MicroStation vs SOLIDWORKS
Both are on the 3D CAD Software list. Here is what each maker publishes, side by side.
 MicroStation | SOLIDWORKS | |
|---|---|---|
| Place on the list | #7 6.9 | #3 8.2 |
| Maker | MicroStation | SOLIDWORKS |
| Starts at | $2,656 a year | $48 a year |
| Free | Free trial | Free plan |
| Runs on | Windows | Mac, Web, Windows |
| Open source | No | No |
| Plans | MicroStation: $2,656 a year | SOLIDWORKS Design Standard with Cloud Services: $2,820 a year SOLIDWORKS Design Professional with Cloud Services: $3,456 a year SOLIDWORKS Design Premium with Cloud Services: $4,716 a year SOLIDWORKS for Makers: $48 a year |
| Verdict | MicroStation combines infrastructure CAD, BIM-ready modeling and geospatial data handling on a Windows desktop. Its file support and offline capability suit professional design workflows, while trial access requires Bentley approval. | SOLIDWORKS combines locally installed design tools with optional cloud collaboration and browser-based modeling. Its plans differ in included capabilities, and the listed Standard price is an annual single-device license. |
| Visit MicroStation | Visit SOLIDWORKS |