--- title: "Compare ARCHICAD vs Chief Architect 2026 | Capterra" description: "Unsure of what to choose? Check Capterra to compare ARCHICAD and Chief Architect based on pricing, features, product details, and verified reviews." source_url: "https://www.capterra.com/compare/2018-80035/ArchiCAD-vs-Chief-Architect" page_type: "comparison" language: "en" --- # ARCHICAD vs Chief Architect Features and Cost Comparison Last updated August 4th, 2026 Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team.[Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/our-story/) Your comparison: ARCHICADChief Architect2/4 selected [ARCHICAD](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/)[4.4 (279)](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/reviews/) [Chief Architect](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/)[4.4 (68)](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/reviews/) [## ARCHICAD](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/)[4.4 (279)](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/reviews/) Starting Price $33.33/month Value-for-Money 4.1 Functionality 4.4 Ease of Use 4.2 Customer Service 4.3 Reviews Sentiment Based on [279 reviews](#user-reviews) Positive 249 Neutral 27 Negative 3 [## Chief Architect](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/)[4.4 (68)](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/reviews/) Starting Price $3295.00one time Value-for-Money 4.1 Functionality 4.2 Ease of Use 4 Customer Service 4.3 Reviews Sentiment KR Based on [68 reviews](#user-reviews) Positive 57 Neutral 7 Negative 4 ## Not a match? Find software alternatives tailored to your priorities. These software suggestions are similar to those you’re currently comparing. Highest Rated ### Procore 4.5 (2,670) * * * Starting Price Contact vendor for pricing Free Trial Free Version * * * User rating 94% of reviewers rated it above 4 stars * * * ### RIB SpecLink 4.5 (118) * * * Starting Price Contact vendor for pricing Free Trial Free Version * * * User rating 92% of reviewers rated it above 4 stars * * * ### Enscape 4.4 (72) * * * Starting Price $52.90 Other,Per Year Free Trial Free Version * * * User rating 90% of reviewers rated it above 4 stars * * * ### Cedreo 4.4 (46) * * * Starting Price $129.00 Other,Per Month Free Trial Free Version * * * User rating 87% of reviewers rated it above 4 stars * * * ## Send this comparison chart to my inbox ### Fill out the form and we'll send a list of the top-rated software based on real user reviews directly to your inbox. ## Summary * * * Features in 3D Architecture Software Best performer 18 / 32 Only ARCHICAD - Animation - CAD Tools - Collaboration Tools 6 / 32 Only Chief Architect - Landscape Design User satisfaction User satisfaction 4.4 User reviews[279](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/reviews/) Ease of use 4.2 Functionality 4.4 Value for money 4.1 Customer support 4.3 User satisfaction 4.4 User reviews[68](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/reviews/) Ease of use 4.0 Functionality 4.2 Value for money 4.1 Customer support 4.3 Price starts from Price starts from $33.33Per User, Per Month - Free version - Free trial Price starts from $3295Flat Rate, One Time - Free version - Free trial Best for Best for Architects, engineers, contractors, clients, municipalities, BIM, and IT managers collaborate intimately to construct enduring buildings meant to stand the test of centuries. Best for Chief Architect software is designed for professionals, designers, architects, and remodelers. And Home Designer software is designed for the consumer DIY home design market. ## User reviews Pros & cons KK Krzysztof K. Owner > "It is intuitive, has a large database of libraries that can be expanded and interesting elements for..." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___4362235) JH Jared H. Owner > "Due to the constantly changing licensing system, you essentially end up purchasing the software new every few..." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___6568024) VR Verified Reviewer Data analyst > "ArchiCAD is a modern software for projects related to architecture, ArchiCAD offers you features like 2D and 3D..." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___4194249) JH Jared H. Owner > "You can not upgrade, but you also lose support." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___6568024) VR Verified Reviewer Interior Architect > "Is was able to generate both 2d and 3d at the same time, and it saves time for both customer and the foreman,..." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___4330948) EI Emmanuel I. intern > "its interface is not very appealing to new users" [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___6423421) TC Tara C. Researchers' > "Additionally, it provides robust tools for collaboration, design visualization, and project delivery, making it..." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___4579136) EH Eric H. Tech > "Did not feel like it would grow at our pace." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___6433081) NK Nayeon K. assistant manager > "Also, the program runs easily even if the computer specification is not good." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___6367174) MS Malvin S. Architect > "To pricey.the priceing is jut too much affect solo practices who cant afford it" [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___6105866) EH Eric H. Tech > "Really good, everything was smooth and intuitive, more options than you probably need, but really well done." