Autodesk AEC Collection vs. Dropbox vs. SmartVault

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
Autodesk AEC Collection
Score 8.5 out of 10
N/A
The AEC Collection provides a set of BIM and CAD tools supported by a cloud-based common data environment that facilitates project delivery from early-stage design through to construction. The bundle includes popular Autodesk tools such as Revit, AutoCAD, FormIT, and Navisworks Manage, with access to 12 integrated CAD and BIM tools.
$435
per month
Dropbox
Score 8.5 out of 10
N/A
Dropbox is a cloud storage solution, equipped with features that help users to save time, improve productivity, and collaborate with others. Users can edit PDFs, share videos, sign documents, and collaborate with stakeholders without leaving Dropbox.
$9.99
per month
SmartVault
Score 6.7 out of 10
N/A
SmartVault is a file syncing and sharing option from the Houston based company of the same name.
$16
per user/per month
Pricing
Autodesk AEC CollectionDropboxSmartVault
Editions & Modules
AEC Collection - Monthly Subscription
$435
per month per user
AEC Collection - Yearly Subscription
$3,465
per year per user
AEC Collection - 3-Year Subscription
$10,395
3 years per user
Plus
$9.99
per month
Essentials
$18
per month
Business
$20
per month per user
Business Plus
$26
per month per user
Basic
Free
Starter
$16
per user/per month
Professional
$20
per user/per month
Accounting Pro
$40
per user/per month
Enterprise
Contact sales team
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
Autodesk AEC CollectionDropboxSmartVault
Free Trial
YesNoNo
Free/Freemium Version
NoNoNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoNoNo
Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup feeNo setup fee
Additional Details
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
Autodesk AEC CollectionDropboxSmartVault
Considered Multiple Products
Autodesk AEC Collection

