AutoCAD vs Onshape: what each really costs
Team size
Billing
AutoCAD
AutoCAD (annual) plan
$20,950
a year for 10 people · $1,745.83 a month
Onshape
Standard plan
$15,000
a year for 10 people · $1,250 a month
Onshape costs $5,950 less a year for 10 people.
Lower annual-billing cost for a 10-person team on each product's entry paid plan: Onshape. This is arithmetic on verified prices, not a recommendation.
| 10 people | AutoCAD | Onshape |
|---|---|---|
| Entry paid plan | AutoCAD (annual) | Standard |
| Vendor price | $2,095 per year | $1,500 per user per year |
| Monthly cost | $1,745.83 | $1,250 |
| Annual cost | $20,950 | $15,000 |
| Per user / year | $2,095 | $1,500 |
| Billing commitment | Not recorded | Not recorded |
| Minimum seats | None stated | None stated |
| Free plan | No free plan listed | Yes |
| Free trial | Not stated | Not 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 Onshape: 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.
Onshape
- Built-in version controlIntegrated version control with branching and merging.
- Cloud-native CADCloud architecture removes local file failures.
- Real-time collaborationSecure collaboration across locations.
- No installationNo installs, upgrades or hardware requirements.
- Change historyEvery change is captured so teams can roll back instantly.
- Built-in PDMProfessional CAD with built-in product data management.
Source:onshape.com/en ·
AutoCAD vs Onshape pricing questions
How much do AutoCAD and Onshape cost?
AutoCAD paid plans start at $260 per month (AutoCAD (monthly)). Onshape paid plans start at $1,500/user/year (Standard).
Is AutoCAD or Onshape cheaper for 5 users?
Onshape is cheaper for 5 users: $7,500 per year on Standard, against $10,475 per year for AutoCAD on AutoCAD (annual). That is $2,975 less per year, before tax.
Is AutoCAD or Onshape cheaper for 10 users?
Onshape is cheaper for 10 users: $15,000 per year on Standard, against $20,950 per year for AutoCAD on AutoCAD (annual). That is $5,950 less per year, before tax.
Is AutoCAD or Onshape cheaper for 25 users?
Onshape is cheaper for 25 users: $37,500 per year on Standard, against $52,375 per year for AutoCAD on AutoCAD (annual). That is $14,875 less per year, before tax.
Do AutoCAD and Onshape have a free plan?
Onshape lists a free plan; AutoCAD does not list one on its official pricing.