Buying professional CAD software like AutoCAD can cost you over $2,095 a year, a price tag that’s simply out of reach for many students, freelancers, or small businesses. But the good news is, you don’t have to spend that much to get powerful CAD tools.
In fact, there are plenty of affordable (and even free) CAD programs that can handle everything from simple 2D drafting to advanced 3D modeling. In this guide, we’ve rounded up the 10 best cheap CAD software options in 2025, so you can find the right tool that fits your needs without draining your budget.
Contents
- 1. Benefits of Using Inexpensive CAD Software
- 2. The 10 Best Cheap CAD Software Recommended
- 3. FAQs About Cheap CAD Software
- 4. Conclusion
Benefits of Using Inexpensive CAD Software
Not everyone needs to spend thousands of dollars on premium CAD software to get professional results. Inexpensive CAD programs provide a practical alternative that can save money, reduce learning barriers, and still deliver the essential tools for most design tasks. They are especially useful for students, freelancers, and small businesses looking to work efficiently without breaking the bank. Benefits can be listed as follows.
Key benefits include:
- Cost Savings: Affordable or free CAD software gives you access to powerful design tools without high license fees.
- Beginner-Friendly: Many budget CAD programs feature simpler interfaces and gentler learning curves, making it easier for newcomers to start designing quickly.
- Lightweight and Focused: These programs avoid unnecessary features, keeping the software lightweight and fast while covering all the core tools needed for 2D drafting and basic 3D modeling.
- Low-Risk Experimentation: Even if some programs require a monthly subscription, their low cost allows you to try multiple options and switch freely until you find the one that fits your workflow.
The 10 Best Cheap CAD Software Recommended
In this part, we will explore the 10 best cheap CAD software including free 2D CAD software for drafting, cheap 3D CAD software for modeling, and more for you. Let’s scroll down and pick out the right one.
Top 1. ZWCAD
ZWCAD is a powerful yet affordable CAD software for both 2D and 3D design, suitable for everyone from beginners to professional designers. It is fully DWG compatible, ensuring seamless work with files from other major CAD programs. ZWCAD offers a wide range of tools for creating complex 3D models, rendering realistic images, and generating detailed technical drawings—all within an intuitive, user-friendly interface that makes it easy to learn, even for first-time CAD users.
One of ZWCAD’s standout features is its flexible trial and purchasing options. The 30-day free trial provides full access to all features, so you can explore everything without limitation. After the trial, users can choose between annual or three-year subscriptions, or a one-time purchase for long-term value. For anyone seeking affordable, versatile CAD software, ZWCAD offers a perfect balance of usability, functionality, and cost-effectiveness.
Note:
ZWSOFT has released ZWCAD Flex, a subscription-based CAD solution currently available exclusively in the United States and Canada.
Users outside these regions are encouraged to contact their local ZWSOFT sales team to explore perpetual license options for ZWCAD.
Top 2. Draftsight
Draftsight is another low-cost CAD software recommended on this list. If you’re looking for the best CAD software for architecture, engineering, or interior design, this tool is a great option. It comes with professional-level features that allow you to create, edit, view, and share 2D drafting and 3D modeling files with your team. Using this software can significantly enhance your design workflows and increase your team’s productivity.
Draftsight is also very cost-effective, offering multiple licensing plans at a variety of price points to suit different budgets, including a free trial for 30 days, a professional subscription of $299/year (2D drafting only), a premium subscription of $599/year (2D drafting and 3D design).
Top 3. progeCAD
progeCAD is considered one of the best AutoCAD-compatible 2D/3D CAD software. It provides all the functions and features of AutoCAD but at a more affordable price. It can be used to create a wide range of 2D and 3D drawings, from simple sketches to complex models for engineering drawings, architectural plans, and product designs. Moreover, it has a user-friendly interface and a comprehensive set of documentation and tutorials, making it easy for beginners to learn and use.