No answer on this topic

Dropbox
Chose Dropbox
Dropbox is comparable. I use Dropbox because that is what my employer chose to use for the company.
SmartVault
Chose SmartVault
Sales team was responsive, price was good, functionality was acceptable
Features
Autodesk AEC CollectionDropboxSmartVault
Computer-Aided Design Software
Comparison of Computer-Aided Design Software features of Product A and Product B
Autodesk AEC Collection
9.4
1 Ratings
24% above category average
Dropbox
-
Ratings
SmartVault
-
Ratings
3D Modeling10.01 Ratings00 Ratings00 Ratings
2D Drafting10.01 Ratings00 Ratings00 Ratings
Rendering and Visualization10.01 Ratings00 Ratings00 Ratings
Parametric Design9.01 Ratings00 Ratings00 Ratings
Collaboration and Sharing10.01 Ratings00 Ratings00 Ratings
Compatibility with other software and formats8.01 Ratings00 Ratings00 Ratings
Assembly Design10.01 Ratings00 Ratings00 Ratings
Simulation and Analysis8.01 Ratings00 Ratings00 Ratings
Documentation and Annotation10.01 Ratings00 Ratings00 Ratings
Customization and Extensions9.01 Ratings00 Ratings00 Ratings
File Sharing & Management
Comparison of File Sharing & Management features of Product A and Product B
Autodesk AEC Collection
-
Ratings
Dropbox
8.4
1348 Ratings
1% above category average
SmartVault
8.3
2 Ratings
0% below category average
Versioning00 Ratings8.51121 Ratings00 Ratings
Video files00 Ratings8.11100 Ratings00 Ratings
Audio files00 Ratings8.6996 Ratings00 Ratings
Document collaboration00 Ratings8.31169 Ratings10.01 Ratings
Access control00 Ratings8.91246 Ratings5.02 Ratings
File search00 Ratings7.91291 Ratings10.01 Ratings
Device sync00 Ratings8.11240 Ratings00 Ratings
Cloud Storage Security & Administration
Comparison of Cloud Storage Security & Administration features of Product A and Product B
Autodesk AEC Collection
-
Ratings
Dropbox
8.8
1277 Ratings
2% above category average
SmartVault
7.0
2 Ratings
21% below category average
User and role management00 Ratings8.71138 Ratings9.01 Ratings
File organization00 Ratings8.81258 Ratings5.02 Ratings
Device management00 Ratings8.81119 Ratings00 Ratings
Cloud Storage Platform
Comparison of Cloud Storage Platform features of Product A and Product B
Autodesk AEC Collection
-
Ratings
Dropbox
8.7
1267 Ratings
1% above category average
SmartVault
5.0
2 Ratings
53% below category average
Performance00 Ratings8.41256 Ratings5.02 Ratings
Reliability00 Ratings9.11263 Ratings5.02 Ratings
Storage Reports00 Ratings8.7963 Ratings00 Ratings
Best Alternatives
Autodesk AEC CollectionDropboxSmartVault
Small Businesses
Onshape
Onshape
Score 7.6 out of 10
SugarSync
SugarSync
Score 4.1 out of 10
SugarSync
SugarSync
Score 4.1 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
Onshape
Onshape
Score 7.6 out of 10
Druva Security Cloud
Druva Security Cloud
Score 9.4 out of 10
Druva Security Cloud
Druva Security Cloud
Score 9.4 out of 10
Enterprises
Rhino
Rhino
Score 8.4 out of 10
Druva Security Cloud
Druva Security Cloud
Score 9.4 out of 10
Druva Security Cloud
Druva Security Cloud
Score 9.4 out of 10
All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
User Ratings
Autodesk AEC CollectionDropboxSmartVault
Likelihood to Recommend
10.0
(4 ratings)
8.6
(1348 ratings)
1.0
(2 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
10.0
(1 ratings)
8.2
(41 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Usability
8.0
(1 ratings)
8.1
(496 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Availability
-
(0 ratings)
6.8
(3 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Performance
-
(0 ratings)
6.0
(8 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Support Rating
-
(0 ratings)
6.6
(38 ratings)
2.0
(1 ratings)
Online Training
-
(0 ratings)
8.2
(2 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Implementation Rating
-
(0 ratings)
7.5
(4 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Configurability
-
(0 ratings)
6.4
(1 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Product Scalability
-
(0 ratings)
6.6
(4 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
User Testimonials
Autodesk AEC CollectionDropboxSmartVault
Likelihood to Recommend
Autodesk
If you are a commercial contractor or subcontractor, Autodesk AEC Collection, along with other Autodesk software is a must. There is no other way to design estimate and plan large construction. For residential construction, It may not be as necessary but it could still be useful if your primary construction projects are new builds rather than renovations.
Read full review
Dropbox
Dropbox is well suited for sending File Requests to clients to upload documents, and for me to send File Transfers to clients with documents for them to download. I can create separate files for each client, and also create files within files, which is very convenient and useful for my business purposes. In Dropbox I can also see all of the File Requests that I have sent and it shows me how many times they've accessed it and how many files they uploaded. I can also see all of the File Transfers that I have made and whether how many times the client has accessed it and how many documents were downloaded. It also sends me notifications if the clients haven't downloaded their files yet so I can remind them. Dropbox Sign has been very easy to use, and I have already stated what could be changed with it
Read full review
SmartVault Corporation
SmartVault sends out a cover letter with the tax returns that includes a link for them to download their tax returns, avoiding the insecurity of an email attachment. It does not include a statement retrieval feature but does work very nicely with a third-party app called FileThis. The majority of the users in the office have not been able to install the Outlook plug-in due to "a certificate error." In five years, SmartVault has not addressed this issue.
Read full review
Pros
Autodesk
  • Collaboration with multiple users and
  • Software for Computer Assisted Design
  • Saving and Documentation of Plans and Blueprints
Read full review
Dropbox
  • I can share projects I need feedback on.
  • I can make projects available to editors so that they can do their work.
  • Dropbox is a place where I can store files that I can access from anywhere, even if I don't have my laptop with me at the time.
  • I have an old friend who is an acting professor in Tokyo. He loves the dialogue that I write in my novels. He converts chapters into scenework for his acting students. They get very excited when there's new material!
Read full review
SmartVault Corporation
  • Easy navigation
  • Email notifications
  • Document previews
Read full review
Cons
Autodesk
  • Revit is limited in its use for civil engineering and landscape architecture.
  • There are bugs due to the complex nature of the software.
  • Use of software requires the latest high-tech computers.
Read full review
Dropbox
  • Admid Control Can feels little basic it can be improve by easy access quick tabs for important button.
  • Smart sync behaviour can be little confusing it can be improve by displaying more futuristic way
  • Pricing and storage facility can be improve for really more demanding for a tool can be imporve.
Read full review
SmartVault Corporation
  • They have cut back on support as have many SaaS companies recently.
  • The documentation can sometimes be a little difficult to follow.
Read full review
Likelihood to Renew
Autodesk
