Top 10 Best Cheap 3D Cad Software of 2026

Autodesk Fusion 360 is a powerful cloud-based 3D CAD, CAM, and CAE platform that enables parametric modeling, assembly design, simulation, and manufacturing workflows in one integrated environment. It supports everything from concept sketches to production-ready toolpaths, with real-time collaboration and data management via the cloud. Ideal for makers and professionals, its free tier for personal and startup use democratizes access to enterprise-level tools previously reserved for high-end software.

FreeCAD is a free, open-source parametric 3D CAD modeler designed for mechanical engineering, product design, architecture, and more. It features a modular workbench system for specialized tasks like part design, assembly, and finite element analysis. Cross-platform and extensible via Python, it supports industry-standard file formats like STEP, IGES, and STL.

Onshape is a professional-grade, cloud-native 3D CAD platform that supports parametric modeling, assemblies, drawings, and simulations directly in the browser without any software installation. It excels in real-time collaboration and version control, akin to Git, enabling seamless team workflows. The free plan offers robust features for public documents, making it accessible for hobbyists, while paid tiers unlock private storage and advanced tools.

Tinkercad is a free, web-based 3D modeling tool developed by Autodesk, designed for beginners to create, edit, and share 3D designs using simple drag-and-drop primitives and shapes. It supports essential CAD functions like combining, subtracting, and grouping objects, along with direct export to STL for 3D printing. Beyond modeling, it integrates electronics simulation and block-based coding, making it a versatile platform for prototyping and education.

SketchUp Free is a web-based 3D modeling software accessible via sketchup.com, designed for creating, viewing, and sharing 3D models with an intuitive push-pull workflow. It excels in quick conceptual designs for architecture, interior, and product visualization, integrating seamlessly with the 3D Warehouse library of millions of user-generated models. While powerful for beginners, it lacks advanced CAD precision tools, offline access, and pro-level features like scripting or high-end rendering.

Blender is a free, open-source 3D creation suite renowned for modeling, sculpting, animation, rendering, and VFX. As a cheap CAD alternative, it provides powerful polygonal and subdivision surface modeling tools suitable for product design visualization and basic prototyping. However, it lacks core CAD features like parametric constraints, assembly management, and precise engineering documentation.

SolveSpace is a free, open-source parametric 3D CAD software ideal for designing mechanical parts and assemblies with precise constraints. It excels in 2D sketching, 3D modeling via extrusions, revolves, and booleans, while supporting assemblies and export to formats like STEP and STL. Lightweight and cross-platform, it's perfect for users seeking a no-cost alternative to heavier commercial CAD tools without sacrificing core parametric capabilities.

OpenSCAD is a free, open-source 3D CAD software that allows users to create solid 3D models using a script-based, programmatic approach rather than traditional graphical interfaces. Users write code in a custom domain-specific language to define geometries, parameters, and operations like unions, differences, and intersections, which are then previewed and rendered in 3D. It's widely used for parametric designs, especially for 3D printing, customization, and algorithmic modeling.

DesignSpark Mechanical is a completely free 3D CAD software from RS Components, built on SpaceClaim technology for mechanical design and engineering. It excels in direct modeling, allowing users to create, edit, and assemble parts intuitively without parametric history constraints. Ideal for quick prototyping, it supports common file formats like STEP, IGES, and STL for 3D printing.

BRL-CAD is a long-standing, open-source constructive solid geometry (CSG) solid modeling system developed for military and research applications. It excels in high-fidelity 3D modeling, ray-tracing for rendering and geometric analysis, and supports advanced simulations like ballistic vulnerability assessment. While powerful for precise engineering tasks, it relies heavily on command-line interfaces with limited graphical support.