SolidWorks and Onshape are 3D modeling software. SolidWorks is cheaper for students who want to keep their designs as intellectual property.If you want to learn 3D CAD, Onshape Free is better than SolidWorks since it’s free.Here is my quick verdict for particular uses: This article compares SolidWorks and Onshape over capabilities, offline vs cloud-based, features, user interface, add-ons, price, and system requirements. I also recommend an alternative software to both options at the end. Overall, SolidWorks and Onshape suit you if you have a small business, a company designing simple products, or are a student learning CAD. Mastercam is one of the most powerful CAD/CAM packages, but it wasn’t right for me. Five years ago, I went down that road and tried learning CAD with Mastercam. They’re somewhat similar - they were both even initially developed by the same man, Jon Hirschtick.īut, CAD packages are costly and you don’t want to make the mistake I did, and pick the wrong one. So, you’re about to choose your CAD software, and you’re comparing SolidWorks vs Onshape. SolidWorks is also the right choice if you don’t have a reliable internet connection. Onshape is better than SolidWorks if you have a team that designs together, and Onshape will also save you a lot of money.īut, SolidWorks is more popular and provides slightly more design features.