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___6433081) ME Martin E. architect > "The absolute biggest problem though is simply how insanely badly optimized the program is." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___5012315) Souleymane D. Training assistant > "Autocad is the software you need to assist you with your professional designs." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___4996850) MG Mateusz G. Architect > "It is too complicated in compare with Revit." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___5098458) EI Emmanuel I. intern > "Its ease of use makes it very easy to pick up" [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___6423421) CuF Cláudia F. Architect > "A bit expensive and it tales a while to learn." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___6161440) CW Christopher W. CEO > "We can seamless work together on bigger projects, as well as manage smaller projects on a one employee level." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___4918549) VR Verified Reviewer BIM Executive > "The software has become so dense with capabilities, not to mention freshly added operations, that it can be hard..." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___4873724) US Uwe S. Partner > "We recently made the switch from another CAD software to ArchCad and our overall experience is very positive." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___5082751) TW Temesgen W. Civil Engineer > "it has some how limited rendering capabilities," [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___4187321) KK Krzysztof K. Owner > "The program works on Mac and Windows, supports many file export formats." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___4362235) VR Verified Reviewer Sales and Marketing specialist > "Rendering tool doesn't make your model look like in real life." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___3830533) JT John T. Architect > "The use of Archicad and its full range of features including the 3-D window provides intuitive and..." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___3216549) Maxime T. CEO > "it is not easy to understand it without having had to do some work beforehand, so not being able to have a black..." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___3851293) ME Mark E. Principal > "We first implemented Archicad with version 4.1 and have seen the development of this product help drive our firm..." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___3249446) US Uwe S. Partner > "Cost are high." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___5082751) US Uwe S. Partner > "Great for teamwork." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___5082751) CW Christopher W. CEO > "In our experience the software lacks some features seen in other competitors software." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___4918549) HTF Henrique Thomas F. Architect > "Icons, simplicity, organization of the project browser and 3D modeling." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___3820104) OR Okengo R. Assistant Architect > "Only gets exhausted for its timely freeze up and deburg reports" [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___4485198) KK Krzysztof K. Owner > "I also like that you can import plans from other programs and use them in Archicad." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___4362235) TS Tim S. Sole Proprietor > "I miss arch top windows in the window library in which the corners are not radial but sharp; also miss arched..." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___3242683) KK Krzysztof K. Owner > "Before the meeting, customers review the plans and more specifically interested people come to the meetings,..." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___4362235) JB Jacob B. Architect > "This program is not the industry standard in the United States." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___3934183) DR David R. Electrical estimator > "I am using it as part of my Diploma Course and having never used CAD before, it is quite intuitive to learn and..." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___4919564) CC Cate C. ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER > "D imaging is not the most advanced or intuitive, and there is a little lack of freedom in 3D modeling." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___3380597) TC Tara C. Researchers' > "ARCHICAD is known for its user-friendly interface, intuitive navigation, and efficient workflows." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___4579136) PG Pascal G. Bp1204 > "not all computers can enjoy archicad." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___3798664) Laurel L. civil engineer > "It is possible to make more elaborate presentations and convince partners and collaborators more easily." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___3749549) Favio R. Project Manager > "Sometimes it makes it hard to work." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___3895987) Prashant S. Architect > "This BIM modeling software increases my productivity and makes my work life easy." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___4125313) TS Tim S. Sole Proprietor > "I do not know how to make precise 3D points within the line. " [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___3242683) MS Malvin S. Architect > "great customer support." