Onshape costs $125/mo.
These cost $0.
2 free alternatives to Onshape, checked for license, recent activity and real adoption. Each one tells you the catch, so you can switch with your eyes open.
Onshape vs Free Alternatives Matrix
Quick side-by-side comparison · $0/mo vs $125/mo
| Alternative | Type | License | Where It Runs | Stars | Head-to-Head |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FreeCAD | open source | cm0zpoyj2000r7dtr9ltm0v80 | Self-host | ★ 35.1k | Onshape vs FreeCAD → |
| Solvespace | open source | cm0zfiowb00pj94snnh6jzvs0 | Self-host | ★ 4.2k | Onshape vs Solvespace → |
The picks
2 open source · ranked by fit
- 01
FreeCAD
open sourcecm0zpoyj2000r7dtr9ltm0v80Self-host35.1knov 2026Free and open-source 3D parametric modeler.
The catch vs OnshapeRequires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Onshape.
Install, platforms & data +
- platforms
- webself-hosteddocker to self-host
- install
- Clone https://github.com/FreeCAD/FreeCAD or deploy with Docker Compose
- setup
- Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
- your data
- All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
- checked
- 2026-11-04
- 02
Solvespace
open sourcecm0zfiowb00pj94snnh6jzvs0Self-host4.2koct 2026Free, open-source parametric 2D/3D CAD tool.
The catch vs OnshapeRequires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Onshape.
Install, platforms & data +
- platforms
- webself-hosteddocker to self-host
- install
- Clone https://github.com/solvespace/solvespace or deploy with Docker Compose
- setup
- Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
- your data
- All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
- checked
- 2026-11-04
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers · Onshape open-source replacements
What is the best free alternative to Onshape?+
The top free alternative to Onshape is FreeCAD (open source, cm0zpoyj2000r7dtr9ltm0v80). Free and open-source 3D parametric modeler. Other popular Onshape replacements include Solvespace.
Can I self-host a free replacement for Onshape?+
Yes. Of the 2 free alternatives to Onshape, 2 can be self-hosted on your own server or local machine: FreeCAD (cm0zpoyj2000r7dtr9ltm0v80), Solvespace (cm0zfiowb00pj94snnh6jzvs0).
How much does switching from Onshape to a free alternative save?+
Onshape starts at $125/month per seat ($1,500/year). Switching a 5-person team to a free alternative like FreeCAD saves $7,500 per year in software subscription fees.
Should I vibe-code or build my own Onshape clone from scratch?+
Our build verdict for Onshape is NOT REALLY (use a free alternative, save the tokens). Instead of paying recurring SaaS fees for Onshape or rebuilding it from scratch, deploy one of the 2 battle-tested open-source alternatives like FreeCAD or Solvespace.
What is the catch when switching from Onshape to FreeCAD?+
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Onshape.