Also, progeCAD is well-known for its affordability. It is available as a perpetual license for $540, allowing you to purchase it once and use it indefinitely. Users can also opt for annual maintenance at $260 per year to receive updates and technical support, but this is optional. Additionally, a free trial is available, giving you full access to all features so you can test the software thoroughly before making a purchase.
Top 4. nanoCAD
When it comes to inexpensive CAD software, nanoCAD is always on the list. It is a cost-effective and user-friendly alternative to popular CAD programs like AutoCAD. The base version, focused on 2D drafting, starts at $289 per year. Users can also choose to add optional modules, such as 3D Solid Modeling or Mechanica, each for an additional $229 per year, offering a highly flexible and customizable CAD solution to fit different needs.
Plus, This cheap CAD software can offer a professional CAD software platform that provides designers with powerful capabilities in 2D drafting and 3D modeling. It is compatible with DWG files, so users can easily exchange drawings with other CAD users. All these features make it a great choice for anyone looking for a helpful and affordable CAD software solution.
Top 5. FreeCAD
FreeCAD is a free and open-source parametric free 2D CAD software and 3D CAD modeler and a building information modeling (BIM) software application available for Linux, macOS, and Windows operating systems. It is intended for mechanical engineering product design but also expands to a wider range of uses around engineering, such as architecture or electrical engineering.
Also, FreeCAD offers a set of tools for creating and editing 2D drawings, allowing users to use 2D drawings as a starting point for creating 3D models. If you need powerful CAD software, then you should not miss FreeCAD. However, be aware that it may not be compatible with some high-end CAD software. All in all, FreeCAD is a powerful and extensible CAD software suitable for a variety of design needs.
Top 6. SolveSpace
If what you need is the cheapest CAD software for editing 2D and 3D drawings, then SolveSpace, an open-source parametric CAD program, is an ideal available option for you. While there are other free CAD software options available, SolveSpace is generally considered to be one of the best, especially for beginners and hobbyists.
It is relatively easy to learn and use and provides a simple and intuitive way to learn about CAD and engineering concepts. Also, it has extensive features, including 2D sketching tools, 3D modeling operations, assembly modeling, rendering, and more. If you are new to CAD, you can try SolveSpace to get started.
Top 7. QCAD
QCAD is an open-source, free 2D CAD software for creating technical drawings such as plans for buildings, interiors, mechanical parts, or schematics and diagrams on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It also supports multiple file formats that can interoperate with other CAD software.
Additionally, the community edition is free to download and use, with no licensing fees, making it ideal for individual users and small businesses. For those who need additional professional features, the professional edition is available as a one-time purchase of $47. You can also try it for free for 15 minutes before purchasing to explore all the features. Overall, QCAD offers a simple, affordable, and accessible solution for 2D drafting.
Top 8. SmartDraw
SmartDraw is a web-based cheap CAD software for 2D drawings. Being one of the best 2D CAD online tools, it can be used to draw various types of drawings, including architectural, and engineering drawings, flowcharts, org charts, etc. It also provides many templates and resources to help users create professional drawings quickly. Additionally, it offers a platform that enables you to collaborate with your team seamlessly to improve your design plans in real-time. As for its interface, it is concise and clear, making it simple to operate and easy to use. Even users without CAD experience can get started quickly.
Currently, SmartDraw is priced at $10.95 per month for the personal version. It’s much cheaper than traditional CAD software, yet powerful. Therefore, SmartDraw is a very good choice for individual users and small and medium-sized enterprises who need low-cost CAD software.
Top 9. SketchUp Pro
SketchUp is a 3D modeling software program widely used for architectural drawings, interior designs, landscape designs, and more. It is well known for its ease of use and its ability to quickly create complex 3D models. The software includes powerful features such as intuitive push-pull modeling, Style Builder for creating custom styles, and an Extension Warehouse for accessing third-party add-ons.
To meet different budget needs, SketchUp also offers a SketchUp Go version, which is available through monthly or annual subscriptions. The monthly plan is priced at $19.9, while the annual plan costs $129, making it a relatively affordable option.
