# SketchUp vs Project Preview

The clearest difference is rating: SketchUp at 4.5 against Project Preview's 3.0. SketchUp also leads on review sentiment (37% vs 0%) and ratings volume (18K vs 2). Project Preview's advantage is iOS requirement (8.0 vs 18.6). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. SketchUp sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $11.99 per month and Project Preview sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

SketchUp holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SketchUp has 18K ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 37% of SketchUp's written reviews are positive against 0% of Project Preview's.

SketchUp ships an update every 3 weeks, Project Preview every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and September 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SketchUp | Project Preview |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (18K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sketchup-3d-modeling/id796352563/reviews)** | [3.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/project-preview/id1517699708/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **18K** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | **37.1% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#111** | — |
| Size | 695 MB | 86 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.6 | **8.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Trimble Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/322561665) | [omar garcia](https://appshunter.io/developer/1102516985) |

## What reviewers say

### SketchUp

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sketchup-3d-modeling/id796352563)

**Currently charting:** #111 Top Free · Graphics & Design (US App Store)

This platform offers intuitive 3D modeling tools for design enthusiasts and professionals. Visualize concepts, create photorealistic visuals, and even use AI to generate design ideas. Scan real-world spaces and view your creations in augmented reality.

**Highlights:** 3D modeling tools, Generative AI designs, Room planner & space design, Photorealistic visuals, Scan-to-design, Augmented reality (AR) visualization, DWG compatibility

**Features:** Apple Wallet, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| SketchUp AI Monthly | $11.99 | per month |
| SketchUp Go Monthly | $19.99 | per month |
| SketchUp Go Yearly | $129.00 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Great potential
- 👍 Intuitive and easy to use
- 🚀 Powerful and capable
- 👍 Excellent for designers, engineers, and contractors
- 👍 Smooth performance and rendering

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔒 Requires paid subscription
- 🐛 Crashes and stability issues
- 🔒 Limited functionality in free version
- 🔒 Expensive for casual users
- 🔒 Complicated navigation and UI

**Reported bugs**

- Login and account creation problems
- Crashes and freezes when opening large models
- Inability to hide/unhide components
- Inconsistent behavior with Apple Pencil
- Outdated model not updating properly

**Requested features**

- 2D drawing and 3D model integration
- More intuitive navigation and controls
- Improved file management and syncing
- Offline mode and reduced dependency on internet
- Affordable pricing options for casual users


### Project Preview

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/project-preview/id1517699708)

Visualize your custom Iron Works projects before they're built. This app lets you preview gates, fences, and doors on your own project site photos, offering over 50 designs and the ability to submit your own. Save and share your design ideas with ease.

**Highlights:** Real-time project previews, Variety of gate, fence, and door designs, Upload your own project site photos, Stretch designs to fit, Save and share design previews, Submit custom designs

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| All Features - One Month | $9.99 | per month |
| All Features - Six Months | $49.99 | per 6 months |
| All Features - One Year | $79.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SketchUp free?

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

### Is Project Preview free?

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

### Which has better reviews, SketchUp or Project Preview?

SketchUp is rated higher. SketchUp averages 4.5 out of 5 from 18K ratings, while Project Preview averages 3.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do SketchUp or Project Preview have ads?

Neither SketchUp nor Project Preview shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, SketchUp or Project Preview?

SketchUp ships an update every 3 weeks, and Project Preview every 2 months. Most recently, SketchUp was updated on October 12, 2026 and Project Preview on September 29, 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.*