October 27, 2022
Fusion 360 vs SOLIDWORKS: Which is The Better CAD Software?
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Which One is Right For You in 2022? Fusion 360 vs SOLIDWORKS
If you are in the market for CAD software, you may be wondering whether Fusion 360 or SOLIDWORKS is the better choice. Both programs have their pros and cons, so it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. In this blog post, we will compare Fusion 360 vs SOLIDWORKS head-to-head and help you decide which program is best for your needs.
Let’s take a quick look at each software:
Developed by Autodesk, Fusion 360 is relatively new to the market. It is a multi-component part system that combines parametric, direct, and mesh modeling tools. It’s also cloud-based, promoting collaboration for remote teams. While it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of SOLIDWORKS, its user-friendly interface makes it much easier to learn.
SOLIDWORKS, developed by Dassault Systèmes is among one of the industry standards in 3D CAD software with over 2 million active users. It’s an assembly-oriented, parametric program that offers advanced features for professionals such as a robust and complex customizable interface, geared toward experienced users. However, its steep learning curve can be discouraging for beginners.
Pricing & Licensing: Fusion 360 vs SOLIDWORKS
The first thing we want to talk about is pricing & requirements because let’s face it, engineers are always looking for ways to save money. Fusion 360 is offered as a subscription service, which includes access to the software, updates, and cloud storage as well as options for free hobbyist and student licenses. SOLIDWORKS is also a subscription service, (with the option for a perpetual license if you only need it on a short-term basis) however, it’s going to set you back a lot more.
Fusion 360 Pricing & Licensing:
- Fusion 360 starts at $409/year (or as low as $70/month) which includes all 3D modeling, CAD, CAM, CAE functionality and more.
- Fusion 360 also offers a completely free non-commercial version for hobbyists, students, and qualifying start-ups!
- Fusion 360 has an assortment of paid extensions to further enhance the functionality if you require a little more than what is out of the box.
SOLIDWORKS Pricing & Licensing:
- SOLIDWORKS has three versions:
- Standard which costs $4,195/annually with a $1,295 maintenance fee for technical support, upgrades and more.
- Professional which costs $5,764/annually with a $1,295 maintenance fee for technical support, upgrades and more.
- Premium which costs $8,395/annually with a $1,295 maintenance fee for technical support, upgrades and more.
- SOLIDWORKS education version runs you $99/year.
Image courtesy of autodesk.com
Core Features: SOLIDWORKS vs Fusion 360
Now let’s talk about what everyone cares most about, features. Fusion 360 is a cloud-based 3D CAD software that out of the box offers a wide range of features such as sculpting, simulation, CAM, and collaboration. However, SOLIDWORKS is more widely used in industry so there is a larger pool of knowledge, which is geared more towards industry experts offering much more complex modeling and part documentation.
SOLIDWORKS Core Features:
- SOLIDWORKS is geared more toward experienced users. It has a richer set of features and more customization options. However, this can also make it more complex to use.
- SOLIDWORKS uses direct modeling making it better suited for working with complex models.
- SOLIDWORKS has an edge when it comes to assembly modeling and working with large assemblies. This makes it a better choice for designing products that have multiple parts or components.
- SOLIDWORKS animation tools are more robust, making it a better choice if you need to create highly detailed animations or renderings.
- SOLIDWORKS has better part documentation features, making it easier to create accurate drawings and BOMs (bill of materials).
- SOLIDWORKS also has a much more powerful simulation, offering linear and nonlinear analysis, dynamic loading, and more.
Fusion 360 Core Features:
- Fusion 360 is a cloud-based program and can be accessed from anywhere with very little hardware requirements, while SOLIDWORKS requires a local installation.
- Fusion 360 uses parametric modeling meaning it’s more versatile when it comes to making changes to your designs.
- Fusion 360 has integrated simulation and CAM tools. This means that you can test your designs and create manufacturing plans directly in Fusion 360, without the need for any additional software.
- Fusion 360 offers very easy to use simulation capabilities as well as 3D printing implementation.
Image courtesy of solidworks.com
Both Fusion 360 and SOLIDWORKS offer excellent 3D CAD features and capabilities. SOLIDWORKS has an edge when it comes to advanced modeling and working with large assemblies as well as drawing. This makes it a better choice for designing products that have multiple parts or components. However, Fusion 360 excels at sculpting, organic modeling, and converting 3D models into 2D drawings (a process that can be quite tedious in SOLIDWORKS). This makes it ideal for product design that relies heavily on aesthetics, such as consumer electronics or furniture.
Usability: Fusion 360 vs SOLIDWORKS
One of the main differences between Fusion 360 and SOLIDWORKS is the ease of use. SOLIDWORKS is a high-end parametric modeler, which means it’s designed to be used by engineers and other highly technical users. It provides a robust set of customization options making it more flexible, however, this can also make it somewhat challenging for new users to learn.
Fusion 360 on the other hand, has a much more modern interface that is more user-friendly and intuitive than SOLIDWORKS. Also being cloud-based, it allows for collaboration with others in real-time and isn’t nearly as hardware intensive. It’s designed to be used by anyone, regardless of their prior experience with CAD software and is generally considered to be the easier of the two programs to learn and use.
Fusion 360 vs SOLIDWORKS: Final Thoughts
So… which one should YOU choose? If you’re just starting out with CAD software, then Fusion 360 is probably a better choice because it’s more affordable and has a cleaner interface. However, if you’re already familiar with another CAD package or you need specific functionality, and higher-end modeling that isn’t available in Fusion 360 yet, then SOLIDWORKS might be a better fit. No matter what you choose though, both packages allow you to create complex designs quickly and easily… so really, it just comes down to personal preference in the end.
Fusion 360 vs SOLIDWORKS – Side by side
| Fusion 360 | SOLIDWORKS |
|---|---|
| Fusion 360 is more intuitive, modern and easy to learn | SOLIDWORKS is less intuitive, and can be overwhelming for beginners |
| Fusion 360 is very versatile, but struggles with imported data | SOLIDWORKS has strong tools for exporting & imported data |
| Fusion 360 animation and rendering is more robust out of the box | SOLIDWORKS requires addons for comprehensive rendering and animation |
| Fusion 360 has basic simulation & analysis | SOLIDWORKS has very robust and technical simulation & analysis |
| Fusion 360 is subscription based, but very affordable, with options for free licenses | SOLIDWORKS offers perpetual licenses, but is much more expensive |
Fusion 360 is more intuitive, modern, and easy to learn
Fusion 360 is very versatile, but struggles with imported data
Fusion 360 animation and rendering is more robust out of the box
Fusion 360 has basic simulation & analysis
Fusion 360 is subscription based, but very affordable, with options for free licenses
SOLIDWORKS is less intuitive, and can be overwhelming for beginners
SOLIDWORKS has strong tools for exporting & imported data
SOLIDWORKS requires addons for comprehensive rendering and animation
SOLIDWORKS has very robust and technical simulation & analysis
SOLIDWORKS offers perpetual licenses, but is much more expensive
Not sold on either? Why not take a look at another industry-leading CAD modeling software we’re quite partial to, Creo 9!
TriStar PLM Solutions welcomes questions. Feel free to CONTACT US if you can’t find what you’re looking for, or call us at 800-800-1714
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