79 ranked · checked 2026

Best 3D CAD Software in 2026

Choosing 3D CAD software starts with the kinds of parts, surfaces and assemblies you need to model. Compare modeling method and assembly design, and check whether surface modeling and sheet-metal tools suit your work. File import and export can help you assess design exchange, while cloud collaboration and supported platforms show how the software may fit your working setup. Free-plan availability and paid-from pricing add cost context. SOLIDWORKS, Creo and Autodesk Inventor are among the options to consider. Weigh these capabilities against the design tasks and file workflows you handle.

1
Onshape
by Onshape
from $1,500 a yearFree planOn the phone
9.0Visit
Why it stands here
Facts with sources
+2.0
A free way to start
+1.2
Research order
+1.5
On several lists
+0.4
Prices shown
+1.6
Checked lately
+0.8
Works on the jobsite
+1.5
2
Rhino 3D
by Rhino 3D
from $95 a monthFree planOn the phone
8.3Visit
Why it stands here
Facts with sources
+2.0
A free way to start
+1.2
Research order
+1.4
On several lists
+0.4
Prices shown
+1.6
Checked lately
+0.8
Works on the jobsite
+0.9
3
SOLIDWORKS
by SOLIDWORKS
from $48 a yearFree plan
8.2Visit
Why it stands here
Facts with sources
+2.0
A free way to start
+1.2
Research order
+1.6
On several lists
+0.7
Prices shown
+1.6
Checked lately
+0.8
Works on the jobsite
+0.3

4
Solid Edge
by Solid Edge
Free planOn the phone
8.0Visit
Why it stands here
Facts with sources
+2.0
A free way to start
+1.2
Research order
+1.5
On several lists
+0.4
Prices shown
+0.6
Checked lately
+0.8
Works on the jobsite
+1.5
5
Shapr3D
by Shapr3D
from $299 a yearFree plan
7.2Visit
Why it stands here
Facts with sources
+2.0
A free way to start
+1.2
Research order
+1.2
On several lists
+0.4
Prices shown
+1.6
Checked lately
+0.8
6
Zenve3D
by Zenve3D
from $14.99 a monthFree planOn the phone
7.2Visit
Why it stands here
Facts with sources
+2.0
A free way to start
+1.2
Research order
+0.4
Prices shown
+1.6
Checked lately
+0.8
Works on the jobsite
+1.2
7
MicroStation
by MicroStation
from $2,656 a yearFree trial
6.9Visit
Why it stands here
Facts with sources
+2.0
A free way to start
+0.8
Research order
+1.3
On several lists
+0.4
Prices shown
+1.6
Checked lately
+0.8
8
nanoCAD
by nanoCAD
from $289 a yearFree plan
6.9Visit
Why it stands here
Facts with sources
+2.0
A free way to start
+1.2
Research order
+0.9
On several lists
+0.4
Prices shown
+1.6
Checked lately
+0.8
9
Creo
by Creo
On the phone
6.8Visit
Why it stands here
Facts with sources
+2.0
Research order
+1.5
On several lists
+0.4
Prices shown
+0.6
Checked lately
+0.8
Works on the jobsite
+1.5
10
Alibre Design
by Alibre Design
from $999 a monthFree trial
6.8Visit
Why it stands here
Facts with sources
+2.0
A free way to start
+0.8
Research order
+1.2
On several lists
+0.4
Prices shown
+1.6
Checked lately
+0.8
11
CATIA
from $6,537 a year
6.7Visit
Why it stands here
Facts with sources
+2.0
Research order
+1.6
On several lists
+0.4
Prices shown
+1.6
Checked lately
+0.8
Works on the jobsite
+0.3
12
Siemens NX
Free trial
6.5Visit
Why it stands here
Facts with sources
+2.0
A free way to start
+0.8
Research order
+1.6
On several lists
+0.4
Prices shown
+0.6
Checked lately
+0.8
Works on the jobsite
+0.3
13
AutoQ3D CAD
from $29.99 a monthFree trialOn the phone
6.5Visit
Why it stands here
Facts with sources
+2.0
A free way to start
+0.8
Research order
+0.1
Prices shown
+1.6
Checked lately
+0.8
Works on the jobsite
+1.2
14
FreeCAD
by FreeCAD
Free plan
6.3Visit
Why it stands here
Facts with sources
+2.0
A free way to start
+1.2
Research order
+1.3
On several lists
+0.4
Prices shown
+0.6
Checked lately
+0.8
15
SolidFace
from $99 onceFree plan
6.3Visit
Why it stands here
Facts with sources
+2.0
A free way to start
+1.2
Research order
+0.7
Prices shown
+1.6
Checked lately
+0.8
16
Plasticity
by Plasticity
from $175 a monthFree trial
6.2Visit
Why it stands here
Facts with sources
+2.0
A free way to start
+0.8
Research order
+0.6
On several lists
+0.4
Prices shown
+1.6
Checked lately
+0.8
17
Materializr
Free planOn the phone
6.2Visit
Why it stands here
Facts with sources
+2.0
A free way to start
+1.2
Research order
+0.4
Prices shown
+0.6
Checked lately
+0.8
Works on the jobsite
+1.2
18
Autodesk Inventor
Free trial
6.1Visit
Why it stands here
Facts with sources
+2.0
A free way to start
+0.8
Research order
+1.5
On several lists
+0.4
Prices shown
+0.6
Checked lately
+0.8
19
Cobalt
by Cobalt
from $69.95 a month
6.0Visit
Why it stands here
Facts with sources
+2.0
Research order
+1.2
On several lists
+0.4
Prices shown
+1.6
Checked lately
+0.8
20
OpenSCAD
Free planOpen source
6.0Visit
Why it stands here
Facts with sources
+2.0
A free way to start
+1.2
Research order
+0.3
Open source
+0.4
On several lists
+0.4
Prices shown
+0.6
Checked lately
+0.8
Works on the jobsite
+0.3
21
OwlCAD
Free plan
5.9Visit
Why it stands here
Facts with sources
+2.0
A free way to start
+1.2
Research order
+1.0
Prices shown
+0.6
Checked lately
+0.8
Works on the jobsite
+0.3
22
Zoo Design Studio
by Zoo Design Studio
Free plan
5.9Visit
Why it stands here
Facts with sources
+2.0
A free way to start
+1.2
Research order
+1.0
Prices shown
+0.6
Checked lately
+0.8
Works on the jobsite
+0.3
23
DesignSpark Mechanical
Free plan
5.9Visit
Why it stands here
Facts with sources
+2.0
A free way to start
+1.2
Research order
+0.9
On several lists
+0.4
Prices shown
+0.6
Checked lately
+0.8
24
ZW3D
from $3,000 a month
5.8Visit
Why it stands here
Facts with sources
+2.0
Research order
+1.1
Prices shown
+1.6
Checked lately
+0.8
Works on the jobsite
+0.3
25
DataCAD
by DataCAD
from $350 a yearFree trial
5.8Visit
Why it stands here
Facts with sources
+2.0
A free way to start
+0.8
Research order
+0.2
On several lists
+0.4
Prices shown
+1.6
Checked lately
+0.8

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