Top 10. Fusion 360
If you are looking for a powerful yet affordable CAD software option, Fusion 360 is a strong choice. Developed by Autodesk, it is widely used in architecture, engineering, manufacturing, product design, and other industries. As a cloud-based design platform, Fusion 360 integrates 3D CAD, CAM, CAE, and PCB tools, and it is compatible with Windows, macOS, and even web browsers.
Compared with the higher cost of AutoCAD, the subscription price of Fusion 360 is relatively more affordable. It is available at $85 per month or $680 per year, and also offers a 30-day free trial. For individuals or small businesses with general design needs, Fusion 360 can be a practical and cost-effective option.
FAQs About Cheap CAD Software
What Is the Best Inexpensive CAD Software for Beginners?
Based on the comparison of all the cheap CAD software mentioned above, if you plan to use CAD software for the long term, then ZWCAD is the best for you. It offers a free trial for 30 days, enabling you to try various features for 2D and 3D drafting, modeling, and rendering, including dimensioning, annotation, sheet set management, and more to improve your workflows.
Moreover, ZWCAD has rich learning resources, enabling beginners to easily find the needed information to learn how to use CAD software. Therefore, if you need an affordable CAD software option that can provide powerful functions to get started, then ZWCAD is a good choice.
In addition, If you just want to create 3D modeling, SketchUp Pro is a great 3D CAD software option for beginners as well. It offers a user-friendly interface, intuitive modeling tools, and rich tutorial sources, making it a good choice for those who are new to CAD.
| Related Article: 8 Best 2D & 3D CAD Software for Beginners in 2025 |
Free CAD Software vs Cheap CAD Software, Which to Choose?
If you are new to using CAD software, you can first learn about the functions of CAD software from free CAD software and try drawing. However, free options often tend to have very limited features and may not offer the same level of support as paid CAD software programs. After learning more about CAD, it is recommended to choose cheap CAD software that provides sufficient and excellent features with better support at a reasonable price with different subscription plans to fit your budget.
Conclusion
| CAD Software | Type | Price | Learning Curve | Operating System | Best for |
| ZWCAD | 2D/3D | 30-Day Free trial with full features access;
$899 for one-time purchase; Starts at $299/year (Currently available in US and Canada） |
Easy | Windows/Linux | Architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, product design |
| DraftSight | 2D/3D | 30-Day Free trial;
$299/year (2D Only); $599/year (2D & 3D) |
Easy | Windows | Architecture, engineering, construction, education, hobbyists |
| progeCAD | 2D/3D | 30-Day Free trial;
$540 for one-time purchase |
Easy | Windows | Architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, product design |
| nanoCAD | 2D/3D | 30-Day Free trial;
$289/year (2D Only); $518/year (2D & Other Module) |
Easy | Windows | Architecture, engineering, construction, education, hobbyists |
| FreeCAD | 2D/3D | Free | Moderate | Windows/Linux/macOS | Architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, product design, education, hobbyists |
| SolveSpace | 2D/3D | Free | Moderate | Windows/Linux/macOS | Mechanical engineering, product design, manufacturing |
| QCAD | 2D | Free version provided;
Pro version: $47 for one-time purchase, with 15-min free trial |
Easy | Windows/Linux/macOS | Architecture, engineering, construction, education, hobbyists |
| SmartDraw | 2D | $10.95/month | Easy | Windows | Business, education, government, non-profit |
| SketchUp Go | 3D | $19.9/month
$129/year |
Moderate | Windows/macOS | Architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, product design, game design |
| Fusion 360 | 3D | 30-Day Free trial; $85/month;$680/year; |
Moderate | Windows/macOS | Product design, mechanical engineering, manufacturing |
Overall, the best cheap CAD software will depend on your specific needs and budget. If you are a student or hobbyist, a free 2D CAD software option like FreeCAD, or the best 3D CAD software like SketchUp might be a good choice. If you are a professional who needs more powerful yet affordable CAD software for 2D drafting and 3D modeling, then a paid option like ZWCAD may be a better choice.