# AutoCAD vs Onshape 3D CAD

The clearest difference is rating: AutoCAD at 4.4 against Onshape 3D CAD's 3.5. AutoCAD also leads on ratings volume (6.3K vs 418). Onshape 3D CAD's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months). On price, review sentiment, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. AutoCAD sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Onshape 3D CAD asks for nothing beyond the download.

AutoCAD holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 3.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: AutoCAD has 6.3K ratings behind it against 418, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 52% of AutoCAD's written reviews are positive against 47% of Onshape 3D CAD's.

AutoCAD ships an update every 2 months, Onshape 3D CAD every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 7, 2026 and November 5, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | AutoCAD | Onshape 3D CAD |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.4 (6.3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/autocad/id393149734/reviews)** | [3.5 (418 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/onshape-3d-cad/id923421284/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **6.3K** | 418 |
| Positive reviews | **51.8% of reviews** | 47.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Freemium | **Free** |
| Size | 502 MB | 77 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Autodesk Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/295089690) | [PTC Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/501201404) |

## What reviewers say

### AutoCAD

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/autocad/id393149734)

Access and edit CAD drawings on the go with this official application. It provides essential drafting and design tools for creating, updating, and sharing 2D drawings from any device. Collaborate with teams and simplify workflows by accessing files from various cloud storage services.

**Highlights:** 2D file viewing, Create, edit, and share 2D drawings, Offline work and sync, Insert blocks, Manage layers, Drafting and geometry editing, Measure tools

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| AutoCAD Web monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| AutoCAD Web annual | $99.99 | per year |
| AutoCAD Web annual (Ultimate) | $99.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Intuitive and easy to learn
- 📱 Convenient mobile solution
- 👍 Great for site visits and field work
- 🔍 Useful for viewing and marking up drawings

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes frequently
- 🔒 Difficult login and account management
- 🔍 Limited functionality compared to desktop version
- 📱 Lacks basic CAD features like hatching and dimensioning
- 💰 Expensive subscription model

**Reported bugs**

- Unable to open DXF files
- Numeric keypad not appearing for editing dimensions
- Syncing and saving issues causing data loss
- Compatibility problems with newer iPad models

**Requested features**

- Add support for Arabic text
- Improve Apple Pencil integration
- Allow creating and saving custom blocks
- Implement PDF export functionality
- Restore removed features like GPS positioning


### Onshape 3D CAD

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/onshape-3d-cad/id923421284)

A cloud-based 3D CAD platform for professional users to create, edit, and collaborate on designs in real-time from any device. It offers robust parametric modeling tools and seamless data management for teams.

**Highlights:** Real-time collaboration, Parametric modeling tools, Cloud-based data management, Cross-device accessibility, Integrated commenting, Version control

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Powerful CAD features
- 🌐 Accessible from any device
- 👍 Intuitive interface
- 💡 Great for on-site work
- 🌟 Exceptional for a free app

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes and stability issues
- 👎 Unintuitive and clunky UI
- 🔒 Requires account sign-up
- 💰 Expensive paid plans
- 🔍 Difficult to find/use key features

**Reported bugs**

- Frequent crashes and freezes
- Dimensions not visible/editable
- Rotation/view controls unreliable
- Unable to create account
- Incompatible with older devices

**Requested features**

- Add keyboard shortcuts
- Improve dimensioning tools
- Allow private file storage
- Optimize for iPad/Apple Pencil
- Provide better documentation/tutorials


## Frequently asked questions

### Is AutoCAD free?

AutoCAD is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Onshape 3D CAD free?

Onshape 3D CAD is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, AutoCAD or Onshape 3D CAD?

AutoCAD is rated higher. AutoCAD averages 4.4 out of 5 from 6.3K ratings, while Onshape 3D CAD averages 3.5 from 418 ratings.

### Do AutoCAD or Onshape 3D CAD have ads?

Neither AutoCAD nor Onshape 3D CAD shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, AutoCAD or Onshape 3D CAD?

AutoCAD ships an update every 2 months, and Onshape 3D CAD every 3 weeks. Most recently, AutoCAD was updated on November 7, 2026 and Onshape 3D CAD on November 5, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*