Top 10 Best Cheap Cad Software of 2026

Autodesk Fusion 360 is a powerful cloud-based 3D CAD/CAM/CAE platform that integrates design, simulation, manufacturing, and collaboration tools into a single application. It supports parametric modeling, generative design, and direct CNC programming, making it suitable for everything from hobbyist projects to professional product development. The software excels in accessibility with a generous free tier for non-commercial use, bridging the gap between entry-level and enterprise-grade CAD solutions.

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 that supports tasks like sketching, part design, assembly, finite element analysis, and BIM modeling. Cross-platform compatibility and Python scripting make it highly extensible for advanced users.

Onshape is a fully cloud-based CAD platform that provides professional-grade 3D modeling, parametric design, assemblies, drawings, and simulation tools directly in any web browser without installation. It excels in real-time collaboration and version control, making it ideal for distributed teams. The free tier offers robust features for public projects, while paid plans unlock private documents and advanced capabilities.

SketchUp is an intuitive 3D modeling software popular for architecture, interior design, urban planning, and product visualization. It excels at quickly turning 2D sketches into 3D models using its signature push-pull tool and supports extensions for added functionality. The free web-based version makes it accessible, while paid tiers offer desktop apps, advanced rendering, and exports for professional workflows.

Tinkercad is a free, web-based 3D design platform from Autodesk, ideal for beginners to create simple 3D models, circuits, and Arduino code through an intuitive drag-and-drop interface. It supports basic parametric modeling by combining primitive shapes, grouping, and aligning objects, with easy export options for 3D printing in formats like STL and OBJ. While geared toward education and hobbyists, it integrates with professional Autodesk tools for scaling up projects.

LibreCAD is a free, open-source 2D CAD application designed for creating precise technical drawings, schematics, floor plans, and mechanical parts. It offers essential drafting tools like lines, arcs, circles, dimensions, and layers, running efficiently on Windows, macOS, and Linux. As a lightweight alternative to commercial CAD software, it's ideal for basic 2D design without any cost.

DraftSight is a professional 2D CAD software developed by Dassault Systèmes, providing a cost-effective alternative to AutoCAD for creating precise 2D technical drawings and designs. It offers robust DWG compatibility, essential drafting tools, and parametric constraints for efficient workflows. While the free version handles basic needs well, paid tiers unlock advanced features like 3D modeling and collaboration tools, making it suitable for small teams and individual users.

nanoCAD is a lightweight, affordable CAD platform offering robust 2D drafting tools in its free version, with full DWG compatibility and AutoCAD-like commands for seamless workflows. Paid modules extend functionality to 3D modeling, BIM, and specialized applications like mechanical design. It's designed for professionals seeking high performance on modest hardware without the steep costs of premium CAD software.

QCAD is a free, open-source 2D CAD application designed for creating precise technical drawings and floor plans. It supports industry-standard DXF and DWG formats, runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, and offers both a community edition and a professional version with additional features like CAM support. Primarily focused on 2D drafting, it's lightweight and extensible via ECMAScript scripting.

SolveSpace is a free, open-source parametric 2D/3D CAD software tailored for precise mechanical design and engineering tasks. It excels in constraint-based sketching, 3D solid modeling, assemblies, and exporting to formats like STEP, STL, and DXF. Despite its compact size, it handles complex parametric relationships and simulations like mechanisms without requiring high-end hardware.