Both tools build solid models from constrained sketches and features, and both keep a history you can edit. The differences are in where they run, how their free tiers work and what sits around the modeling tools.
Fusion is developed by Autodesk. Onshape has been part of PTC since PTC completed its acquisition on November 1, 2019, according to PTC.
Autodesk Fusion and Onshape side by side
| Feature | Autodesk Fusion | Onshape |
|---|---|---|
| Developer | Autodesk | Onshape, a PTC business unit |
| License | Proprietary | Proprietary (software as a service) |
| Free option | Personal use: non-commercial home projects, 10 editable documents, 3-year term | Free plan: non-commercial use, all documents public |
| Paid plans | Paid subscription (price not verified) | Standard $1,500 and Professional $2,500 per user per year; Enterprise custom |
| Platforms | Windows and macOS desktop app | Web browser on PC, Mac, Linux and Chrome; iOS, iPadOS and Android apps |
| System requirements | Windows 11 23H2 or macOS 14 or later; 8 GB RAM minimum on Windows, 4 GB on Mac; internet connection | WebGL-capable browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari on macOS, Opera, Edge); Android 8 or iOS/iPadOS 18 on mobile |
| Latest release | Build v.2706.1.17, October 29, 2026 | Release 1.223, October 30, 2026 |
| Design history | Parametric timeline, with optional direct modeling | Feature history plus versions, branches and merging |
| 3D printing tools | Additive workspace with FFF setups and printer post processors (Bambu Lab, Creality) | STL export options |
| Other workspaces | Manufacture (CAM), Electronics, Simulation, Generative Design (some excluded from personal use) | Parts, assemblies, drawings, sheet metal and weldments in the free plan |
Checked November 2, 2026. Fusion's latest listed build was v.2706.1.17 (October 29, 2026) in Autodesk's release notes; Onshape's changelog listed release 1.223 (October 30, 2026). Autodesk's product and pricing pages blocked automated access, so a paid Fusion price is not given here. Onshape prices are as listed on its pricing page in US dollars.
Free tiers have different catches
Autodesk's help center describes Fusion for personal use as free for qualifying users doing home-based, non-commercial projects, on a 3-year term you renew by reapplying. Only 10 documents can be editable at once, and simulation, generative design, extensions and cloud rendering are excluded. Standard design tools, FFF additive, 2.5- and 3-axis milling and local export to STEP, STL and OBJ remain available.
Onshape's free plan is for non-commercial use, and its pricing page says all documents on the plan are accessible to the public. Onshape lists Standard at $1,500 and Professional at $2,500 per user per year, billed annually, for private and commercial work, plus free Education and Startup programs.
Desktop app or browser
Fusion installs on Windows 11 version 23H2 or macOS 14 Sonoma and later. Autodesk lists a minimum of 8 GB of RAM on Windows, recommends 32 GB or more for heavy work, and gives minimum internet speeds, and you reach hubs, projects and designs through the Data Panel. Its release notes also mention a Fusion web client.
Onshape runs in a supported browser with WebGL and on iOS, iPadOS and Android apps. Its help center says hardware needs are much lower than for installed CAD, with a discrete graphics card helping on larger assemblies, and that a reliable internet connection is the primary requirement.
History, versions and collaboration
In Fusion's parametric mode, every feature is recorded in a timeline you can edit and reorder; direct modeling mode skips that history. Onshape keeps a history of every change by every user and adds versions, branches and merging, so a team can try changes on a branch without disturbing the main design.
Preparing 3D prints
Fusion goes further toward the printer. Its release notes for 2026 list additive post processors for Bambu Lab A1 printers and CrealityOS printers, new additive machine definitions and 3MF Slice Extension export. Onshape's changelog lists updated STL export options; you would normally send the export to a separate slicer.
Which should you choose?
Choose Autodesk Fusion if…
- You want design, CAM and additive print setup in one desktop application.
- You work alone on non-commercial projects and need your designs to stay private on a free license.
- You also need electronics design or simulation tools from the same vendor.
Choose Onshape if…
- You want to model in a browser or on a tablet without installing software.
- You collaborate with others and want versions, branches and merges built in.
- Your projects are open-source and non-commercial, so public documents are acceptable.
Common questions
Is Onshape's free plan private?
No. Onshape says all documents on the free plan are accessible to the public and the plan is for non-commercial use. Private documents require a paid plan.
What are the limits of Fusion for personal use?
Autodesk lists 10 editable documents at a time, non-commercial home use only, a 3-year term, and no simulation, generative design, extensions or cloud rendering.
Can either tool slice a model for my printer?
Fusion includes an additive workspace with FFF setups and post processors for some printers, including Bambu Lab A1 and CrealityOS models. Onshape exports STL, which you then slice in a separate program.
Sources
- Fusion 2026 release notes Autodesk Fusion Help · Checked 2026-11-02
- PTC completes acquisition of Onshape PTC Inc. · Checked 2026-11-02
- Fusion for personal use: license changes and limits Autodesk Fusion Help · Checked 2026-11-02
- Onshape pricing and plans Onshape (PTC) · Checked 2026-11-02
- System requirements for Autodesk Fusion Autodesk Fusion Help · Checked 2026-11-02
- Onshape Free plan Onshape (PTC) · Checked 2026-11-02
- Onshape hardware and graphics performance recommendations Onshape Help · Checked 2026-11-02
- Getting started with Onshape (mobile requirements) Onshape Help · Checked 2026-11-02
- Onshape changelog Onshape (PTC) · Checked 2026-11-02
- Fusion parametric and direct modeling (design history) Autodesk Fusion Help · Checked 2026-11-02
- Onshape versioning and branching Onshape Help · Checked 2026-11-02
- The Fusion interface (Data Panel, timeline, workspaces) Autodesk Fusion Help · Checked 2026-11-02
This comparison summarizes the cited documentation; it is not a lab test. Features and prices change between releases; check the developer’s site for the current version.