rhinoceros-3d-vs-solidworks

PTC Creo and SOLIDWORKS are both Computer-Aided Design (CAD) programs. In terms of popularity, SOLIDWORKS wins, but PTC Creo is gaining velocity in this space. Looking at the category as a whole, compared to most SaaS platforms, CAD software has been around for several decades. And while CAD software is most commonly used for engineering and architectural purposes, it has a growing variety of applications.

On TrustRadius, most PTC Creo reviewers are enterprises. It also appears to be particularly popular with mechanical or industrial engineers. In addition to being a CAD tool, SOLIDWORKS, also functions as simulation software. Simulation software can be used to evaluate, optimize, and compare product designs meant for real-world applications in a computer-generated environment. On TrustRadius, most of its users are from mid-sized construction companies. 

Features

SOLIDWORKS comes from Dassault Systemes, a French software company that specializes in design and Product Lifecycle Management software. SOLIDWORKS features several sub-products that cover a wide variety of specialties and capabilities. Whereas Draftsight focuses more on CAD specifically, SOLIDWORKS, as previously mentioned, supports simulation, product configurator, product data management, and technical communication. Its design capabilities support 2D and 3D design, CAM, electrical design, and visualization, with collaboration tools for team projects. 

PTC Creo’s primary use case is for 3D modeling. It is available in a considerable number of languages. PTC Creo integrates well with other programs in the PTC family such as Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) or PTC Mathcad. PTC Creo is considered a direct competitor to SOLIDWORKS, so trying out demos or free trials of these tools is a must if they match your final two. 

Limitations

Some common criticisms of PTC Creo are its user interface and ease of use. It may have a bit of a learning curve. It may not also be the most affordable, especially in comparison to SOLIDWORKS.

Critiques of SOLIDWORKS share common themes with most CAD software in that it can be resource-intensive and slow performance. Additionally, it may be more expensive than competitor products. While it excels at electrical applications, it may also not be so suited for certain industries like aerospace and automotive. 

Pricing

Exact PTC Creo pricing is only available from their sales team. However, buyers can try free trials of PTC Creo and other PTC products. Pricing typically ranges from $1,000 to $3,00 for starting packages, much similar to SOLIDWORKS. 

SOLIDWORKS buyers have 5 different pricing models from which to choose: Commercial, Academia, Research, Students, and Entrepreneurs & Startups. Buyers can directly purchase the Student edition for $99 as a 1-year license. Pricing for other tiers requires buyers to contact the SOLIDWORKS sales team.