AutoCAD vs DraftSight: what each really costs

Team size

Billing

AutoCAD

AutoCAD (annual) plan

$20,950

a year for 10 people · $1,745.83 a month

Lower cost

DraftSight

Professional plan

$2,990

a year for 10 people · $249.17 a month

DraftSight costs $17,960 less a year for 10 people.

Lower annual-billing cost for a 10-person team on each product's entry paid plan: DraftSight. This is arithmetic on verified prices, not a recommendation.

10 peopleAutoCADDraftSight
Entry paid planAutoCAD (annual)Professional
Vendor price$2,095 per year$299 USD/yr
Monthly cost$1,745.83$249.17
Annual cost$20,950$2,990
Per user / year$2,095$299
Billing commitmentNot recordedNot recorded
Minimum seatsNone statedNone stated
Free planNo free plan listedNo free plan listed
Free trialNot statedNot stated

Calculated by SpecEntry from official vendor prices. Taxes and optional add-ons are not included. Open each product page for every plan and the official source.

AutoCAD vs DraftSight: features

Key features as each vendor lists them. A feature missing from a list does not mean the product lacks it.

AutoCAD

  • Multi-device draftingCreate, edit and annotate drawings on desktop, web and mobile.
  • Connected Support FilesCentrally control cloud-based support files.
  • Project-aware palettesTool palettes and CUI load the right resources for each project automatically.
  • Autodesk AssistantAn in-app assistant helps find information, check CAD standards and fix design issues.
  • Raster Design toolsetEdit scanned drawings and convert raster images into DWG objects.
  • Plant 3D toolsetCreate instrumentation diagrams and 3D models and extract piping isometrics.
  • Map 3D toolsetModel-based GIS for planning, design and management data.

Source:autodesk.com/products/autocad/overview ·

DraftSight

  • DWG, DXF and DGN editingOpens and edits DWG, DXF and DGN files without conversion errors.
  • 2D drafting to 3D modelingMove from 2D drafting into 3D design and modeling in the same environment.
  • Dynamic and custom blocksEdit dynamic blocks and create custom blocks to standardize work.
  • Drafting essentialsIncludes layers, hatching, snapping and splines.
  • Batch printing and sheet setsOffers batch printing, automatic dimensioning, layer tools and sheet set management.
  • Native DWG collaborationAll versions work natively with DWG files.

Source:draftsight.com ·

AutoCAD vs DraftSight pricing questions

  1. How much do AutoCAD and DraftSight cost?

    AutoCAD paid plans start at $260 per month (AutoCAD (monthly)). DraftSight paid plans start at $299 USD/yr (Professional).

  2. Is AutoCAD or DraftSight cheaper for 5 users?

    DraftSight is cheaper for 5 users: $1,495 per year on Professional, against $10,475 per year for AutoCAD on AutoCAD (annual). That is $8,980 less per year, before tax.

  3. Is AutoCAD or DraftSight cheaper for 10 users?

    DraftSight is cheaper for 10 users: $2,990 per year on Professional, against $20,950 per year for AutoCAD on AutoCAD (annual). That is $17,960 less per year, before tax.

  4. Is AutoCAD or DraftSight cheaper for 25 users?

    DraftSight is cheaper for 25 users: $7,475 per year on Professional, against $52,375 per year for AutoCAD on AutoCAD (annual). That is $44,900 less per year, before tax.