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___6105866) ME Mark E. Principal > "We also had problems with excessive crashes in AC 21, 23, and 24." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___3249446) BK Berson K. Architecture Technologist > "It easy to use and good feature in archicad because it help to draw all thing your want during desnining" [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___3830782) BB Benonius B. Building Plan Consultant > "sometimes i forget how to use the comment as well, because there is no a such preferring comment bellow guide me..." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___2771761) ME Mark E. Principal > "We also love how Archicad is set up to favor front loading our labor with the benefit of reducing the total..." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___3249446) MK Michelle K. owner > "It is very expensive." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___3208283) VR Verified Reviewer Sales and Marketing specialist > "It is a very useful tool but I have seen it is better to use together with other rendering software for more..." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___3830533) HRJ Heliseth Ranse J. Architec > "Poor and complicated tools, takes longer than the competition." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___2858923) [View Reviews](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/reviews/) KR Kristin R. Kitchen Designer > "Renderings are nice, its nice to have control over sizing, colors, etc." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/#Capterra___3985692) DW Donna W. Owner > "Not being able to bring outside furniture from companies an place inside the drawings." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/#Capterra___5097653) TS Teresa S. Kitchen and Bath Designer > "Notes, dimensions, and materials are all easily accessible in the program." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/#Capterra___4777747) KR Kristin R. Kitchen Designer > "So time consuming and challenging compared to other programs specifically when you are using for Kitchen design,..." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/#Capterra___3985692) Tejshree B. Manager > "My clients are really very happy after having a picture real view of their dreams" [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/#Capterra___4636490) SW Simon W. Project Manager > "While great for a homeowner, the ease of creating a drawing also is the downfall as the resultant drawing is not..." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/#Capterra___3028534) CL Charlie L. Custom Builder > "We are a design build firm and it helps us communicate in clear and concise detail with our clients." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/#Capterra___2774806) Tejshree B. Manager > "Overall chief architect is not the best and easy to use software that I’ve ever use." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/#Capterra___4636490) TR Tony R. Senior Designer > "I love that these isn't a lighting issue like with other software." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/#Capterra___2843956) ML Mark L. Principal Architect > "People developing the software should be people that actually produce drawings for a living not some software geek..." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/#Capterra___2480679) SB Suzi B. Designer/Owner > "The graphics are good, better than hand drawing." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/#Capterra___2692266) LM Luis M. Owner > "You have very little room for customization, no phasing, the layout process is completely atrocious." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/#Capterra___2712398) JP Jeanette P. owner > "Consequently, I don't have too many problems." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/#Capterra___2966492) ML Mark L. Principal Architect > "It is terrible in creating details and its x-ref and layout procedures are absolutely terrible. " [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/#Capterra___2480679) JP Jeanette P. owner > "It's easy to use and relatively quick." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/#Capterra___2966492) AP Allee P. Designer > "Some catalogs unavailable and "free" modeling was not as simple as other programs." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/#Capterra___2424629) [View Reviews](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/reviews/) ## User interface [ARCHICAD](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/) 4.44 (279) [Chief Architect](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/) 4.37 (68) ### Features ARCHICAD Top features 18/32 - 360-Site Stream - 3D Modeling - AI Copilot - Animation - BIM Modeling - CAD Tools - Collaboration Tools - Component Library - Content Library - Data Import/Export - Design Management - Document Management - Drafting - Drag & Drop - File Management - Floor Plans & Maps - For AEC Industry - Generative AI - Image Editing - Landscape Design - Multiple File Format Support - Offline Access - Panoramas - Pre-built Templates - Project Management - Real-time Product Visualizations - Rendering - Secure Data Storage - Sketching and Annotation Tools - Template Management - Third-Party Integrations - Video Creation [See all features](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#features) Chief Architect 6/32 - 360-Site Stream - 3D Modeling - AI Copilot - Animation - BIM Modeling - CAD Tools - Collaboration Tools - Component Library - Content Library - Data Import/Export - Design