AutoCAD vs Polycam: 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

Polycam

Basic (annual) plan

$1,500

a year for 10 people · $125 a month

Polycam costs $19,450 less a year for 10 people.

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

10 peopleAutoCADPolycam
Entry paid planAutoCAD (annual)Basic (annual)
Vendor price$2,095 per year$150 per year
Monthly cost$1,745.83$125
Annual cost$20,950$1,500
Per user / year$2,095$150
Billing commitmentNot recordedNot recorded
Minimum seatsNone statedNone stated
Free planNo free plan listedYes
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 Polycam: 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 ·

Polycam

  • Phone-based scanningScan spaces with a phone or tablet without extra hardware.
  • Automatic floor plansGet measured 2D plans with walls, doors and windows labeled.
  • Saved measurementsEach scan keeps its measurements for later checks.
  • 17+ export formatsExport to formats including DXF, ESX and PDF.
  • Link sharing and commentsShare models by link with saved views and comments.
  • Object captureTurn any object into a shareable 3D model.
  • Drone photogrammetryUpload drone photos to get 3D models of roofs, sites and terrain.

Source:poly.cam ·

AutoCAD vs Polycam pricing questions

  1. How much do AutoCAD and Polycam cost?

    AutoCAD paid plans start at $260 per month (AutoCAD (monthly)). Polycam paid plans start at $30 per month (Basic (monthly)).

  2. Is AutoCAD or Polycam cheaper for 5 users?

    Polycam is cheaper for 5 users: $750 per year on Basic (annual), against $10,475 per year for AutoCAD on AutoCAD (annual). That is $9,725 less per year, before tax.

  3. Is AutoCAD or Polycam cheaper for 10 users?

    Polycam is cheaper for 10 users: $1,500 per year on Basic (annual), against $20,950 per year for AutoCAD on AutoCAD (annual). That is $19,450 less per year, before tax.

  4. Is AutoCAD or Polycam cheaper for 25 users?

    Polycam is cheaper for 25 users: $3,750 per year on Basic (annual), against $52,375 per year for AutoCAD on AutoCAD (annual). That is $48,625 less per year, before tax.

  5. Do AutoCAD and Polycam have a free plan?

    Polycam lists a free plan; AutoCAD does not list one on its official pricing.