Adobe Creative Cloud vs Autodesk — Pricing, Plans, and Verified Costs (2026)
Adobe Creative Cloud starts at $84.99/mo. Autodesk starts at $260/mo. Adobe Creative Cloud is $175.01/mo cheaper on the entry tier than Autodesk.
See price history: Adobe Creative Cloud · Autodesk
The professional creative suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere, etc.) that dominated pro workflows for 30 years. Now under pressure from Figma (design), Canva (SMB), and AI-native tools (Midjourney, Runway). Distinctive for its enterprise moat via schools and agencies, plus subscription lock-in — you can no longer buy Photoshop outright. Recent 2026 restructure split All Apps into Creative Cloud Standard ($54.99/mo annual, cheaper entry) and Creative Cloud Pro ($69.99/mo annual, unlimited AI + premium credits). Also single-app tiers at $22.99/mo. Adobe's stock hasn't recovered from the failed Figma acquisition.
Multi-product design and engineering software vendor (AutoCAD, Fusion 360, Revit, Maya, Civil 3D, Inventor), founded 1982. Positioned as the industry-standard alternative to Bentley MicroStation (engineering) and open-source FreeCAD (hobbyist). Distinctive for its Collections bundles (AEC, Product Design & Manufacturing, Media & Entertainment) that unlock 5+ apps per subscription. Priced $64-$375/seat/mo depending on product; flagship AutoCAD at $255/mo monthly / $213/mo annual (17% discount). Completed $3.6B all-cash acquisition of MaintainX in Aug 2026 — expanding beyond design into day-to-day operations. Publicly traded (NASDAQ: ADSK), $60B market cap.
All plans compared
| Tier role | Plan | Adobe Creative Cloud monthly | Adobe Creative Cloud annual | Autodesk monthly | Autodesk annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry paid | Standard / Fusion 360 | $84.99 | $54.99 | $85 | $64 |
| Mid tier 1 | — / AutoCAD | — | — | $260 | $175 |
| Mid tier 2 | — / Maya | — | — | $260 | $175 |
| Mid tier 3 | — / Revit | — | — | $342 | $243 |
| Pro / power | Pro / AEC Collection | $99.99 | $69.99 | $375 | $291 |
Tier names differ across vendors. Rows are aligned by tier role, not name. Full tier structures on each tool's page.
What each is best for
Adobe Creative Cloud is worth it if… you're a professional designer, photographer, or video editor working in the industry-standard tools (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere, After Effects). Standard is the new cheaper all-apps entry (no web/mobile beta, limited AI credits); Pro adds unlimited standard AI and premium credits.
Autodesk is worth it if… architects, engineers, designers, and manufacturers who need industry-standard CAD tools — particularly where deliverables must be DWG or RVT compatible for regulatory or client-handoff reasons. AutoCAD covers general 2D/3D drafting; Fusion 360 for integrated product design; Revit for BIM/architecture; Maya for 3D animation; AEC Collection bundles multiple apps for AEC firms.
Bottom line: Similar positioning, closer to a preference call than a strategic one.
Choose Adobe Creative Cloud over Autodesk if…
Choose Adobe Creative Cloud if…
- You want fixed-price predictability (per seat, from $84.99/mo).
- You match the profile Adobe Creative Cloud is built for: you're a professional designer, photographer, or video editor working in the industry-standard tools (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere, After Effects).
- You need a general-purpose design & creative option rather than a vertical-specific one.
Choose Autodesk if…
- You're comfortable with Autodesk's from $260/mo entry point.
- You match the profile Autodesk is built for: architects, engineers, designers, and manufacturers who need industry-standard CAD tools — particularly where deliverables must be DWG or RVT compatible for regulatory or client-handoff reasons.
- You need a general-purpose design & creative option rather than a vertical-specific one.
At a glance
| Adobe Creative Cloud | Autodesk | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | No | No |
| Entry price | $84.99/mo | $260/mo |
| Enterprise available | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing model | Per Seat | — |
| Verification | Verified August 12, 2026 | Verified September 3, 2026 |
| Full pricing | View full pricing | View full pricing |
Pricing last verified September 26, 2026. Tracked daily.
Frequently asked questions
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Common questions about Adobe Creative Cloud and Autodesk
- How much does Adobe Creative Cloud cost in 2026?
- Does Adobe Creative Cloud have a free plan?
- How often does Adobe Creative Cloud change prices?
- What are the best Adobe Creative Cloud alternatives in 2026?
- How much does Autodesk cost in 2026?
- Does Autodesk have a free plan?
- How often does Autodesk change prices?
- What are the best Autodesk alternatives in 2026?