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【2025】Fusion 360 vs SolidWorks: Leading 3D CAD Software Comparison

When it comes to 3D CAD software, there are a lot of different options to choose from. In this article, we will compare two of the most popular options: Fusion 360 and SolidWorks. Keep reading to learn more about the features of each software, as well as the pricing and user feedback.

By the end, you should have a good idea of which 3D CAD solution is right for you!

What Is Fusion 360?

Leading 3D CAD Software Comparison

Source: Autodesk Fusion 360

Fusion 360 is CAD software that offers a wide range of features for both 2D and 3D design. Designed with ease of use in mind, it offers a variety of tools to make the design process as smooth as possible. A key feature of Fusion 360 is its parametric modelling capability, which allows you to make changes to your design without having to start from scratch.

This is a huge advantage over other CAD software as it can save you a lot of time and frustration. Fusion 360 also offers a wide range of simulation and analysis tools to help you test your design before you start the manufacturing process.

More information on Fusion 360 is available in this article.

【2024】How to Use Fusion 360: A Beginner’s Guide to Getting Started

What Is SolidWorks?

SolidWorks

SolidWorks is another CAD software program that is popular among designers and engineers. It offers a similar range of features to Fusion 360, including parametric modeling and simulations.

However, one of the key advantages of SolidWorks is its assembly modeling capability, which allows you to create complex models by assembling individual parts. This can be a great time-saver, as it eliminates the need to design each part separately. SolidWorks also offers a range of collaboration tools to help you work with other team members on your design.

Read more about SolidWorks in this article.

What is SolidWorks: A Beginner’s Guide to Getting Started

Fusion 360 vs SolidWorks Price Comparison

Fusion 360 and SolidWorks both offer subscription-based pricing models. This means that you can cancel your subscription at any time. As you can see below, SolidWorks is more expensive than Fusion 360 regardless of the plan you choose.

How Much Does Fusion 360 Cost?

There are a variety of options when paying for Fusion 360, as well as the generous free subscription offerings for personal use, students, educators, and small start-ups.

If you do not qualify for the free options, you can still try Fusion 360 for 30 days at no cost before committing to one of the subscriptions below. (Note: Pricing is accurate as of the time of writing this article.)

 

Monthly: $70

Annually: $545 (35% compared to monthly price)

3 Years: $1,555 (38% compared to monthly price)

How Much Does SolidWorks Cost?

While Fusion 360 is more inclusive when it comes to home users and educators, SolidWorks is specifically designed to provide comprehensive CAD solutions for industry professionals, which is reflected in the pricing of the software. Two pricing options are currently offered – subscription and perpetual – and they vary depending on the tools and industries for which the software is customised. Below is the pricing for the standard version.

At the time of writing, the annual subscription price is approximately $2,797 per year, which includes all software updates and upgrades released during the licence period.

The current price for the perpetual licence is approximately $4,195, which includes the right to use all software updates and upgrades released during the first 12 months after purchase. After the initial 12 months, you can purchase annual maintenance to continue receiving software updates and upgrades.

More information on the SolidWorks price range can be found in this article.

SolidWorks Price List 2024: Pricing by license and how to buy

Fusion 360 vs SolidWorks Comparing Key Features

Let’s compare various features between Fusion 360 and SolidWorks.

Modeling

Fusion 360

Fusion 360 has different modelling environments such as surface modelling, solid modelling and mesh modelling. SolidWorks offers solid modelling, surface modelling and assembly modelling.

In addition, Fusion 360 offers a wide range of modelling capabilities, including parametric, direct, and sculptural modelling. This gives you great flexibility in designing your models. Fusion 360 also offers mesh modelling, which is a great way to create organic shapes.

SOLIDWORKS

SolidWorks also offers a wide range of modelling capabilities, including parametric and direct modelling. However, one of the key advantages of SolidWorks is its assembly modelling capability, which allows you to create complex models by assembling individual parts.

Fusion 360 is ideal for product design because of its wide range of modelling capabilities. SolidWorks is ideal for engineering design as it offers a wide range of assembly modelling capabilities.

Cloud Accessibility

Fusion 360 is a cloud-based CAD software, which means that all of your designs are stored online. This can be a great advantage, as it makes it easy to access your files from any location. It also makes it easy to collaborate with other team members, as you can simply share a link to your design.

SolidWorks is not a cloud-based CAD software, which means your files are stored locally on your computer. This can be advantageous if you are working with sensitive data, since your files are not accessible to anyone else.

Simulations

Fusion 360 Simulation

Source: Autodesk Fusion 360

SolidWorks Simulation

Source: SolidWorks

Fusion 360 and SolidWorks offer a range of simulation and analysis tools that can be a great way to test your design before you start the manufacturing process. Fusion 360 is more focused on CFD and FEA simulations, while SolidWorks is more focused on structural and thermal simulations.

