KiCad
6.3#13 in electrical design softwareFree planFree planLinuxmacOSSelf-hostedWindows
VisitKiCad vs SOLIDWORKS
SOLIDWORKS
8.3#3 in 3d cad softwareFrom $48 a yearWebmacOSWindows
VisitWhat both publish
| Fact | KiCad | SOLIDWORKS |
|---|---|---|
| Audience | The project's stated goal is a cross-platform electronics design application for professional designers that remains approachable to new users. | SOLIDWORKS says its markets include industrial, medical, scientific, consumer, educational, technology and transportation organizations. |
| Founded | 1992 | 1993 |
KiCad plans
- KiCadFree
SOLIDWORKS plans
- SOLIDWORKS Design Standard with Cloud Services$2,820 a year
- SOLIDWORKS Design Professional with Cloud Services$3,456 a year
- SOLIDWORKS Design Premium with Cloud Services$4,716 a year
- SOLIDWORKS for Makers$48 a year
Pick KiCad if…
KiCad suits electronics designers who need schematic capture and PCB layout, from professionals to newcomers. Its listed imports and platform options may help people moving designs from other tools.
Pick SOLIDWORKS if…
SOLIDWORKS suits people and organizations working with 3D product design, including industrial, medical, scientific, consumer, educational, technology, and transportation markets. Students can use Design Standard at no cost, while Makers is aimed at personal, non-commercial use.