Revit vs SketchUp vs Revizto

Introduction

Architectural software comes in a variety of forms and encompasses a wide range of solutions. It is an umbrella term that includes different types of software. Moreover, there is often significant overlap among these solutions, leading to occasional confusion between BIM software and CAD software. Additionally, the architectural software market is highly competitive, offering diverse solutions from various companies and platforms.

Revit vs SketchUp vs Revizto: which is the best?

BIM and CAD are often mistaken because some BIM programs  possess basic CAD-like capabilities. However, this is not always the case, and there are numerous BIM solutions that lack the ability to modify BIM models altogether. For instance, any solution involved in BIM data management can be considered a BIM solution, regardless of whether its modeling capabilities are limited or nonexistent.

When it comes to comparing specific solutions, there is no clear answer to this question. Revit, SketchUp, and Revizto may fall into the same category of construction software, but each solution has its own spectrum of use cases and dedicated functions.

For example, Revit is the best for companies looking for a comprehensive BIM solution that offers many different capabilities in the field. SketchUp is an incredible sketching and modeling solution that is most effective in the hands of architects and designers. Revizto, on the other hand, is a collaborative BIM solution with a focus on clash detection and issue tracking. It is not as feature-rich as Revit, but it is impressive in its own field of work.

Researching BIM or CAD solutions can be time-consuming, and no single resource can answer all of your questions. The issue is made even worse by the fact that these solutions have a lot of overlapping capabilities. All three examples of software can work with 3D project models, both Revit and Revizto can act as a centralized source of information, SketchUp and Revit share BIM-oriented modeling capabilities, and so on.

To address this particular issue, we have gathered detailed information about all three of these solutions to provide comprehensive details of each one. Any detailed comparison must include direct comparisons, customer reviews, benefits, shortcomings, and more. In this article, our primary objective is to compare Revit, SketchUp, and Revizto to determine their best and worst use cases.

Methodology for comparing Revit vs SketchUp vs Revizto

Since the comparison itself includes many details and angles, we should lay down our methodology for the process beforehand.

Main features

This particular element of comparison is difficult to present, primarily because of the differences between the solutions. As such, we have chosen not to compare them to one another but rather showcase the strengths of each application. This way, it will be easier to see what each solution is best at. We choose not to present a list of “basic” features that all contenders have simply because very few features can be found in all three solutions.

Technical details

A short presentation of the technical specifications of the software goes a long way towards making a choice between the solutions. We choose two main categories of parameters for this comparison: supported operating systems and the existence or absence of a mobile app.

Operating system plays a significant role in the choice of a solution for a specific use case, as plenty of software, such as Revit, works only with Windows devices, with no Mac or Linux support. The topic of a mobile app, on the other hand, is a short overview of how mobile a given solution is, since the existence of mobile applications for specific software offers a lot more opportunities for on-site surveillance, quick sketching, and other similar tasks that cannot be done with standalone software installed on a workstation.

Price

Price is often one of the most decisive factors in the comparison of software. Many companies and businesses work with specific budgets, and meeting the budget is often far more important than having more features in a solution. In this case, all three software examples vary quite a lot in their pricing. Revit is a comprehensive BIM solution with a massive price tag, Revizto has a lower price in comparison but is also far more limited in terms of its features, while SketchUp is highly accessible, with a number of its basic features available for free.

The use case of the solution also has a lot of influence on this choice since there is not much overlap between Revit, SketchUp, and Revizto. For example, it is unlikely that an architect would pick Revizto over SketchUp just because Revizto offers more BIM-oriented features.

Customer ratings

Customer ratings directly represent overall opinions about the product. The product in question is construction software, and the software options differ from one another. Customer ratings are a quick way of showcasing average public opinion about a solution. In this case, resources such as G2, TrustRadius, and Capterra were used to gather such information.

Capterra is a review aggregator platform that ensures the authenticity of reviews using a collection of thorough, self-made checks on all its users, and no customer reviews can be removed from Capterra at the product’s request. There are over 2 million registered reviews on Capterra and a thousand categories to pick from.

TrustRadius is a review platform that ensures that every review is authentic and genuine using extensive multistep processes. It also has a separate in-house research team to ensure that reviews are informative and valuable. No vendor can edit or delete customer reviews on TrustRadius.

G2 is a notable review platform with a library of over 100,000 vendors. It has gathered over 2.4 million verified user reviews, and there is also a built-in review validation system that checks every review for authenticity. G2 also offers other services, if necessary, such as tracking, investment, and marketing.

Customer reviews

As an extension of the previous parameter, we present a number of customer reviews for a more genuine and natural presentation of each software application. All of these reviews showcase specific sides of a product, including both its advantages and potential problems.