I gave a rating of 10 because, thus far, Autodesk AEC Collection Seems to be on the leading edge for what is required for the construction planning, implementation, and continued of real-world assets. Autodesk has been a great benefit for our organization and has allowed us to continue to improve not only ourselves but the people we work with. We have been using Autodesk AEC Collection for a number of years and hope to continue for a long time coming.
Read full review
Dropbox
Dropbox is a user-friendly, easy tool which requires little to no skill and they offer a free version with a good amount of storage available. There are other file sharing tools available however at a cost. Dropbox free version I have used for years and it serves every purpose I need.
Read full review
SmartVault Corporation
No answers on this topic
Usability
Autodesk
The software has a significant learning curve. You also must know and understand construction standards and codes. Each member of our BIM team has spent 10+ years in construction and has had years of software training. The software also requires powerful computers to render the models. Without a BIM focused gpu and processor, the software will seem less usable when in reality, the computer is not capable of running the software properly
Read full review
Dropbox
It works extremely well, and we have never had any issues with connecting or sharing files. It's very easy to use, and any team member can share, add, and delete files to a virtual drive. This is extremely helpful, and it's an amazing tool to use, ensuring everyone can connect and work together effectively.
Read full review
SmartVault Corporation
No answers on this topic
Reliability and Availability
Autodesk
No answers on this topic
Dropbox
I really recommend the product for the Dropbox availability is a great having very very less downtimes, they errors are less I have been faced yet, due to connectivity sometimes we are getting errors. Only sometimes the limitations of some features show some errors.
Read full review
SmartVault Corporation
No answers on this topic
Performance
Autodesk
No answers on this topic
Dropbox
Dropbox is really useful, you can access any file from anywhere and you can upload and even edit files online, but, sometimes it can be slow. Downloading, uploading, and syncing is a bit slow, it can take several minutes. Furthermore, the search engine for large amounts of data can be slow too and it is not powerful.
Read full review
SmartVault Corporation
No answers on this topic
Support Rating
Autodesk
No answers on this topic
Dropbox
They immediately responded like in an example that I gave where one of our staff members accidentally deleted the whole Special Hope Network Dropbox, we immediately contacted Dropbox they walked us through the steps of how to retrieve the information and luckily enough we were able to retrieve the entire Dropbox and we have had back and forth with Dropbox on what to do when an employee leaves how to remove them how to add another employee.
Read full review
SmartVault Corporation
Reaching someone is more difficult than it should be. Also, they don't take possession of known issues always suggesting it is a local PC issue in initial conversations. That, of course, can be frustrating for the end-user.
Read full review
In-Person Training
Autodesk
No answers on this topic
Dropbox
The person for corporate product dealing and knowledge of the product explore and better and secure use are properly handover to us. Also provide full software and tool training from the basic to the pro level with each and every possible explanation. Provide many sessions regarding every doubt. Also Guide better suitable options for our business to migrate and integrate for the expansion in all places employee smoothly.
Read full review
SmartVault Corporation
No answers on this topic
Online Training
Autodesk
No answers on this topic
Dropbox
I did not personally take any training for Dropbox so I am self taught but I know when our Vice President selected Dropbox, he personally did do some training modules on it and I'm assuming it was very easy and simple to understand since he now acts like he is a pro at it!
Read full review
SmartVault Corporation
No answers on this topic
Implementation Rating
Autodesk
No answers on this topic
Dropbox
I needed to stay current in improving my daily operations. Dropbox
was suggested to me by a former colleague two-years ago and I've been using it just fine ever since.
Read full review
SmartVault Corporation
No answers on this topic
Alternatives Considered
Autodesk
Other products that have been used include Civil Designer and Model Maker for civil services. Other products for structural designs include aq product called "SEDA" These products are not included in the listings.
Read full review
Dropbox
I prefer the layout and visual aspect of Dropbox as it mirrors my files on my computer. I feel that I am more organized, and it's easier to find my files in Dropbox than it was with Google Drive.
Read full review
SmartVault Corporation
Sales team was responsive, price was good, functionality was acceptable
Read full review
Contract Terms and Pricing Model
Autodesk
No answers on this topic
Dropbox
I would recommend to this product directly to the sales team of Dropbox for the best deal provide to my referred person and provide the best service to them.
Read full review
SmartVault Corporation
No answers on this topic
Scalability
Autodesk
No answers on this topic
Dropbox
It's easy to integrate with the systems of Windows and Linux, easy to have web versions accessible, which provide the web login credentials. Also, it can be installed for individuals for the best autosync features.
Read full review
SmartVault Corporation
No answers on this topic
Professional Services
Autodesk
No answers on this topic
Dropbox
Their services are highly rated for moving massive, complex data sets from legacy on-premise servers to the cloud with minimal downtime.
Read full review
SmartVault Corporation
No answers on this topic
Return on Investment
Autodesk
  • Positive impact on collaboration between disciplines.
  • Products are the industry standard, which allows for collaboration with other firms.
Read full review
Dropbox
  • When it works (usually if a client already has Dropbox, so they don't get the solicitation to sign up), it works flawlessly.
  • I've had multiple clients not see the "continue with download only" at the bottom and email me to resend the media another way because they don't have a Dropbox account.
Read full review
SmartVault Corporation
  • has made sharing documents with large numbers of clients easier
  • has forced us into using their service, or spending time to find a better alternative, in my experience.
  • Speaking personally the product has cost us several thousand dollars over predicted budget costs for a 3-year projection
Read full review
ScreenShots

Dropbox Screenshots

Screenshot of the action bar, that sits across the browser page can be used to record the screen, edit PDFs, upload files, create folders, get signatures, or send and track documents.Screenshot of Dropbox Replay, that lets collaborators leave frame-accurate feedback and markups directly on project files.Screenshot of Dropbox Capture, which can be used to take screen recordings, screenshots, and GIFs with one click and share them with a link.Screenshot of the interface where Dropbox lets users upload, edit, send, and sign PDFs in one place.