Best CAD Software in 2026
Updated
In short: Onshape is ranked #1 of 32 as of 30 September 2026, ahead of AutoCAD and Creo. The best-ranked option with a free plan is Rhino 3D. The lowest first paid tier on this page is SOLIDWORKS at $4/mo.
Whether you’re drafting technical plans or building 3D models, CAD software differs in how it handles geometry, files, and analysis. Compare modeling dimension, direct and parametric modeling, and file format support to see how each option aligns with your design work. Cloud collaboration and simulation tools offer further criteria, while supported platforms help clarify where you can use the software. Free plans and paid-from prices can help you weigh access against cost. Onshape, AutoCAD, and Creo are among the named options, alongside Rhino 3D and Autodesk Inventor. Consider the formats you exchange, the modeling approach you prefer, and whether your work calls for simulation or shared access.
32 CAD software ranked on what their makers publish — plans and prices, free tiers, platforms and the facts on their own pages.
Recognised 40% · Phone app 26% · Documented 20% · Free plan 14% of the score
- 1 Onshape iPhone + Android RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 9.3$125/mo Modeling dimension: 3D CADParametric modeling: Yes
- 2 AutoCAD iPhone + Android RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 8.9 Modeling dimension: 2D and 3D
- 3 Creo iPhone + Android RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 8.6 Parametric modeling: Yes
- 4 Rhino 3D No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 7.4$95/mo Parametric modeling: Yes
- 5 Autodesk Inventor No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 7.3 Modeling dimension: 3DParametric modeling: YesDirect modeling: Yes
- 6 SOLIDWORKS No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 7.2$4/mo Modeling dimension: 3DParametric modeling: Yes
- 7 Tinkercad iPhone only RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 7.1Free
- 8 CATIA No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 7.0
- 9 Shapr3D No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 7.0$24.92/mo Modeling dimension: 3DParametric modeling: YesDirect modeling: Yes
- 10 Solid Edge No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.8 Parametric modeling: Yes
- 11 FreeCAD No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.8 Modeling dimension: 3DParametric modeling: Yes
- 12 Siemens NX No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.7
- 13 ARES Commander No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.6€225/mo
- 14 DraftSight No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.4$24.92/mo
- 15 nanoCAD No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.3$24.08/mo Modeling dimension: 2D and 3DParametric modeling: YesDirect modeling: Yes
- 16 MicroStation No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.2
- 17 Alibre Design No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.1$999/mo Parametric modeling: Yes
- 18 GstarCAD No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.0$749/mo Parametric modeling: Yes
- 19 ZWCAD Professional No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.0$1,399/mo Parametric modeling: Yes
- 20 DesignSpark Mechanical No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.9 Modeling dimension: 2D and 3DParametric modeling: YesDirect modeling: Yes
- 21 LibreCAD No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.7 Parametric modeling: No
- 22 IRONCAD No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.7
- 23 Cobalt No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.7$57.92/mo
- 24 ACTCAD No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.7$249/mo
- 25 KOMPAS-3D No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.5
Is your app on this list?
Numbered spots on this list can be sponsored. They are labelled, and the editorial order and scores never change for payment.
Questions about this list
Which CAD software is ranked first on Samsung Mobile US Press?
Onshape is ranked #1 of 32 with a score of 9.3. AutoCAD is second and Creo third.
How many of these have a free plan?
4 of the 25 on this page publish a free plan on their own pricing pages.
Which is the cheapest paid option?
On this page, SOLIDWORKS has the lowest first paid tier we found: $4/mo.
How is this list ranked?
Ranked mobile-first: a phone app alongside the web or desktop product, a free tier and the depth of its documentation. Paid placements never change a rank.