of 10
    PTC Creo
    Score7.6 out of 10
    PTC Creo
    Score7.6 out of 10
    All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
    User Ratings
    AutoCADBricsCADOnshape
    Likelihood to Recommend
    7.7
    (88 ratings)
    10.0
    (2 ratings)
    9.3
    (61 ratings)
    Likelihood to Renew
    10.0
    (3 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    9.0
    (2 ratings)
    Usability
    8.3
    (9 ratings)
    9.0
    (1 ratings)
    9.0
    (4 ratings)
    Support Rating
    6.9
    (13 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    8.6
    (38 ratings)
    Implementation Rating
    8.0
    (2 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    9.3
    (34 ratings)
    User Testimonials
    AutoCADBricsCADOnshape
    Likelihood to Recommend
    Autodesk
    Once again, for jobs/companies where you are doing a lot of design and modelling of tanks, pipework or filling machine or basic electronics its fantastic as a 3D and 2D modelling tool, however once again when it comes to testing these actual products in the real world, I feel like AutoCAD is let down by its clunky fitting and spec management and also in very limited in-house engineering simulations.
    Read full review
    Hexagon AB
    SMBs who do want to minimse their involvement with expensinve, inconvenient and bloated Autodesk products will find lots to love. The only hinderence is the market share of Autodesk means some 3rd party developers will not support it unfortunately, but it has it's own solutions to many things users of the AutoCAD ecosystem currenrtly rely on.
    Read full review
    PTC
    Onshape shall be used by organizations where cost is a major factor as the license is relatively competitive than the competition. Where Onshape , excels the most is the ability to be operational on any device with internet connection and webbrowser. Onshape doesn't require your hardware to be beefed with Graphic cards (if added better). Where onshape can be better. If they are able to include simulation packages bundled like SOLIDWORKS.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Pros
    Autodesk
    • Compatibility of different file formats, and also exports to different file formats.
    • CLI Commands as well as internal functions which are exposed can be used for automation of various tasks.
    • The new 2025 comes with .NET Core support which helps AutoCAD to connect with Cloud based features.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Hexagon AB
    • 3D Modeling
    • Machine learning / A.I.-assisted feature named PROPAGATE.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    PTC
    • Cloud-based infrastructure and collaboration is a primary benefit.
    • The available documentation is extremely thorough.
    • The ability to integrate with other software for simulation, renderings, etc. is fantastic.
    • Not having to save and being able to clearly see versions and change history is excellent.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Cons
    Autodesk
    • User Interface Customisation: AutoCAD's user interface could benefit from more robust customisation options. Allowing users to rearrange toolbars, menus, and panels according to their specific workflows and preferences would enhance productivity.
    • Enhanced 3D Modeling Tools: While AutoCAD is capable of 3D modeling, it's not as intuitive or feature-rich as dedicated 3D modeling software. Streamlining the process and adding more advanced modeling tools would be a welcome improvement.
    • Enhanced Collaboration and Version Control: AutoCAD could improve its collaboration tools, such as real-time editing and version tracking, to facilitate smoother teamwork, especially in multi-disciplinary projects.
    • Intelligent Object Libraries: AutoCAD could benefit from an expanded and more intelligent library of standard objects and components. This would save time for designers who often have to create custom components from scratch.
    Read full review
    Hexagon AB
    • there is not full compatibility with dynamic blocks but it isn't so bad -we can create them in AutoCAD and use them to some extent anyway
    • it doesn't look as "sexy" and the interface looks kinda orimitive in some screens but the functionality is all there and the some
    • there is the hurdle of users thinking they are getting a lesser product so more marketing pozazz is needed to get the message over it is a very capable product
    Read full review
    PTC
    • Dimensioning a hole feature in a drawing when there are multiple holes, the hole count does not parametrically update. For example, when there are 3x of the same hole, Onshape forces you to manually type in 3x instead of parametrically populating the hole count. This gets very dangerous if say, one of the 3x holes changes but you forget to update the 3x to 2x. Other CAD software does provide this.
    • I know Onshape provides guidance on performance considerations and how to structure a project through their literature, however, a dedicated video from Onshape that directly addresses the guidelines on how to minimize file load and reload times would be beneficial to all future and current Onshape users. I think they should incorporate this directly in their training. Poindexter by Design went through the growing pains of this issue but through the Onshape literature and our own experiences we've developed guidelines on how to keep our Onshape performance maximized!
