Onshape vs Fusion

by Gralio Mar 11, 2025

Onshape and Fusion 360 are both powerful CAD software aimed at product development. Onshape excels in ease of use and real-time collaboration, ideal for teams prioritizing quick design iterations and collaborative workflows. Fusion 360 offers more advanced features, making it suitable for complex design and manufacturing processes but potentially requiring a steeper learning curve.

At Gralio.ai we help to simplify your decision-making process by offering detailed, side-by-side software comparisons like this one, to help you confidently choose the tool that aligns with your business goals.

This comparison was created by analysing 1437 reviews and 60 websites, saving 8 hours, 29 minutes of reading.

Onshape

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Fusion

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About

Onshape is a cloud-based design platform for creating and managing product designs. It combines powerful 3D modeling tools with built-in collaboration and version control features. This means your design team can work together in real-time, from any location, without worrying about file compatibility or data loss. Onshape aims to speed up the design process, improve collaboration, and eliminate the headaches of traditional design software.

Autodesk Fusion is a cloud-based design and manufacturing software that brings together all stages of product development in one place. It offers 3D modeling, manufacturing planning, electronics design, and simulation tools, allowing teams to work together seamlessly from concept to production. Fusion helps manufacturing companies streamline their design process, reduce reliance on physical prototypes, and get products to market faster.

Summary

Main difference

Onshape stands out with its purely cloud-based platform, enabling real-time collaboration and version control without the need for installations or license management. Fusion 360, while also cloud-connected, offers more extensive features, including advanced simulation and generative design tools, making it suitable for complex product development.

Relative strengths of Onshape (compared to Fusion)

Superior real-time collaboration and version control through its fully cloud-based nature.
More user-friendly interface simplifies the learning curve.
Stronger focus and better tools for collaborative design reviews.

Relative weaknesses of Onshape (compared to Fusion)

Lacks advanced simulation and generative design capabilities compared to Fusion 360.
Limited offline functionality due to its cloud-dependent nature.
Less comprehensive feature set for complex product development workflows.

Who should use Onshape VS. Fusion

Onshape is a cloud-based 3D modeling platform ideal for collaborative design. Users praise its real-time collaboration features and agile product design approach. However, some users mention its dependency on internet connectivity and limitations with drawing annotations. It's best suited for businesses seeking a streamlined, cloud-based design process.

Fusion 360 is a cloud-based 3D modeling, CAD, CAM, CAE, and PCB software platform for product design and manufacturing. Users love its comprehensive features, seamless workflow, and easy collaboration tools. However, some find it expensive and experience cloud dependency issues. Fusion 360 is best for businesses seeking an all-in-one product development solution.

Ideal for businesses of all sizes, especially those with manufacturing, design, or engineering teams.
Strong fit for Consumer Goods and Manufacturing industries; suitable for Healthcare, Retail, Education, Real Estate & Construction, Transportation & Logistics, Software/IT, and Professional Services.

Ideal for businesses of all sizes needing a comprehensive product development solution.
Best fit for Manufacturing, Consumer Goods, Media & Entertainment, and Software companies.

Onshape and Fusion features

Supported

Partially supported

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Type in the name of the feature or in your own words tell us what you need

Drafting

Supported

Onshape allows creation of 2D drawings from 3D models, including annotations and DWG support.

Supported

Fusion 360 allows creating 2D drawings from 3D models.
Design Sharing

Supported

Onshape allows sharing designs with various stakeholders, including suppliers and customers.

Supported

Fusion 360 allows sharing designs with various stakeholders, including suppliers and customers.
Design review tools

Supported

Onshape supports commenting, markup, and review features.

Partially supported

Fusion 360 supports design review via Autodesk Design Review.
CAM toolpath generation

Supported

Onshape supports toolpath generation via the integrated CAM Studio feature.

Supported

Fusion 360 can generate toolpaths for CNC machining from 3D models.
2D Sketching

Supported

Onshape supports 2D sketching for defining part geometry.

Supported

Fusion 360 supports 2D sketching for defining part geometry.
3D Solid Modeling

Supported

Onshape supports creating solid models with extrusions, cuts, and revolves.

Supported

Fusion 360 supports creating solid models with extrusions, cuts, and revolves.

Qualities

Value and Pricing Transparency

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Customer Service

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Ease of Use

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Reliability and Performance

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Ease of Implementation

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Scalability

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Onshape and Fusion Pricing

No data

See full Pricing page

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See full Pricing page

Onshape and Fusion review insights

Users love

Real-time collaboration, perfect for startups and group projects.
Agile product design approach for faster product development.
Cloud-based access from any computer.
Simple user interface, easy to learn.
Integrated version control and file management.

Comprehensive feature set, including integration with McMaster-Carr.
Easy to learn and use, especially for beginners.
Seamless transition between design, modeling, and simulation.
Excellent collaboration features, including web-based sharing.
Integrated system allows for a streamlined workflow from sketch to 3D print.

