sketchup-vs-solidworks

SketchUp and SOLIDWORKS are both popular Computer-Aided Design (CAD) programs on Both products have over 100 ratings and 35 reviews each. 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 SketchUp users are from smaller businesses or architecture firms. 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

SketchUp’s feature set can differ depending on which version you choose: SketchUp Free, SketchUp Shop, Sketchup Pro, SketUp Studio, SketchUp for Web, Enterprise, and SketchUp Studio for Education. There are even more industry and use-case specific versions available as well. SketchUp’s major selling point seems to be customization to users’ needs. For B2B software purposes, Sketchup Pro, SketchUp Studio, and Enterprise seem to provide the most business-ready offering.  They all focus on 3D modeling and exporting projects in HD for facilitating easy collaboration.

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. 

Limitations

SketchUp is considered one of the easiest CAD programs to jump into, however, it is not without some criticisms from users. Interestingly, while it is said to be easy-to-use, it’s actual functionality is difficult. SketchUp can be seen as clunky or lack the finesse of other CAD software. For more advanced projects, SketchUp may not be the best fit. 

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

SketchUp is gaining popularity with CAD users because it has a web-based version available completely for free. Its next non-student offering starts at $119/yr. Its next plan most suitable for businesses that will be using SketchUp as a team starts at $299/yr. Students still enrolled in institutions of higher education can gain access to SketchUp for as little as $55/yr. Teams requiring more than 10 licenses may benefit from special pricing, but sales must be contacted to get more information. 

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.