# Onshape 3D CAD vs ProtoSketch Lite

The clearest difference is rating: Onshape 3D CAD at 3.5 against ProtoSketch Lite's 2.5. Onshape 3D CAD also leads on review sentiment (47% vs 25%) and ratings volume (418 vs 14). ProtoSketch Lite's advantage is iOS requirement (9.0 vs 18.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Onshape 3D CAD holds the better App Store score, 3.5 against 2.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Onshape 3D CAD has 418 ratings behind it against 14, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 47% of Onshape 3D CAD's written reviews are positive against 25% of ProtoSketch Lite's.

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

## The numbers

| Metric | Onshape 3D CAD | ProtoSketch Lite |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.5 (418 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/onshape-3d-cad/id923421284/reviews)** | [2.5 (14 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/protosketch-lite/id1138319639/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **418** | 14 |
| Positive reviews | **47.3% of reviews** | 25.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 77 MB | 139 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **9.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [PTC Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/501201404) | [Codemotion](https://appshunter.io/developer/888877728) |

## What reviewers say

### 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


### ProtoSketch Lite

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/protosketch-lite/id1138319639)

This app offers desktop-class vector graphic design tools for iPad, enabling users to create logos, app icons, website layouts, and more. It features a user-friendly interface with drag-and-drop elements, a rich library of assets, and Apple Pencil support for detailed sketching.

**Highlights:** Vector brush with variable width, Pen and pencil tools for path drawing, Shape creation tools, Layer management, Extensive asset library, Apple Pencil support, Export to desktop vector format

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Onshape 3D CAD free?

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

### Is ProtoSketch Lite free?

ProtoSketch Lite is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

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

Onshape 3D CAD is rated higher. Onshape 3D CAD averages 3.5 out of 5 from 418 ratings, while ProtoSketch Lite averages 2.5 from 14 ratings.

### Do Onshape 3D CAD or ProtoSketch Lite have ads?

Neither Onshape 3D CAD nor ProtoSketch Lite shows ads.

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

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

---

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