Chief Architect vs Onshape: what each really costs
Team size
Billing
Chief Architect
Premier (annual) plan
$19,950
a year for 10 people · $1,662.50 a month
Onshape
Standard plan
$15,000
a year for 10 people · $1,250 a month
Onshape costs $4,950 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 | Chief Architect | Onshape |
|---|---|---|
| Entry paid plan | Premier (annual) | Standard |
| Vendor price | $1,995 per year, billed annually | $1,500 per user per year |
| Monthly cost | $1,662.50 | $1,250 |
| Annual cost | $19,950 | $15,000 |
| Per user / year | $1,995 | $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.
Chief Architect vs Onshape: features
Key features as each vendor lists them. A feature missing from a list does not mean the product lacks it.
Chief Architect
- Automatic 3D modelDrawing walls builds the 3D model at the same time.
- Smart doors and windowsWindows and doors insert into walls with openings and framing.
- Cabinet designCabinets snap to walls, countertops merge and cabinets update with fixtures.
- Style PaletteChange a room's colors, materials and architectural elements at once.
- Real-time renderingFast real-time rendering for interior design.
- Artistic renderingLine drawing and watercolor styles in addition to photorealism.
Source:chiefarchitect.com ·
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 ·
Chief Architect vs Onshape pricing questions
How much do Chief Architect and Onshape cost?
Chief Architect paid plans start at $229 per month, billed monthly (Premier (monthly)). Onshape paid plans start at $1,500/user/year (Standard).
Is Chief Architect or Onshape cheaper for 5 users?
Onshape is cheaper for 5 users: $7,500 per year on Standard, against $9,975 per year for Chief Architect on Premier (annual). That is $2,475 less per year, before tax.
Is Chief Architect or Onshape cheaper for 10 users?
Onshape is cheaper for 10 users: $15,000 per year on Standard, against $19,950 per year for Chief Architect on Premier (annual). That is $4,950 less per year, before tax.
Is Chief Architect or Onshape cheaper for 25 users?
Onshape is cheaper for 25 users: $37,500 per year on Standard, against $49,875 per year for Chief Architect on Premier (annual). That is $12,375 less per year, before tax.
Do Chief Architect and Onshape have a free plan?
Onshape lists a free plan; Chief Architect does not list one on its official pricing.