Onshape vs OpenSCAD: Pricing and Ratings Compared (2026)
Entry prices and free plans as read on each vendor's pricing page, and user ratings as published on review sites, for Onshape and OpenSCAD side by side. This page compares data; it is not a hands-on review.
On the data: On the data below, Onshape leads on higher user rating. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
Onshape
The only cloud-native product development platform for CAD, PDM, and real-time collaboration.
Best for you if:
- • You want no installations, upgrades, or hardware requirements
OpenSCAD
The programmer's solid 3D CAD modeller for creating precise 3D objects.
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (Onshape requires payment)
| At a Glance | Onshape | OpenSCAD |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free plan, paid from $125/user/mo, billed yearly Standard Plan plan | Free 100% free |
Category | 3D Design Developer Tools | 3D Design Developer Tools |
Rating | 4.6/5 G2 4.7 · Capterra 4.5 1,081 reviews | 4.2/5 G2 4.3 · Capterra 4.0 34 reviews |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Onshape or OpenSCAD?
Choose Onshape if
- You want no installations, upgrades, or hardware requirements
- You want eliminates crashes and data loss
Choose OpenSCAD if
- You want a fully free tool (Onshape requires payment)
- You want provides full control over the modeling process through scripting
- You want enables easy modification and parametrically defined designs
In-Depth Analysis
Onshape
The only cloud-native product development platform for CAD, PDM, and real-time collaboration.
Onshape's pricing is generally fair, offering a generous Free Plan for non-commercial use.
Strengths
- Pro: No installations, upgrades, or hardware requirements
- Pro: Eliminates crashes and data loss
- Pro: Streamlines collaboration for distributed teams
- Pro: Integrated PDM simplifies version control
- Pro: Always on an updated version with continuous updates
Weaknesses
- Con: Requires an internet connection for full functionality
- Con: May have a learning curve for users accustomed to traditional desktop CAD
Key features
OpenSCAD
The programmer's solid 3D CAD modeller for creating precise 3D objects.
OpenSCAD's pricing is exceptionally generous, as it is entirely free.
Strengths
- Pro: Provides full control over the modeling process through scripting.
- Pro: Enables easy modification and parametrically defined designs.
- Pro: Free and open-source software.
- Pro: Ideal for precise, technical 3D modeling like machine parts.
Weaknesses
- Con: Not suitable for artistic 3D modeling or animation.
- Con: Non-interactive modeling process may have a learning curve for some users.
Key features
Plans and prices: Onshape vs OpenSCAD
| Tool | Plans and prices | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Onshape |
| onshape.com/pricing read Oct 31, 2026 |
| OpenSCAD |
| openscad.org read Sep 30, 2026 |
Prices as read on each vendor's own pricing page on the date shown. Plans are listed per tool and are not matched against the other tool's plans: a plan name or price in one column says nothing about the same row in the other. Details on Onshape pricing and OpenSCAD pricing.
Key Takeaways
Onshape
- Higher user rating: 4.6/5 vs 4.2/5
OpenSCAD
- Choose if you want the programmer's solid 3D CAD modeller for creating precise 3D objects
What the data shows
On the data below, Onshape leads on higher user rating. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.
- Onshape has the higher user rating (4.6/5 from 1,081 reviews for Onshape, 4.2/5 from 34 reviews for OpenSCAD).
- Onshape starts at $125/user/mo, billed yearly; OpenSCAD has no public paid plan price on file.
- Both have a free plan.
Criteria: user rating (only above 20 reviews on both sides, gap of 0.2 or more), entry price (only on the same billing basis), free plan. How we rate
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Onshape and OpenSCAD compare in 2026?
On the data below, Onshape leads on higher user rating. We do not name an overall winner for this pair. Onshape has the higher user rating (4.6/5 from 1,081 reviews for Onshape, 4.2/5 from 34 reviews for OpenSCAD). Onshape starts at $125/user/mo, billed yearly; OpenSCAD has no public paid plan price on file. Both have a free plan.
What are Onshape and OpenSCAD used for?
Onshape: The only cloud-native product development platform for CAD, PDM, and real-time collaboration. OpenSCAD: The programmer's solid 3D CAD modeller for creating precise 3D objects.
What does Onshape cost vs OpenSCAD?
Onshape's cheapest paid plan is Standard Plan at $125/user/mo, billed yearly; it also has a free plan. OpenSCAD is free. Prices read on the vendors' pricing pages, latest check Oct 31, 2026.
What's the main difference between Onshape and OpenSCAD?
Onshape's main strength: no installations, upgrades, or hardware requirements. OpenSCAD's main strength: provides full control over the modeling process through scripting.