kitio.aiOnshape vs Backflip
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Backflip has the lower starting price: about $20 a month, against $125 for Onshape.
At a glance
Best for
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Cloud 3D CAD
- Built-in product data management
- Branching and merging
- Simulation and CAM tools
- AI Advisor
- Real-time collaboration
- Parametric model generation
- Full feature trees
- Export to CAD software
- Fast and Thinking modes
- Credit packs
| Feature | Onshape | Backflip |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Cloud-based CAD with built-in data management and an AI advisor | AI CAD copilot that generates parametric models with feature trees |
| Category | Design | Design |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Paid |
| Starting price | $1500/yr | $20/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | No |
| Made by | PTC | Backflip AI |
| Based in | United States | United States |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Backflip has the lower starting price: about $20 a month, against $125 for Onshape.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
4 plans
Free
Free
- Non-commercial use only
- Unlimited public storage
- Full CAD tools
- Version control
Standard
$1500/yr
- Per user
- Everything in Free
- Unlimited private storage
- In-product support
Professional
$2500/yr
- Per user
- Everything in Standard
- Release management
- Advanced PDM and simulation
Enterprise
Contact sales
- Everything in Professional
- SSO and advanced admin
- Analytics dashboards
- Guided onboarding
4 plans
Builder
$20/mo
- 100 credits a month
- For individual users
Pro
$50/mo
- 300 credits a month
- For power users and small teams
Business
$380/mo
- 2,500 credits a month
- For growing teams
Enterprise
Contact sales
- Custom credits
- For large organizations
Prices in USD, checked Oct 29, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
Onshape
- Works in a browser on any device
- Version control built into the design
- Free plan for personal projects
- Free plan is non-commercial with public documents
- Paid plans are billed per user each year
- AI is a small part of the product
Backflip
- Models stay editable in CAD
- Choice of fast or deeper modes
- Credit packs for busy months
- No free plan shown
- Monthly credits don't roll over
- Thinking Mode uses credits quickly
Which one should you choose?
Choose Onshape if you want:
- Works in a browser on any device
- Version control built into the design
- Free plan for personal projects
Watch out: free plan is non-commercial with public documents.
Choose Backflip if you want:
- Models stay editable in CAD
- Choice of fast or deeper modes
- Credit packs for busy months
Watch out: no free plan shown.
Onshape vs Backflip FAQ
What is the difference between Onshape and Backflip?
Onshape: Cloud-based CAD with built-in data management and an AI advisor. Backflip: AI CAD copilot that generates parametric models with feature trees. Both are design tools.
Is Onshape or Backflip cheaper?
Backflip has the lower starting price: about $20 a month, against $125 for Onshape.
Do Onshape and Backflip have free plans?
Onshape: Yes. Backflip: No.
Who makes Onshape?
Onshape is made by PTC, based in United States.
Who makes Backflip?
Backflip is made by Backflip AI, based in United States.
Which should I choose, Onshape or Backflip?
Choose Onshape if you value works in a browser on any device and version control built into the design. Choose Backflip if you value models stay editable in cad and choice of fast or deeper modes.