Benefits and disadvantages

Presenting both the advantages and shortcomings of a solution is one of the most accessible ways to help a potential customer when it comes to choosing between multiple solutions. We have collected a number of the benefits and disadvantages of all three software examples to ensure that the comparison is as fair and objective as possible.

Detailed considerations in regards to each solution

While it is true that it is not easy to make a direct comparison between these solutions, we can take some of the most basic factors to compare products with and choose winners based on which solution is the best in a specific area. As such, you will be able to see how these solutions fare against one another in terms of these factors:

• Price

SketchUp is the easy winner in this category, as it is the only solution on the list that has a free version. The fact that SketchUp’s paid version is also the cheapest of the three makes the choice even more obvious.

• Collaboration

While not an easy choice, as all three solutions can technically be used for collaboration purposes (SketchUp needs an extension called Sefaira, more on that below), the winner here is Revizto. It can do practically everything that Revit can, while also providing a number of unique features, such as VR walkthroughs.

It would be fair to mention that both Revit and SketchUp can be used in tandem with additional software to provide VR capabilities. For example, this article explains in more detail how Revit operates with such solutions.

• Rendering

A three-way tie is the only way to resolve this comparison. All three solutions offer a respectable level of quality, and their capabilities can also be expanded and improved with the use of extensions.

• Feature offerings

Revit is the easy winner in this category: it is an extremely sophisticated powerhouse of a BIM solution with plenty of features in modeling, rendering, collaboration, and more.

• Ease of use

It is a slightly difficult decision here, but we think that SketchUp wins over Revizto by a small margin. The reason why Revit loses this comparison is simple: the sheer number of features can be overwhelming even to the most knowledgeable professionals in the field. Revizto as a solution is easy to use, but it still does require a certain level of knowledge to use most of its capabilities. SketchUp, on the other hand, is first and foremost a sketching solution, making it extremely accessible even to those with little or no sketching/modeling abilities.

As for a more detailed comparison, we can go over each solution and offer a range of information about their capabilities, advantages, shortcomings, and so on.

Revit

Autodesk Revit is BIM software designed to enhance the work of construction professionals worldwide, leading to the creation of higher-quality and energy-efficient buildings. It offers a wide range of features for structural engineering, MEP, architectural design, and construction, making it a versatile solution that benefits all participants involved in a construction project.

Revit facilitates the creation of information-rich models, enabling architects, engineers, and constructors to make well-informed decisions and collaborate effectively throughout the project. This helps eliminate miscommunication, reduces the need for rework, and improves overall build quality. The entire model remains consistent and up-to-date, instantly reflecting any design changes made by stakeholders.

Revit’s Main Features

• Streamlined project management with the ability to instantly revise schedules, sheets, plans, sections, elevations, and more
• Incredible precision and accuracy of model structures, shapes, and systems in three dimensions
• Countless abilities for collaboration between different project teams in order to improve communication, improve efficiency, and positively influence the end result of any project

Technical Details of Revit

• Autodesk Revit works with two of the latest Windows operating systems: Windows 10 and Windows 11.
• Autodesk Revit does not have a dedicated mobile app for iOS or Android.

Price of Revit

• Autodesk Revit offers two different pricing models: a subscription model and Autodesk Flex.
• Autodesk Revit subscriptions can be purchased in three different packs:
  • $350 for one month
  • $2,805 for one year
  • $8,415 for three years
• Autodesk Flex is a pay-as-you-go pricing model that uses tokens to provide access to some Autodesk features, including Autodesk Revit. Autodesk Revit costs 10 tokens per day, and users can purchase several different token packages on the Autodesk website:
  • $300 for 300 tokens
  • $1,500 for 1500 tokens
  • Custom token amounts

Revit’s Customer Ratings

• Capterra – 4.6/5 points rating based on 384 customer reviews
• G2 – 4.5/5 points rating based on 795 customer reviews
• TrustRadius – 8.7/10 points rating based on 189 customer reviews

Advantages of Revit

• A large library of add-ons that expand Revit’s functionality beyond what the original software is capable of.
• As an Autodesk product, Revit has plenty of native integrations with other Autodesk software applications, such as Navisworks and AutoCAD, two of the biggest software offerings in their respective fields.
• Photorealistic renders and animations are two of the many capabilities of Revit, making it easier to imagine what the end product will look like even at the earliest project design phases.

