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Altium vs SolidWorks: Which Design Software Is Better in 2026?

Compare pricing, features, integrations, verified reviews, AI capabilities, security, and customer satisfaction, side by side, with no marketing spin.

Altium
Altium
Rating
,
Reviews
0
From
Custom

in Design Software

SolidWorks
SolidWorks
Rating
,
Reviews
0
From
Custom

in CAD Software

Jump to scorecard Ask SIA

The Short Answer

Altium vs SolidWorks, in 15 seconds

Choose Altium if…

  • You prefer Altium's approach and ecosystem

Choose SolidWorks if…

  • You prefer SolidWorks's approach and ecosystem

Head-to-Head Scorecard

How Altium and SolidWorks score

It's evenly matched, each leads on 0 of 9 measured dimensions.

  • Customer Rating

    Average score from verified user reviews

    Even
    Altium
    No reviews
    SolidWorks
    No reviews

  • Review Volume

    Number of verified reviews, a proxy for adoption

    Even
    Altium
    0
    SolidWorks
    0

  • Entry Pricing

    Lowest published starting price (free plan = lowest)

    Even
    Altium
    Custom
    SolidWorks
    Custom

  • Free Access

    Availability of a free plan and/or free trial

    Even
    Altium
    Free trial
    SolidWorks
    Free trial

  • Integrations

    Number of listed third-party integrations

    Even
    Altium
    6
    SolidWorks
    6

  • Features

    Number of listed product capabilities

    Even
    Altium
    0
    SolidWorks
    0

  • AI Features

    Capabilities mentioning AI, automation or ML

    Even
    Altium
    ,
    SolidWorks
    ,

  • Security & Compliance

    Number of listed compliance certifications

    Even
    Altium
    2
    SolidWorks
    2

  • Platforms & Deployment

    Supported platforms and deployment options

    Even
    Altium
    4
    SolidWorks
    4

Feature Comparison

Altium vs SolidWorks feature breakdown

Search or filter the full feature matrix, core features, AI, integrations, APIs, security and compliance.

Altium
SolidWorks
Overview
User rating
,
,
Pricing model
Quote-based
Quote-based
Starting price
Custom
Custom
Free version
Free trial
Features
Key capabilities
,
,
AI features
,
,
Integrations & API
Integrations
SolidWorksSiemens NXAnsysAutodeskPTC CreoPython
PDMERPPLMWindowsmacOSSTEP/IGES
Public API
Platforms
Deployment
CloudSaaS
CloudSaaS
Platforms
WebAPI
WebAPI
Mobile support
Security & Compliance
Compliance
SOC 2GDPR
GDPRSOC 2
Vendor
Company
,
,
Verified
Founded
1985
1993
Headquarters
San Diego, California, USA
Waltham, Massachusetts, USA

Pricing Comparison

Altium vs SolidWorks pricing

Entry pricing, plan tiers and the cost factors that shape total cost of ownership.

Altium

Custom to start
ProfessionalCustom
  • Altium 365 cloud collaboration
  • Analytics and reporting
  • Standard support
  • Integrations
EnterpriseCustom
  • component library
  • Everything in Professional
  • Advanced security and controls
  • manufacturing outputs

SolidWorks

Custom to start
ProfessionalCustom
  • Integrations
  • Analytics and reporting
  • Standard support
  • assemblies and drawings
EnterpriseCustom
  • Dedicated support and onboarding
  • Everything in Professional
  • simulation add-ons
  • large ecosystem and community

Total cost of ownership factors

Free planAltium SolidWorks
Free trial to evaluateAltium SolidWorks
Transparent published pricingAltium SolidWorks
Public API (build vs. buy add-ons)Altium SolidWorks

Beyond list price, factor in implementation, training, add-ons and per-seat scaling when estimating total cost of ownership.

Pros & Cons

Altium vs SolidWorks: strengths and trade-offs

Altium

Pros

  • Free trial offered
  • Compliance: SOC 2, GDPR
  • Public API available

Cons

  • No free plan
  • Pricing is quote-based (less transparent)

SolidWorks

Pros

  • Free trial offered
  • Compliance: GDPR, SOC 2
  • Public API available

Cons

  • No free plan
  • Pricing is quote-based (less transparent)

Buyer Fit

Who should use Altium vs SolidWorks?

Startups

Either

Either keeps early-stage costs lowest with its entry tier.

Small businesses

Either

Either offers the most accessible pricing for lean teams.

Agencies

Either

Either connects to more tools for multi-client workflows.

Enterprises

Either

Either leads on compliance and breadth for complex needs.

Ecommerce

Either

Either integrates with more of the commerce stack.

SaaS companies

Either

Either is the more developer- and automation-friendly choice.

Integration overlap

Only in Altium (6)

SolidWorksSiemens NXAnsysAutodeskPTC CreoPython

Only in SolidWorks (6)

PDMERPPLMWindowsmacOSSTEP/IGES

Keep Exploring

Other alternatives worth considering

Similar design software products buyers compare alongside Altium and SolidWorks.

Onshape

Onshape

Custom
Fusion 360

Fusion 360

Custom
PTC Creo

PTC Creo

Custom
Solid Edge

Solid Edge

Custom
Shapr3d

Shapr3d

$299/mo
nTop

nTop

Custom
More Altium alternatives →More SolidWorks alternatives →

Ask SIA which solution fits your business

SIA, Saaskart's AI buying assistant, weighs Altium and SolidWorks against your team size, budget, integrations and compliance needs, then recommends the right fit and the questions to ask each vendor.

Get a personalised recommendation

Altium vs SolidWorks, Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Altium and SolidWorks?

Altium and SolidWorks are both Design Software solutions. Altium is rated 0.0/5 by 0 users, while SolidWorks is rated 0.0/5 by 0 users. The main differences lie in pricing, features, and target audience.

Which is better, Altium or SolidWorks?

Based on user ratings, Altium scores higher at 0.0/5. The best choice depends on your team size, budget, and specific requirements.

Which is cheaper, Altium or SolidWorks?

Both products have custom pricing. We recommend contacting both vendors for a quote tailored to your team size.

Does Altium or SolidWorks have a free plan?

Neither Altium nor SolidWorks currently offers a free plan, but Altium provides a free trial.

Can I switch from Altium to SolidWorks?

Switching between Altium and SolidWorks is possible. Both support data export. Check integration compatibility and plan for data migration to minimise disruption to your team.

Who should use Altium vs SolidWorks?

Altium is best suited for teams that prioritise enterprise features. SolidWorks works well for teams needing advanced capabilities.

Our Verdict

The bottom line on Altium vs SolidWorks

Best Overall

Either

It's a tie balances user satisfaction and proven adoption.

Best for Startups

Either

It's a tie has the friendliest entry point for new teams.

Best for Enterprise

Either

It's a tie leads on compliance and feature breadth.

Best Value

Either

It's a tie delivers the lowest cost to get started.

Best AI Features

Either

Comparable AI capabilities on both sides.

Highest Rated

Either

Both earn equal user ratings.

Ready to decide between Altium and SolidWorks?

Visit Altium Visit SolidWorks Ask SIA
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