Management - Document Management - Drafting - Drag & Drop - File Management - Floor Plans & Maps - For AEC Industry - Generative AI - Image Editing - Landscape Design - Multiple File Format Support - Offline Access - Panoramas - Pre-built Templates - Project Management - Real-time Product Visualizations - Rendering - Secure Data Storage - Sketching and Annotation Tools - Template Management - Third-Party Integrations - Video Creation [See all features](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/#features) ### Recognition No recognitions have been awarded to ARCHICAD No recognitions have been awarded to Chief Architect ### Deployment & support ARCHICAD Deployment - Cloud, SaaS, Web-Based - Desktop Mac - Desktop Windows - Desktop Linux - On-Premise Windows - On-Premise Linux - Desktop Chromebook - Mobile Android - Mobile iPhone - Mobile iPad Support - Email/Help Desk - FAQs/Forum - Knowledge Base - Phone Support - 24/7 (Live rep) - Chat Training - In Person - Live Online - Webinars - Documentation - Videos Chief Architect Deployment - Cloud, SaaS, Web-Based - Desktop Mac - Desktop Windows - Desktop Linux - On-Premise Windows - On-Premise Linux - Desktop Chromebook - Mobile Android - Mobile iPhone - Mobile iPad Support - Email/Help Desk - FAQs/Forum - Knowledge Base - Phone Support - 24/7 (Live rep) - Chat Training - In Person - Live Online - Webinars - Documentation - Videos ### Company Details ARCHICAD - By GRAPHISOFT - Located in Hungary - Founded in 1984 Chief Architect - By Chief Architect - Located in United States - Founded in 1992 ## Popular Comparisons [ARCHICAD](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/)[4.44 (279)](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/reviews/) vs [Design Flex](https://www.capterra.com/p/218525/2020-Design-Live/)[4.31 (357)](https://www.capterra.com/p/218525/2020-Design-Live/reviews/) $33.33/month Price Contact vendor for pricing 4.4 Features 4.2 4.2 Ease of Use 4.2 [View full comparison](https://www.capterra.com/compare/2018-218525/ArchiCAD-vs-2020-Design-Live) [Chief Architect](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/)[4.37 (68)](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/reviews/) vs [D5 Render](https://www.capterra.com/p/10005615/D5-Render/)[4.83 (415)](https://www.capterra.com/p/10005615/D5-Render/reviews/) $3295one time Price $0/month 4.2 Features 4.7 4.0 Ease of Use 4.8 [View full comparison](https://www.capterra.com/compare/80035-10005615/Chief-Architect-vs-D5-Render) [ARCHICAD](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/)[4.44 (279)](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/reviews/) vs [Revit](https://www.capterra.com/p/265023/Revit/)[4.61 (482)](https://www.capterra.com/p/265023/Revit/reviews/) $33.33/month Price $365/month 4.4 Features 4.6 4.2 Ease of Use 4.0 [View full comparison](https://www.capterra.com/compare/2018-265023/ArchiCAD-vs-Revit) [Chief Architect](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/)[4.37 (68)](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/reviews/) vs [SketchUp](https://www.capterra.com/p/211798/SketchUp/)[4.49 (1,047)](https://www.capterra.com/p/211798/SketchUp/reviews/) $3295one time Price $19.99/month 4.2 Features 4.3 4.0 Ease of Use 4.4 [View full comparison](https://www.capterra.com/compare/80035-211798/Chief-Architect-vs-SketchUp) [ARCHICAD](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/)[4.44 (279)](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/reviews/) vs [RIB SpecLink](https://www.capterra.com/p/267349/SpecLink/)[4.47 (118)](https://www.capterra.com/p/267349/SpecLink/reviews/) $33.33/month Price Contact vendor for pricing 4.4 Features 4.2 4.2 Ease of Use 4.3 [View full comparison](https://www.capterra.com/compare/2018-267349/ArchiCAD-vs-SpecLink) [Chief Architect](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/)[4.37 (68)](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/reviews/) vs [AutoCAD](https://www.capterra.com/p/265024/AutoCAD/)[4.65 (3,211)](https://www.capterra.com/p/265024/AutoCAD/reviews/) $3295one time Price $250/month 4.2 Features 4.6 4.0 Ease of Use 4.1 [View full comparison](https://www.capterra.com/compare/80035-265024/Chief-Architect-vs-AutoCAD) [ARCHICAD](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/)[4.44 (279)](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/reviews/) vs [AutoCAD](https://www.capterra.com/p/265024/AutoCAD/)[4.65 (3,211)](https://www.capterra.com/p/265024/AutoCAD/reviews/) $33.33/month Price $250/month 4.4 Features 4.6 4.2 Ease of Use 4.1 [View full comparison](https://www.capterra.com/compare/2018-265024/ArchiCAD-vs-AutoCAD) [Chief Architect](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/)[4.37 (68)](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/reviews/) vs [Revit](https://www.capterra.com/p/265023/Revit/)[4.61 (482)](https://www.capterra.com/p/265023/Revit/reviews/) $3295one time Price $365/month 4.2 Features 4.6 4.0 Ease of Use 4.0 [View full comparison](https://www.capterra.com/compare/80035-265023/Chief-Architect-vs-Revit) [ARCHICAD](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/)[4.44 (279)](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/reviews/) vs [Vectorworks Architect](https://www.capterra.com/p/29995/Vectorworks-Architect/)[4.28 (53)](https://www.capterra.com/p/29995/Vectorworks-Architect/reviews/) $33.33/month Price $127.5/month 4.4 Features 4.4 4.2 Ease of Use 4.0 [View full comparison](https://www.capterra.com/compare/2018-29995/ArchiCAD-vs-Vectorworks-Architect)