It is worth noting that SolidWorks is more powerful overall when it comes to running simulations on models and assemblies, whereas you would have to pay for cloud credits to run simulations in Fusion 360.

CNC Programming

CNC Programming by Solidworks

Source: https://www.SolidWorks.com/partner-product/solidcam

CNC Programming by Fusion 360

Source: Autodesk Fusion 360

Fusion 360 includes a CNC programming interface that allows you to generate G-code for your CNC machine. This can be a great time saver as it eliminates the need to manually program your CNC machine. SolidWorks does not provide a CNC programming interface, which means you must use additional CAM software to generate G-code.

SolidWorks does offer a CAM interface as a premium feature, available only with the highest level subscription plan, SolidCAM. SolidCAM is a powerful CAD/CAM software that offers a wide range of capabilities, including CNC programming, 3D milling and engraving. There are also several third-party CAM solutions that integrate with SolidWorks at a more affordable price.

Manufacturing

Both Fusion 360 and SolidWorks offer a wide range of manufacturing capabilities. These include CAD tools for designing parts and assemblies, and CAM tools for generating CNC code. Fusion 360 also offers a wide range of 3D printing capabilities, which can be a great way to prototype your designs.

Manufacturing by Solidworks

Source: https://www.SolidWorks.com/product/SolidWorks-cam

SolidWorks has the Print3D tool that can be used to simulate and generate STL files for 3D printing. In addition, SolidWorks has an add-on, SolidWorks CAM, that can be used to create CNC programs for milling and turning operations. SolidWorks also has enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions for manufacturing, which can be used to streamline your manufacturing process.

Rendering

Both Fusion 360 and SolidWorks offer rendering capabilities that allow you to create photorealistic images of your designs. Fusion 360 offers a wide range of rendering capabilities, including materials, lighting and environment. SolidWorks also offers a wide range of rendering capabilities, including materials, lighting, and environment, but requires the PhotoView 360 add-on.

Fusion 360 gives you the option to render your designs locally on your computer or through their cloud service, which requires you to pay for credits. The latter option is ideal if you are rendering large or complex designs that would normally take a long time to render locally. This can be a great time saver as you do not have to wait for your design to render.

SolidWorks only provides the ability to render designs locally.

Animation

Both Fusion 360 and SolidWorks offer animation capabilities that allow you to create animated videos of your design. Animation features include keyframing, path animation, and constraints.

Fusion 360 uses the Transform tool in the animation environment to create linear, rotational, and scaled animations. In SolidWorks, the Motion Manager tool is used to create animations from the initial position to the desired animation position.

Design Collaboration

Fusion 360 offers a wide range of design collaboration features, including commenting, versioning, and sharing. This can be a great way to work on your design with others, as it allows you to easily track changes and share your work.

SolidWorks also offers a wide range of design collaboration features, including commenting, versioning, and sharing. By using SolidWorks. FeatureManager, you can comment on design features, which can be a great way to provide feedback on specific aspects of the design.

Fusion 360 vs SolidWorks User Feedback

Both Fusion 360 and SolidWorks have received positive feedback from users. However, there are some key differences in the feedback received by each programme.

Fusion 360 has been praised for its user-friendly interface, wide range of features and affordable price. However, some users have complained about its stability and occasional crashes.

SolidWorks has also been praised for its wide range of features and ability to model assemblies. However, some users have found it to be expensive and have complained about its learning curve.

Should You Choose Fusion 360 or SolidWorks?

Fusion 360 is a CAD/CAM software that has a lot to offer both new and experienced users. It is less expensive than SolidWorks, but is still a powerful program that can compete with its more popular rival. In addition, the learning curve for Fusion 360 is easier than for SolidWorks, making it a great option for those just starting out in 3D CAD/CAM design.

However, SolidWorks has more features than Fusion 360 and may be a better option for experienced professionals who have the budget for either the subscription or perpetual licence. Ultimately, the choice of software depends on your needs and budget.

AutoCAD is the other recommended tool for 3DCG production. It has a simple user interface and is compatible with a variety of platforms, including desktops, tablets and browsers.

You can learn more about how to use AutoCAD in this seminar, which will enable you to utilise AutoCAD in your work in two days.

Fusion 360 and SolidWorks FAQs

Here we answer frequently asked questions about Fusion 360 and SolidWorks.

Which software is better for CAD?

There is no clear answer to the question of which software is better for CAD. It depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for an affordable program with an easy-to-use interface, Fusion 360 would be a good choice. If you are looking for a program with a wider range of features and the ability to model assemblies, then SolidWorks would be a good choice.

How much does Fusion 360 cost?

Fusion 360 is available for a subscription of $70 per month. There is also a three-year free trial available for personal license.

How much does SolidWorks cost?

SolidWorks is available for a subscription of $2,797 per year. There is also a short free trial available.

What are some other popular CAD software to compare?

Other popular CAD software include Autodesk Inventor, PTC Creo, and Siemens NX.