Alibre Design vs Solid Edge
Alibre Design
alibre.comSolid Edge
solidedge.siemens.comSide by side
| Figure | Alibre Design | Solid Edge |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $999/mo | — |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| API | Yes | — |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 4 | 4 |
| Spec score · Engineering CAD Software | 9.0 (#1) | 8.0 (#15) |
| Spec score · Engineering Design Software | 8.9 (#1) | 7.9 (#12) |
| Spec score · Computer-Aided Design & Manufacturing Software | 9.0 (#1) | 8.0 (#12) |
| Spec score · 3D CAD Software | 8.8 (#5) | 8.6 (#8) |
| Spec score · 3D modeling software | 8.8 (#20) | 8.6 (#26) |
| Spec score · CAD software | 8.6 (#6) | 8.5 (#9) |
| Founded | 1997 | 1847 |
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| Headquarters | Richardson, Texas, United States | Munich, Germany |
| Parametric modeling | Yes | Yes |
| Platform access | desktop | both |
| 3D print export | Yes | Yes |
| Render engine | built-in | built-in |
| Trial | Alibre offers a 30-day free trial of Alibre Design Expert. | Siemens offers a 30-day Solid Edge free trial for PC download. |
Plans
Alibre Design
- Design Pro$999 a month
- Design Expert$1,999 a month
- Alibre Design Pro$999, paid once
- Alibre Design Expert$1,999, paid once
Solid Edge
- Solid Edge ClassicPriced on request
- Solid Edge Design and DraftingPriced on request
- Solid Edge FoundationPriced on request
- Solid Edge PremiumPriced on request
In their own words
Alibre Design
Alibre Design has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
Solid Edge
Solid Edge is a product development portfolio that combines direct modeling with parametric design through synchronous technology. It covers 3D design, simulation, manufacturing, technical publications and data management. Each of its four 3D design packages includes part and assembly design, 2D drafting, common 2D and 3D file import and export, data management and mesh modeling. Capabilities include animation tools, parametric modeling, a built-in render engine and 3D print export. Package features vary: Foundation includes sheet metal, frame and weldments, surface modeling and basic FEA simulation; Classic adds reverse engineering and generative design; Premium adds advanced motion and stress simulation, optimization, point cloud visualization, electrical routing, PCB collaboration, and pipe and tube design. Integrated data management includes Windows Explorer integration, thumbnails, Revision Manager and View and Markup. Solid Edge integrates with Teamcenter and Teamcenter Share for product data management and cloud collaboration. Siemens offers a 30-day PC trial and free editions for students, teachers, qualifying startups, personal community use and 2D Drafting. Solid Edge 2026 is certified for supported 64-bit Windows 10 or Windows 11 Enterprise or Professional editions.