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Best AutoCAD alternatives in 2026

AutoCAD covers precise 2D and 3D drafting, design and modeling, with seven specialized toolsets for fields such as architecture, electrical work and mapping. Its DWG format, PDF underlays and DXF support suit drawing-based workflows. Subscriptions include web and mobile access, shared DWG files, parallel work and multi-user markups. It runs on Windows, macOS, web, iOS and Android, and starts at $175 a month; there is no free plan. A switch may make sense if you need a free option, a different modeling approach or tools focused on assemblies, sheet metal, rendering or manufacturing. Check platform fit as well: several alternatives are limited to Windows or browser access, while AutoCAD spans desktop, web and mobile. Compare the price and trial terms, whether your work depends on DWG or DXF, and which modeling and collaboration capabilities matter for the project. A specialized product may suit a particular design workflow better, but its capabilities do not necessarily cover AutoCAD’s breadth of drafting and toolsets.

  1. 1

    SOLIDWORKS

    by SOLIDWORKS

    from $48 a yearFree plan
    7.0Visit
    Why it stands here
    Facts with sources
    +2.0
    A free way to start
    +1.2
    Research order
    +0.4
    On several lists
    +0.7
    Prices shown
    +1.6
    Checked lately
    +0.8
    Works on the jobsite
    +0.3
  2. 2

    ProfiCAD

    from $277 onceFree planOn the phone
    6.9Visit
    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
    +0.9
  3. 3

    CircuitLab

    from $16 a monthFree plan
    6.3Visit
    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
    +0.3
  4. 4

    ETAP

    Free trialOn the phone
    6.1Visit
    Why it stands here
    Facts with sources
    +2.0
    A free way to start
    +0.8
    Research order
    +0.4
    Prices shown
    +0.6
    Checked lately
    +0.8
    Works on the jobsite
    +1.5
  5. 5

    iCircuit

    from $1.99 a monthOn the phone
    6.0Visit
    Why it stands here
    Facts with sources
    +2.0
    Research order
    +0.4
    Prices shown
    +1.6
    Checked lately
    +0.8
    Works on the jobsite
    +1.2
  6. 6

    SKM Power*Tools

    from $299 a yearOn the phone
    6.0Visit
    Why it stands here
    Facts with sources
    +2.0
    Research order
    +0.4
    Prices shown
    +1.6
    Checked lately
    +0.8
    Works on the jobsite
    +1.2
  7. 7

    Altium Designer

    from $460 a monthFree trial
    5.9Visit
    Why it stands here
    Facts with sources
    +2.0
    A free way to start
    +0.8
    Research order
    +0.4
    Prices shown
    +1.6
    Checked lately
    +0.8
    Works on the jobsite
    +0.3
  8. 8

    EasyPower

    from $1,165 a yearFree trial
    5.6Visit
    Why it stands here
    Facts with sources
    +2.0
    A free way to start
    +0.8
    Research order
    +0.4
    Prices shown
    +1.6
    Checked lately
    +0.8
  9. 9

    eCADSTAR

    from £89 a monthFree trial
    5.6Visit
    Why it stands here
    Facts with sources
    +2.0
    A free way to start
    +0.8
    Research order
    +0.4
    Prices shown
    +1.6
    Checked lately
    +0.8
  10. 10

    PLECS

    from $8,000 onceFree trial
    5.6Visit
    Why it stands here
    Facts with sources
    +2.0
    A free way to start
    +0.8
    Research order
    +0.4
    Prices shown
    +1.6
    Checked lately
    +0.8
  11. 11

    PowerWorld Simulator

    from $11,000 onceFree trial
    5.6Visit
    Why it stands here
    Facts with sources
    +2.0
    A free way to start
    +0.8
    Research order
    +0.4
    Prices shown
    +1.6
    Checked lately
    +0.8
  12. 12

    LibrePCB

    Free planOpen source
    5.4Visit
    Why it stands here
    Facts with sources
    +2.0
    A free way to start
    +1.2
    Research order
    +0.4
    Open source
    +0.4
    Prices shown
    +0.6
    Checked lately
    +0.8
  13. 13

    LabVIEW

    Free plan
    5.3Visit
    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
    +0.3
  14. 14

    TINA Design Suite

    On the phone
    5.3Visit
    Why it stands here
    Facts with sources
    +2.0
    Research order
    +0.4
    Prices shown
    +0.6
    Checked lately
    +0.8
    Works on the jobsite
    +1.5
  15. 15

    gEDA Project

    Free plan
    5.0Visit
    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
  16. 16

    KiCad

    Free plan
    5.0Visit
    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
  17. 17

    LTspice

    Free plan
    5.0Visit
    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
  18. 18

    ngspice

    Free plan
    5.0Visit
    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
  19. 19

    PSCAD

    Free plan
    5.0Visit
    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
  20. 20

    QElectroTech

    Free plan
    5.0Visit
    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