Onshape vs SketchUp

Onshape is a browser-accessible 3D CAD platform for parametric modeling of solids, surfaces and sheet metal, with iOS and Android apps also available. It supports assembly design, rendering, simulation, CAM and 3D-print export. Simulation covers linear static and modal analysis for stress, deformation and natural frequencies; CAM supports machining from 2.5-axis through 5-axis machines. Collaboration includes multi-user editing, instant sharing, real-time communication and access controls. Built-in product data management includes edit history, version control, release management, search and design-data sharing. The Free Plan is for non-commercial use, with publicly accessible documents and unlimited public storage. Standard costs $1,500/user/yr; Professional costs $2,500 per year. Qualified professionals may be eligible for a Professional trial of up to six months without a credit card. Enterprise uses custom pricing. Onshape says updates arrive every three weeks without installations or downtime. Listed integrations include Slack, Arena PLM, Altium Designer, FeatureScript, REST API and the App Store.

SketchUp is 3D modeling software with parametric modeling, animation tools, rendering, and 3D-print export. It runs on the web, iOS, and Windows, though Studio’s advanced visualization and BIM workflows are Windows-only. A free browser-based plan includes Trimble Connect storage and 3D Warehouse access, but is not for commercial use. SketchUp for Schools is free with an eligible Google Workspace for Education or Microsoft Education account and works on Chromebooks or other internet-connected computers. Its education tier includes lesson plans, 3D printing, community support, and storage through Google Drive or OneDrive. Paid plans add different capabilities: Go includes web and iPad access, Pro includes desktop modeling and 2D documentation, while Studio adds point-cloud modeling and rendered animations. Go Annual costs $10.75 a month billed annually; Pro Annual costs $33.25 a month billed annually. Users can share and collaborate through Trimble Connect, and Extension Warehouse offers more than 600 extensions. SketchUp is part of Trimble and was founded in 2000.