    Incentivized
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    Likelihood to Renew
    Autodesk
    Because rarely we [would] rather wait for a whole year to update, sometimes the new updates don't bring many new features and we are still ok with the current version. Also the change of interface is always something that takes time for every partner in the company to get comfortable with. So those are the main reasons we may want to keep the same version.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Hexagon AB
    No answers on this topic
    PTC
    Familiarity and ability to work from any location. Also easy to cooperate with potential customers, existing customers, systems users, and fabricating shops. Most of the standard designs are now in On Shape and I would like to continue using it. It is easier to run versions to clarify imrovements to the previous designs
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Usability
    Autodesk
    It is very usable once you understand the program. I believe there is room for improvement in the 2D to 3D modeling capability. We have to use other apps to 3D model and that can be time consuming and sometimes AutoCAD doesn't transfer work that well between apps. They can improve there.
    Read full review
    Hexagon AB
    it's exteremly useable. AutoCAD users will carry over many eisting skills and learn some new ones on the cross over. It's fast adn lightweight meaning ot can be run on just about any PC. The help and support are realy good and problems are usually responded to within a day by experts.
    Read full review
    PTC
    Onshape is great software and I have no trouble recommending it to CAD users and companies that need to do design work
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Support Rating
    Autodesk
    AutoCAD has the issue of crashing or slowing down the design procedure once a heavy design that includes several disciplines or multiple families/blocks is involved. Customer services gets the feedback from the crash reports but this issue seems like it has never been addressed in the software updates past several years.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Hexagon AB
    No answers on this topic
    PTC
    Been fairly standard experience with support team. Issues have always been addressed, but is understandably focused on business side applications which typically has different issues than education applications. I have very few IT issues with the design side of the software, my issues are more often with the control of users and access
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Online Training
    Autodesk
    No answers on this topic
    Hexagon AB
    No answers on this topic
    PTC
    I might be biased by coming from using three different CAD softwares in the past, so I already understood many modeling concepts, but the training OS offers is really good. Videos are clear, they explain operations in good detail and besides that OS has a really good help system that explains even more how every tool works.
    Incentivized
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    Implementation Rating
    Autodesk
    the implementation was realy easy , to set up our workstation we pay for the licenses we are about to use , there was a little bit of delay to get the payment processed to receive the serial but after that the install runs without any problem , so you can fell secure there will be not issue with the implementation.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Hexagon AB
    No answers on this topic
    PTC
    Onshape is revolutionary. Its advantage is that it can be used without having to download it. You are free to work wherever you want. This means that even if you take a vacation or attend a family event, your work will not be interrupted. You can still bring your work and complete it quickly.
    Incentivized
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    Alternatives Considered
    Autodesk
    I use Revit far more than I use AutoCAD. AutoCAD is great for simple linework, but even then I will often create the lines in Revit and then export to AutoCAD for final touches and printing. AutoCAD is a bit easier for large-format prints, which is why I almost always end up using it after starting in Revit.
    Incentivized
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    Hexagon AB
    Very cost-effective solution, it even supports pointclouds natively and is something we will investigate further as time goes on and may in fact utilise it to replace AutoCAD with 3rd party add-ins at some point in the future, and we hope it can further reduce costs in the long-run as it continues to develop and mature.
    Read full review
    PTC
    I have used SOLIDWORKS for over four years, and the vault system is time intensive for control of design history, and revision management. I have used Pro-E for over four years, and this has the capability but is not user-friendly. Not needing high-end computers is another great reason to choose Onshape
    Incentivized
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    Return on Investment
    Autodesk
    • As an educational institute there are no overall business objectives.
    • As a negative, the licensing is expensive and we have to limit the number of computers we put it on.
    • As a positive, many of our students will have a leg up when entering into programs or companies that use this software.
    Incentivized
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    Hexagon AB
    • Evaluation and budget management
    • Better monitoring of projects
    • Respect of execution deadlines
    Incentivized
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    PTC
    • Super fast idea to concept parts and prototypes
    • So easy to share things with co-workers or higher management that I do it all the time
    • No, IT support is needed so no IT cost and no hassle working with in-house IT and their way of doing things
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    ScreenShots