Solid Edge vs SolidWorks: 2026 Comparison
Side-by-side comparison of Solid Edge (3D Modeling) and SolidWorks (3D Modeling): pricing, platforms, ratings, supported file formats, deployment options, and the specific strengths each tool brings to a CAD team in 2026.
SE
Solid Edge
$1200 (Subscription / Perpetual)
★ 4.7/5 expert score
Professional 3D CAD with industry-leading Synchronous Technology.
S
SolidWorks
$1295 (Subscription)
★ 4.9/5 expert score
The de-facto industry standard for 3D parametric mechanical design.
| Solid Edge | SolidWorks | |
|---|---|---|
| Expert score | ★ 4.7/5 | ★ 4.9/5 |
| Pricing | $1200 (Subscription / Perpetual) | $1295 (Subscription) |
| Platforms | Windows | Windows |
| External reviews | 55 reviews on TrustRadius | 3,550 reviews on G2 / Capterra / TrustRadius |
| Free trial | — | 30 days |
| File formats | — | SLDPRT, SLDASM, SLDDRW, STEP, IGES, Parasolid, … |
| Deployment | — | Desktop, Cloud |
| API / SDK | No | Yes (COM-based API) |
| Industries | Mechanical, Industrial Design | Mechanical, Manufacturing, Automotive |
| Strengths | Hybrid modeling power · Excellent sheet metal · Flexible pricing | Intuitive workflow · Superior Parasolid stability · Unmatched ecosystem |
| Limitations | Smaller marketing presence · Legacy UI areas · Smaller community | Windows only · Hardware hungry · Legacy API |
Which one to pick
Pick Solid Edge if you need
cheaper starting price ($1200 vs $1295).
Read the full Solid Edge review →Pick SolidWorks if you need
higher expert score (4.9/5 vs 4.7/5); runs in the cloud; broader industry coverage.
Read the full SolidWorks review →Want a personalised shortlist?
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