Both the tools belong to CAD and are used in designing and developing a mechanical product. But there is a difference between them in terms of their application. The AutoCAD is generally used for 2D drawings and designs which are non-parametric, whereas Solidworks is used for 3D drawings and designs which require a parametric approach. AutoCAD can be performed on windows and MacBook, whereas Solidworks can only be performed on windows. AutoCAD has no simulation, whereas Solidworks consists of various simulation packages. There is no free licensing in Solidworks, whereas AutoCAD is freely available.