Shortcomings of Revit

• The solution itself is rather complex and has a steep learning curve, making it difficult for inexperienced customers to pick up and use.
• As rather comprehensive software, Revit’s system requirements are somewhat high, although it is more or less normal for CAD software and other solutions that are similar to CAD (BIM solutions also fit under that umbrella term).
• Autodesk Revit is one of the most prominent solutions on the market, and Autodesk itself is a well-known software provider in multiple industries, so a higher-than-average price is not particularly unexpected, but it may still be a problem for smaller businesses that may not be able to afford Revit’s subscription fees.

SketchUp

SketchUp is a renowned 3D modeling software application that strikes a balance between simplicity and power. It is widely known and one of the most popular modeling tools available. Architects and designers highly appreciate its capabilities, and it often serves as the introductory software for architecture students entering the industry. Initially created in 2000, SketchUp underwent transformative changes with its acquisitions by Google in 2006 and later by Trimble in 2012, resulting in notable feature enhancements.

SketchUp stands out as an excellent sketching and modeling tool, empowering users to create a wide range of objects and models from scratch. Alternatively, users can exploit the vast library of ready-made models in the 3D Warehouse as a starting point for their projects. The software prioritizes user-friendliness and offers an extensive toolset for creating and modifying models, encouraging limitless creativity and ensuring the best possible results.

Main Features of SketchUp

• Extreme user-friendliness, with an easy-to-use interface, and a free version make SketchUp one of the most accessible 3D modeling solutions on the market.
• SketchUp’s original functionality can be greatly expanded with the help of Extensions Warehouse, a community-driven extension platform that includes a wealth of different extensions and add-ons for SketchUp users to choose from.
• SketchUp’s 3D Warehouse is another community-driven initiative that works in a similar fashion, providing all SketchUp users with an extensive library of models and objects to work with, including some made by professional companies and industry experts.

Technical Details of SketchUp

• SketchUp supports Windows and macOS devices, and it also has a separate web version that works in most web browsers.
• SketchUp does have a dedicated mobile application for iPad devices that includes most of the features of its desktop counterpart. There is also an Android version of the solution, but that version allows only the viewing of models and sketches, not modifying them in any way.

Price of SketchUp

• SketchUp offers four different pricing plans:
  • “Free” is, as the name suggests, a pricing plan that costs $0 and offers basic 3D modeling features in the web version of the software, with limited access to 3D warehouse, limited Trimble connect cloud storage capacity, and basic file import/export capabilities.
  • “Go” costs $119 per year and includes all of the above features with the addition of the dedicated iPad app, advanced exporting, access to Live Components, and unlimited Trimble Cloud storage capacity/3D warehouse access.
  • “Pro” costs $299 per year and is SketchUp’s most popular paid pricing plan. It offers all of the previously mentioned features as well as the desktop SketchUp Pro app, 2D documentation, Extension Warehouse, PreDesign, the ability to view models using AR/VR headsets, and more.
  • “Studio” costs $699 per year. SketchUp’s complete feature includes everything above, as well as Revit-to-SketchUp file importing, photorealistic visualizations, Scan Essentials, and so on.

SketchUp Customer Ratings

• Capterra – 4.5/5 points based on 962 customer reviews
• G2 – 4.5/5 points based on 896 customer reviews
• TrustRadius – 8.3/10 points based on 176 customer reviews

Benefits of SketchUp

• The sheer versatility of SketchUp’s toolset is praise-worthy, with plenty of different features for 3D modeling, such as precision tools, freehand drawing, materials, colors, textures, styles, etc.
• All models in SketchUp can be easily grouped, structured, organized, and shared whenever necessary to facilitate better collaboration, better access to past and current models, and so on.
• SketchUp’s 3D Warehouse is a great help when it comes to creating somewhat basic 3D models or presenting ideas in model form, allowing for all objects to be generated exactly as the designer intends for them to be.

Shortcomings of SketchUp

• More complex or larger-scale projects can cause the solution to run quite slowly, especially when there are many detailed objects and models on the screen, such as vegetation.
• Even though SketchUp’s initial price is $0, it also scales up extremely quickly, and the bigger enterprise-oriented versions of the solution are quite expensive on their own.
• The pricing information can be somewhat confusing, since it is not exactly obvious that the “Free” version of the software is only free for a set period of 30 days and that a paid subscription is required to continue using the solution past that point.

Revizto

Revizto is an advanced BIM data management solution that puts strong emphasis on collaboration and cooperation among teams and team members. It serves as a centralized hub for all BIM data, ensuring effective communication and preventing conflicts or misunderstandings. The software’s robust issue tracking and clash detection capabilities support error-free project progress. Additionally, Revizto offers a unique approach to project review and design analysis through the integration of Virtual Reality hardware, enabling the immersive exploration of models.

