LabVIEW
7.3#3 in electrical design softwareFree planFree planWebLinuxmacOSWindows
VisitLabVIEW vs SOLIDWORKS
SOLIDWORKS
8.3#3 in 3d cad softwareFrom $48 a yearWebmacOSWindows
VisitWhat both publish
| Fact | LabVIEW | SOLIDWORKS |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1976 | 1993 |
| Headquarters | Austin, Texas, United States | Waltham, Massachusetts, USA |
| Operating systems | NI lists Windows and Linux support for LabVIEW editions, and says the Community Edition is the only macOS edition available starting with LabVIEW 2025 Q3. | Client SOLIDWORKS products list Windows 10 and Windows 11 64-bit support, while eDrawings for Mac lists supported macOS releases. |
| Support | A single-seat purchase includes an NI software service agreement with technical support, version downloads, and LabVIEW Core 1 on-demand, with perpetual-license benefits included for the first year. | Online purchases include technical support and access to getting-started resources covering installation, onboarding and tutorials. |
LabVIEW plans
- LabVIEW Community EditionFree
- LabVIEW Base subscription—
- LabVIEW Base perpetual—
- LabVIEW Full subscription—
- LabVIEW Professional perpetual—
- LabVIEW Professional subscription—
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 LabVIEW if…
LabVIEW suits engineers building automated test and measurement applications, especially when they need instrument connectivity, analysis and a control interface. The Community Edition is limited to personal, non-commercial, non-industrial use.
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.