Users dislike

Dependency on internet connectivity.
Limited drawing annotation features.
Occasional performance throttling with poor internet connection.
Challenges with importing SolidWorks files and drawings.
Mobile app functionality is underwhelming.

Cloud dependability can be an issue.
Drawings can be a mess and prone to crashing.
Some features, especially in the sketcher, could be more user-friendly.
Limited drawing features, especially for professionals.
Expensive, especially considering limitations for hobbyists.

Onshape and Fusion Ratings

G2

4.7/5

(656)
Capterra

4.5/5

(288)
TrustPilot

3.7/5

(1)

G2

4.5/5

(492)
Glassdoor

4.3/5

(4861)

Company health

Employee growth

13% increase in the last year

2% increase in the last year

Web traffic

3% increase in the last quarter

2% decrease in the last quarter

Financing

May 2013 - $26M

March 2020 - $0

How do Onshape's collaboration features compare to Fusion 360's in a remote team setting?

Both Onshape and Fusion 360 offer strong collaboration features beneficial for remote teams. Onshape's core strength lies in its fully cloud-based nature, enabling real-time collaboration and version control without the need for file management. Fusion 360 also offers collaboration tools, including cloud-based sharing, but its reliance on some local processing can occasionally create minor workflow differences. While both platforms allow for design sharing and review, Onshape's inherent cloud architecture potentially provides a smoother experience for simultaneous co-design in a remote setting.

Which product offers better integration with existing CAM software and workflows?

Both Onshape and Fusion 360 offer integrated CAM functionality. However, Fusion 360 is generally considered more robust and feature-rich in the CAM area, especially for complex machining operations, making it potentially better for integrating into existing, sophisticated CAM workflows. Onshape's CAM Studio is more streamlined and easier to learn, which might be preferable for simpler workflows or teams new to integrated CAM.

What are the advantages of Onshape?

Onshape's primary advantage is its cloud-based nature, enabling real-time collaboration and version control, eliminating compatibility issues and data loss risks. This makes it ideal for distributed teams and agile workflows. Users also praise its ease of use and integrated file management.

What are the disadvantages of Onshape?

Onshape's reliance on internet connectivity can be a significant disadvantage, especially in areas with unreliable internet service. Some users report limited drawing annotation features and occasional performance throttling with poor internet connection. Importing SolidWorks files and drawings can also be challenging, and the mobile app functionality is considered underwhelming by some.

Alternatives to Onshape and Fusion

Altium 365

Altium 365 is a cloud-based platform designed for electronics development. It brings together PCB (printed circuit board) design, mechanical design, and data management tools, enabling better collaboration between teams throughout the entire design process. This means your electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, and manufacturing teams can all work together more efficiently, no matter their location.

Solid Edge

Solid Edge is a suite of software designed to help businesses create and manage product designs. It offers tools for 3D modeling, simulating product performance, and managing the manufacturing process. Solid Edge aims to be user-friendly and affordable, making it suitable for mid-sized companies looking for a comprehensive product development solution.

SolidWorks Product Designer

SolidWorks Product Designer is cloud-based 3D design software that makes it easier for teams to work together on product development. It offers a user-friendly interface similar to the popular SolidWorks desktop software, combined with cloud storage and collaboration tools. This makes it a good choice for growing businesses that need powerful design tools and the flexibility of cloud access.

CadCam

CadCam software helps businesses design and manufacture products using computer technology. It offers tools for 3D modeling, design analysis, and manufacturing process planning. While primarily used by engineering teams in manufacturing companies of all sizes, its focus on digital transformation through technologies like additive manufacturing and robotics makes it suitable for businesses looking to innovate their production processes.

ArtworkFlow

ArtworkFlow is an AI-powered platform designed to simplify the creative process for marketing and design teams. It helps mid-sized and larger companies manage brand assets, automate workflows, collaborate on projects, and maintain brand consistency. Its features include online proofing, version control, and compliance checks. ArtworkFlow aims to reduce approval times and help companies get to market faster.

Sibe

Sibe is a cloud-based platform designed for reviewing and collaborating on 3D designs. It allows teams to share models, provide feedback through annotations, track changes, and streamline design approvals. Accessible from any device with a web browser, Sibe supports various 3D file formats, making it suitable for different industries and team sizes. It aims to improve communication, speed up design reviews, and reduce errors by providing a central platform for all 3D design feedback and collaboration.

Page co-authored by

Michal Kaczor

CEO at Gralio

Michal has worked at startups for many years and writes about topics relating to software selection and IT management. As a former consultant for Bain, a business advisory company, he also knows how to understand needs of any business and find solutions to its problems.

Tymon Terlikiewicz

CTO at Gralio

Tymon is a seasoned CTO who loves finding the perfect tools for any task. He recently headed up the tech department at Batmaid, a well-known Swiss company, where he managed about 60 software purchases, including CX, HR, Payroll, Marketing automation and various developer tools.

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