With its versatile set of features, Revizto caters to a wide range of professions, including architects, engineers, contractors, and owners. It seamlessly integrates with a variety of construction software, including CAD solutions, BIM solutions, and more. Moreover, Revizto supports models in multiple formats, ranging from industry-standard formats to less conventional ones like BCF or Faro. This flexibility allows users to work with diverse data sources and collaborate effectively within their preferred workflows.

Revizto’s Main Features

• Highly collaborative environment with a single source of truth and real-time task management
• Achievability of better project management efficiency via cross-team collaboration, with easier issue management and enforceable accountability
• Vast automation capabilities such as reporting, file versioning, and model delivery, as well as the ability to monitor task status from anywhere and streamlined data exchange between departments
• Better communication with owners by integrating them more into the project realization process, giving them access to critical information about current and upcoming tasks, and driving accountability for tasks performed

Technical Details of Revizto

• Revizto is compatible with both the Windows and macOS operating systems.
• Revizto has a dedicated iPad app, a dedicated Android tablet app, and a separate, fully functional Android smartphone app.

Price of Revizto

• There is no official pricing information available on the official Revizto website. The only option is a demo request.

Revizto Customer Ratings

• Capterra – 4.3/5 points based on 31 customer reviews
• G2 – 4.2/5 points based on 21 customer reviews

Advantages of Revizto

• Its impressive 3D rendering performance across the board creates detailed environments faster than most solutions on the market.
• Cloud-based issue tracking is incredibly useful and makes it extremely easy to locate and track issues.
• The ability to assign specific issues or clashes to specific teams or team members is an extremely useful approach to issue tracking.

Shortcomings of Revizto

• The software may struggle with larger file sizes and more complex models.
• Revizto’s 2D interface needs some work.
• Some integrations with other BIM/CAD solutions are rather basic and not very creative.

Revit vs SketchUp vs Revizto

Now that we have gathered substantial information about each of these solutions, including their benefits, shortcomings, and use cases, it is time to explore the capabilities and possibilities each one offers individually. We will delve into what each of these software solutions can do.

Why Revit?

Autodesk Revit is a full-fledged BIM platform with a wealth of different features. The solution creates and modifies information-rich models that act as a single source of truth for all project participants to eliminate miscommunication and greatly reduce the amount of rework. Revit also has two different pricing models, native integration with other Autodesk products, and an extensive library of add-ons to expand its already impressive set of features even more.

You can find out more about Revit in comparison with another, completely different, application called Navisworks in this article.

Why SketchUp?

SketchUp is a wonderful 3D modeling tool that is often considered one of the best on the market. It has various tools for precise modeling and sketching, and it is also possible to use pre-made models or objects in projects. This advantage is made possible by SketchUp’s 3D Warehouse, a collection of community-made 3D models available to all SketchUp users. Another similar feature is the Extension Warehouse, which allows for a broader range of features compared to the original SketchUp through hundreds of extensions.

SketchUp also has a dedicated extension called Sefaira, which is a combination of features and capabilities that offer some basic BIM capabilities such as simulations, analyses, design comparisons, and so on. It is in no way a replacement for Revit or Revizto, but it should be enough for very basic BIM capabilities that are not used on a regular basis.

Why Revizto?

Revizto is an outstanding BIM collaboration solution that puts significant emphasis on issue tracking and clash detection. It offers immense value in various areas, and its focus on conducting virtual tours using VR headsets provides a unique and immersive experience not commonly found in the industry. The mobility aspect of Revizto is also a major advantage, as it offers dedicated mobile apps for iPad and Android tablets, and it recently introduced a fully functional mobile app for Android smartphones.

Use cases for each solution

Revit is a highly regarded BIM platform developed by a well-known software provider. It offers comprehensive capabilities for creating and managing BIM models, seamless integration with other software, and the option to implement add-ons. However, Revit can be expensive, has a steep learning curve, and requires higher hardware specifications compared to average software.

SketchUp is a prominent 3D modeling solution known for its user-friendly interface. It offers a limited free version and a vast library of integrations and ready-made models. However, it is worth mentioning that SketchUp’s pricing escalates quickly as projects become larger and more complex, and it may experience performance slowdowns when handling such models.

Revizto is a versatile BIM intelligence management solution with a strong focus on collaboration and clash detection. It provides extensive collaboration capabilities, facilitating seamless interaction among stakeholders. Revizto excels in issue tracking and ensures the early resolution of potential clashes. However, its integrations with other BIM/CAD solutions are somewhat basic, and larger models may impact the solution’s performance.

Ultimately, determining the “best” solution depends on specific business needs in the near future. Revizto is particularly valuable for companies facing challenges in issue tracking and collaboration, as it improves communication, streamlines clash management, and fosters a more conducive environment among project participants.