AutoCAD vs Chief Architect: what each really costs
Team size
Billing
AutoCAD
AutoCAD (annual) plan
$20,950
a year for 10 people · $1,745.83 a month
Chief Architect
Premier (annual) plan
$19,950
a year for 10 people · $1,662.50 a month
Chief Architect costs $1,000 less a year for 10 people.
Lower annual-billing cost for a 10-person team on each product's entry paid plan: Chief Architect. This is arithmetic on verified prices, not a recommendation.
| 10 people | AutoCAD | Chief Architect |
|---|---|---|
| Entry paid plan | AutoCAD (annual) | Premier (annual) |
| Vendor price | $2,095 per year | $1,995 per year, billed annually |
| Monthly cost | $1,745.83 | $1,662.50 |
| Annual cost | $20,950 | $19,950 |
| Per user / year | $2,095 | $1,995 |
| Billing commitment | Not recorded | Not recorded |
| Minimum seats | None stated | None stated |
| Free plan | No free plan listed | No free plan listed |
| Free trial | Not stated | Not stated |
Calculated by SpecEntry from official vendor prices. Taxes and optional add-ons are not included. Open each product page for every plan and the official source.
AutoCAD vs Chief Architect: features
Key features as each vendor lists them. A feature missing from a list does not mean the product lacks it.
AutoCAD
- Multi-device draftingCreate, edit and annotate drawings on desktop, web and mobile.
- Connected Support FilesCentrally control cloud-based support files.
- Project-aware palettesTool palettes and CUI load the right resources for each project automatically.
- Autodesk AssistantAn in-app assistant helps find information, check CAD standards and fix design issues.
- Raster Design toolsetEdit scanned drawings and convert raster images into DWG objects.
- Plant 3D toolsetCreate instrumentation diagrams and 3D models and extract piping isometrics.
- Map 3D toolsetModel-based GIS for planning, design and management data.
Chief Architect
- Automatic 3D modelDrawing walls builds the 3D model at the same time.
- Smart doors and windowsWindows and doors insert into walls with openings and framing.
- Cabinet designCabinets snap to walls, countertops merge and cabinets update with fixtures.
- Style PaletteChange a room's colors, materials and architectural elements at once.
- Real-time renderingFast real-time rendering for interior design.
- Artistic renderingLine drawing and watercolor styles in addition to photorealism.
Source:chiefarchitect.com ·
AutoCAD vs Chief Architect pricing questions
How much do AutoCAD and Chief Architect cost?
AutoCAD paid plans start at $260 per month (AutoCAD (monthly)). Chief Architect paid plans start at $229 per month, billed monthly (Premier (monthly)).
Is AutoCAD or Chief Architect cheaper for 5 users?
Chief Architect is cheaper for 5 users: $9,975 per year on Premier (annual), against $10,475 per year for AutoCAD on AutoCAD (annual). That is $500 less per year, before tax.
Is AutoCAD or Chief Architect cheaper for 10 users?
Chief Architect is cheaper for 10 users: $19,950 per year on Premier (annual), against $20,950 per year for AutoCAD on AutoCAD (annual). That is $1,000 less per year, before tax.
Is AutoCAD or Chief Architect cheaper for 25 users?
Chief Architect is cheaper for 25 users: $49,875 per year on Premier (annual), against $52,375 per year for AutoCAD on AutoCAD (annual). That is $2,500 less per year, before tax.