---
description: Compare SolidWorks Premium vs FreeCAD. Learn more about each of the software’s price, features, and helpful software reviews for South African business users.
image: https://gdm-localsites-assets-gfprod.imgix.net/images/capterra/og_logo-e5a8c001ed0bd1bb922639230fcea71a.png?auto=format%2Cenhance%2Ccompress
title: Compare SolidWorks Premium vs FreeCAD - Capterra South Africa 2026
---

Breadcrumb: [Home](/) > [Engineering CAD Software](/directory/30556/engineering-cad/software) > [SolidWorks Premium \<span\>vs\</span\> FreeCAD](https://www.capterra.co.za/compare/93121/167527/solidworks-premium/vs/freecad)

# Compare SolidWorks Premium vs FreeCAD

Canonical: https://www.capterra.co.za/compare/93121/167527/solidworks-premium/vs/freecad

> Detailed comparison between SolidWorks Premium and FreeCAD. Check ratings, reviews, pricing, and features to make the best decision for your business.

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## At a Glance

| Metric | SolidWorks Premium | FreeCAD |
| **Overall rating** | 4.6/5 | 4.3/5 |
| **Total Reviews** | 756 | 142 |
| **Starting Price** | - | - |
| **Free Trial** | Yes | No |
| **Free Version** | Yes | Yes |
| **Deployment** | Cloud, SaaS, Web-based, Mac (Desktop), Windows (Desktop), Windows (On-Premise) | Mac (Desktop), Windows (On-Premise), Linux (On-Premise) |
| **Support** | Email/Help Desk, FAQs/Forum, Knowledge Base, Phone Support, Chat | Chat |
| **Training** | In Person, Live Online, Webinars, Documentation, Videos | Not Offered |

## Best for

### SolidWorks Premium

On-premise and cloud-based manufacturing design platform that allows individuals and enterprises of all sizes to create and collaborate 2D drafts, 3D designs, CAD models, animations and more.

### FreeCAD

On-premise 3D parametric modeler platform that enables architects, programmers, and teachers to make machine tools and architectural designs in 2D and 3D thereby creating production-ready drawings.

## Key features

### SolidWorks Premium

- 2D Drawing
- 3D Design & Modeling
- 3D Imaging
- API
- Annotations
- CAD Tools
- Collaboration Tools
- Configurable Workflow
- Data Import/Export
- Design Analysis
- Document Management
- Electrical
- For 3D Printing
- For Architects
- For Manufacturers
- Mechanical
- Modeling & Simulation
- Project Management
- Projections
- Reporting/Analytics

### FreeCAD

- 2D Drawing
- 3D Design & Modeling
- 3D Imaging
- API
- Annotations
- CAD Tools
- Collaboration Tools
- Data Import/Export
- Document Management
- Electrical
- For 3D Printing
- For Architects
- For Manufacturers
- Mechanical
- Modeling & Simulation
- Project Management
- Reporting/Analytics

## Links

- [View SolidWorks Premium Profile](https://www.capterra.co.za/software/93121/solidworks-premium)
- [View FreeCAD Profile](https://www.capterra.co.za/software/167527/freecad)
- [View Original Comparison](https://www.capterra.co.za/compare/93121/167527/solidworks-premium/vs/freecad)

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