SolidWorks vs Fusion 360 (2026): Which CAD Program Is Better?
SolidWorks vs Fusion 360 is a choice between an established Windows CAD workstation program and a cloud-connected program that runs on Windows and macOS. Fusion 360 listed a commercial subscription at $680 a year in November 2026, and SolidWorks is sold by quote through resellers. Both create parametric 3D parts, assemblies and drawings.
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Facts were checked in November 2026 on each maker's page, with sources at the end. ArtBlast tracks art and design jobs, not engineering roles, so the job numbers below are small and only a direction. In 1,060 distinct 3D art posts (March to August 2026), SolidWorks is named in 9, Fusion 360 in 5 and CATIA in 0.
The Short Answer: SolidWorks vs Fusion 360 at a Glance
| Feature | SolidWorks | Fusion 360 |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Mechanical parts, assemblies and drawings | Product design, makers and 3D printing |
| Price | Quote through resellers | $680/year commercial, 30-day free trial (Autodesk, Nov 2026) |
| Platforms | Windows | Windows, macOS |
| Strength | Depth and drawings | CAD, CAM and simulation in one |
| Named in 3D art posts | 9 of 1,060 | 5 of 1,060 |
Sources for every figure are listed at the end of this guide.
What Employers Ask For: ArtBlast Job Data
| Named in 3D art job posts | Posts (of 1,060) | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Maya | 520 | 49% |
| Blender | 478 | 45% |
| SolidWorks | 9 | 0.8% |
| Fusion 360 | 5 | 0.5% |
| CATIA | 0 | 0% |
The takeaway: SolidWorks is named in 9 of 1,060 3D art posts and Fusion 360 in 5. Both are rare in art roles, so choose by the work: engineering firms lean toward SolidWorks, makers and small product teams toward Fusion 360. A mention means the employer lists the tool as a skill, not that every designer must own it. See current openings: 3D modeler jobs, technical illustrator jobs and 3D printing designer jobs.
SolidWorks
SolidWorks is a parametric 3D CAD program for mechanical design, with part, assembly and drawing tools, simulation add-ons and a large user community.
Platforms: Windows only. Mac users often run it inside Parallels Desktop, which runs Windows apps next to macOS. Check Dassault's system requirements and try a trial or demo before paying.
- Pros: deep, mature feature set, strong drawings and assemblies, large community and training.
- Cons: Windows only, quote-based pricing and a heavier workstation requirement.
Fusion 360
Fusion 360 combines CAD, CAM, simulation and electronics in one cloud-connected program, which makes it popular with product designers, makers and 3D printing users. It runs on Windows and macOS, offers a 30-day free trial and gives students and educators separate access. Commercial use was $680 a year ($57 a month billed annually) on Autodesk's page.- Pros: a lower and public price, Mac support, built-in CAM and simulation, and easy sharing.
- Cons: cloud dependence, fewer advanced drawing tools than SolidWorks and a smaller presence in large engineering firms.
Which Should You Choose?
- You work at or want a job at an engineering firm: SolidWorks.
- You are a maker, student or small product team on a budget or a Mac: Fusion 360.
- You are unsure: try the Fusion 360 trial and a SolidWorks reseller demo.
Related reading: SolidWorks tutorials, Fusion 360 tutorials and best 3D modeling software for game art.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fusion 360 better than SolidWorks?
Neither is better for everyone. SolidWorks is deeper for mechanical design and drawings, and Fusion 360 is cheaper, cloud-based and runs on Mac.
Is Fusion 360 cheaper than SolidWorks?
Fusion 360 has a public price of $680 a year for commercial use, while SolidWorks is quoted through resellers.
Does SolidWorks run on Mac?
Not natively. It is Windows software, so Mac users run it through virtual machine software.
Which is better for 3D printing?
Both export STL files. Fusion 360 is popular with makers for printable parts.
Which do employers ask for?
In engineering, SolidWorks is common. In ArtBlast's art-focused data, both are rare.
Sources and Price Checks
All prices and versions were checked in November 2026 on the official pages below. Prices change often and sales are frequent, so confirm the figure on the official page before you buy.
- Fusion 360: Autodesk ($680 a year commercial, 30-day trial, Nov 2026).
- SolidWorks: 3ds.com (reseller quotes).
- Parallels Desktop: parallels.com.
Job data: ArtBlast job tracking, March 13 to August 12 2026, distinct posts (one per employer and title) with a full description. 3D cohort: 1,060 distinct posts and 699 employers. Using these figures? Please cite ArtBlast and link to this page.