Onshape vs SketchUp (2026): Pricing, Features & Which to Choose

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
SketchUp
3.6 against 3.8
Same job?
Yes
Both are Design tools

Side by side

Compared on	Onshape	SketchUp
Our rating	3.6	3.8Better
Starts at	Free	$10.75/mo
Free plan	YesBetter	No
Category	Design	Design
Plans	Free	From $10.75/mo
Key features	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)	Generate Object - text/image-to-3D geometry creation AI Render - client-ready visualization from concepts AutoShape - hand-sketch to 3D shape conversion Scan-to-Design - scanned spatial data to organized 3D geometry AI-based image search across the 4M-model 3D Warehouse
Pros	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	AI assistance spans concept generation through client-ready rendering, not one step AutoShape and Scan-to-Design remove real manual-reconstruction time Established professional 3D modeling foundation, not an AI-only newcomer
Cons	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	Studio tier ($68.25/month) required for advanced BIM/visualization features AI features assume familiarity with SketchUp's existing modeling workflow Professional-grade tool - steeper learning curve than consumer design apps
Company	Onshape (PTC)	Trimble Inc.

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

FAQ

Questions people ask

Is Onshape better than SketchUp?

In our reviews Onshape scores 3.6 and SketchUp scores 3.8. The better pick depends on the job. 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. SketchUp: Six AI tools built into the modeler - text/image-to-3D generation, AI Render, AutoShape sketch conversion, and an AI chat assistant for the software itself.

Which is cheaper, Onshape or SketchUp?

Onshape: free. SketchUp: from $10.75/mo.

Do Onshape and SketchUp have free plans?

Only Onshape has a free plan.

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