Autodesk Fusion vs Onshape: Which Should You Use?
The verdict
Autodesk Fusion and Onshape are both home & construction design tools, compared here side by side. Autodesk Fusion is free, with limits (Paid) and is a desktop install with no browser version; Onshape is free, with limits (Paid) and runs in any web browser with nothing to install. The main difference is where they run: Onshape works in the browser with nothing to install, while Autodesk Fusion is a desktop app.
Free tiers & pricing last verified Jun 23, 2026.
Pick Autodesk Fusion if…
Free, with limitsHobbyist 3D parametric modeling
Pick Onshape if…
Free, with limitsHobbyists and learners wanting cloud CAD
Side by side
Autodesk Fusion
Free, with limitsFree for hobbyists with limited functionality, restricted to personal non-commercial projects; commercial use requires a paid subscription.
Onshape
Free, with limitsFree plan gives full browser CAD for non-commercial use, but all documents are stored publicly and visible to everyone.
Read the full reviews
Autodesk Fusion
Free for hobbyists with limited functionality, restricted to personal non-commercial projects; commercial use requires a paid subscription.
Onshape
Free plan gives full browser CAD for non-commercial use, but all documents are stored publicly and visible to everyone.
Autodesk Fusion vs Onshape: questions, answered
What is the main difference between Autodesk Fusion and Onshape?
The main difference is where they run: Onshape works in the browser with nothing to install, while Autodesk Fusion is a desktop app.
Is Autodesk Fusion or Onshape free?
Autodesk Fusion is free, with limits and Onshape is free, with limits. Autodesk Fusion: Free for hobbyists with limited functionality, restricted to personal non-commercial projects; commercial use requires a paid subscription. Onshape: Free plan gives full browser CAD for non-commercial use, but all documents are stored publicly and visible to everyone.