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Head to head · 2026

Autodesk Forma vs Onshape

Pricing, free plans, ratings, features, pros and cons, side by side. Where one comes out ahead, we mark it.

Autodesk Forma

A cloud platform runs real-time sun, wind, and noise analysis for early-stage architectural and urban design

4.4$59/mo

Visit Autodesk Forma (opens Autodesk Forma in a new tab)

Onshape

FeatureScript MCP turns a text description into editable CAD - "Text → Code → CAD" -…

3.6Free

Visit Onshape (opens Onshape in a new tab)

Who comes out ahead

Based only on the facts in our directory. The right pick still depends on the job you need done.

  • Lower starting price

    Not comparable

    Not comparable: Onshape does not list a price

  • Free plan

    Onshape

    Only Onshape has one

  • Higher rating

    Autodesk Forma

    4.4 against 3.6

  • Same job?

    Yes

    Both are Design tools

Side by side

Compared onAutodesk FormaOnshape
Our rating4.4Better3.6
Starts at$59/moFree
Free planNoYesBetter
CategoryDesignDesign
Plans
  • Annual subscription$700/yr per user (Autodesk shows $59/mo)
  • Monthly subscription$85/mo per user
  • Flex$99 for 33 tokens (minimum purchase)
Free
Key features
  • Real-time sun, wind, noise, and daylight analysis as a massing model is edited
  • Automated massing takeoffs replacing manual quantity calculations
  • Geolocated project setup pulling in real-world contextual site data
  • Embodied-carbon analysis built into early concept design, not bolted on later
  • Browser-based 3D modeling with no local software installation required
  • FeatureScript MCP - text-to-CAD generating editable, parametric geometry
  • AI Advisor and experimental Onshape Labs AI tools
  • Cloud-native real-time collaborative design
  • Integrated PDM with branching/merging version control
  • Multi-discipline support (CAM, simulation, PCB design, rendering)
Pros
  • Real-time analysis catches design problems at the concept stage instead of after detailed drawings
  • Backed by Autodesk's scale and long-term AEC software investment, not a startup dependent on one product
  • Browser-based workflow means no per-machine installation for a distributed design team
  • Generates genuinely editable, parametric CAD, not just a static 3D mesh
  • Free tier available for hobbyists, plus free tier for students/educators
  • Full cloud-native PDM with real branching/merging, not just basic version history
Cons
  • Standalone pricing ($185/month) sits above what numerous smaller studios budget for a single tool
  • Full value requires pairing with other Autodesk products for later design phases
  • No free tier beyond time-limited evaluation access
  • AI features are add-ons to the core CAD platform, not the primary offering
  • Detailed pricing for Professional/Enterprise tiers requires visiting a separate page
  • Text-to-CAD output for complex geometry still likely needs engineering refinement
CompanyAutodesk, founded 2023Onshape (PTC)

Prices come from each vendor's pricing page, last checked 20260824. Check the vendor before you buy.

FAQ

Questions people ask

Is Autodesk Forma better than Onshape?

In our reviews Autodesk Forma scores 4.4 and Onshape scores 3.6. The better pick depends on the job. Autodesk Forma: A cloud platform runs real-time sun, wind, and noise analysis for early-stage architectural and urban design. Onshape: FeatureScript MCP turns a text description into editable CAD - "Text → Code → CAD" - on top of a full cloud-native parametric design and PDM platform.

Which is cheaper, Autodesk Forma or Onshape?

Autodesk Forma: from $59/mo. Onshape: free.

Do Autodesk Forma and Onshape have free plans?

Only Onshape has a free plan.

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