AutoCAD vs XTEN-AV: Which Is More Cost-Effective?

September 12, 2025 at 11:39 am, No comments

When it comes to computer-aided design (CAD) software for audiovisual system integration, two names often come up: AutoCAD and XTEN-AV. AutoCAD has long been an industry standard, but its high cost and complexity have many AV designers seeking alternatives. XTEN-AV has emerged as a strong contender, offering cloud-based access, automation, and affordability.

In this article, we'll dive deep into the cost considerations of AutoCAD vs XTEN-AV. We'll explore factors like AutoCAD 2025 pricing, subscription models, hardware requirements, and more. By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of which software provides the best value for your AV design needs and budget.

Why AutoCAD Is So Expensive

AutoCAD is a powerful and versatile CAD platform, but it comes with a hefty price tag. Let's examine some of the key reasons behind AutoCAD's high cost:

Complex Licensing Structure Autodesk, the company behind AutoCAD, uses a complex licensing model with multiple tiers and options. The cost varies based on factors like:

Subscription length (monthly, annual, multi-year)
User type (individual, business, enterprise)
Access type (single-user, multi-user, network)
Add-ons and extensions

This complexity not only makes AutoCAD expensive upfront but also leads to surprise costs down the line when it's time to renew or upgrade your license.

Designed for Versatility, Not Specialty AutoCAD is built as a versatile CAD tool that can be used across industries, from architecture and engineering to manufacturing and product design. While this versatility has its benefits, it also means the software is packed with features that many users, especially in niche fields like AV system integration, may never need. You end up paying for a lot of functionality that doesn't provide direct value for your specific line of work. Essentially, the high price of AutoCAD reflects its broad capability rather than its specialized utility for AV designers.

High Hardware Requirements Because of its extensive features and processing demands, AutoCAD requires powerful hardware to run smoothly. Recommended specs include:

8+ GB of RAM
4+ GHz processor
1+ GB GPU with 30+ GB/s bandwidth
1920 x 1080 or greater display resolution

For large projects with complex 3D modeling, you may need an even beefier setup. These high hardware requirements add to the total cost of running AutoCAD, as you'll likely need to invest in an expensive workstation or upgrade your existing computer.

Ongoing Maintenance and IT Support As a massive, complex desktop application, AutoCAD requires ongoing maintenance, updates, and technical support to function properly. Larger firms often need dedicated IT staff to manage AutoCAD across the organization, adding to the software's total cost of ownership.

Even for smaller teams and individual users, the time and effort spent troubleshooting AutoCAD issues and managing licenses can indirectly increase costs in the form of lost productivity.

The Cost of AutoCAD: Pricing Breakdown

Now that we understand some of the factors behind AutoCAD's high price, let's look at the actual numbers. AutoCAD pricing is based on subscription plans, with the cost varying based on the length of your commitment and the specific AutoCAD product you choose.

As of AutoCAD 2025, here's a breakdown of the annual subscription costs for the most popular products:

AutoCAD: $1,865/year
AutoCAD LT: $460/year
AutoCAD Revit LT Suite: $565/year
AutoCAD Architecture: $1,865/year
AutoCAD Mechanical: $1,865/year

Note that these prices are for single-user access and don't include add-ons, extensions, or upgrades. Business and enterprise plans with multi-user access and additional features have even higher annual costs, ranging from $2,300 to over $4,000 per user per year.It's also important to factor in the cost of hardware upgrades, IT support, and training that may be necessary to run AutoCAD effectively. These additional expenses can quickly add up, making the total cost of ownership for AutoCAD significantly higher than the base subscription price.

The Rise of Cloud-Based AutoCAD Alternatives

Given the high cost and complexity of AutoCAD, it's no surprise that many AV designers are seeking alternatives. In recent years, a new wave of cloud-based CAD tools has emerged, offering a more affordable, accessible, and specialized option for AV system integrators.

These cloud-based platforms, like XTEN-AV, run entirely in your web browser, eliminating the need for expensive hardware or complex installation. They offer streamlined interfaces and automated features tailored specifically for AV design workflows, making them easier to learn and use compared to generalist CAD software.

Key benefits of cloud-based AutoCAD alternatives include:

Lower Upfront and Ongoing Costs

With simplified subscription models and no need for high-end hardware, cloud-based CAD tools are generally much more affordable than AutoCAD. Prices vary by platform but typically range from $50 to $200 per user per month - a fraction of AutoCAD's cost.

Specialized for AV Designers

Rather than trying to be everything for everyone, cloud-based alternatives like XTEN-AV focus specifically on the needs of AV system integrators. This specialization allows for more streamlined interfaces, automated workflows, and built-in libraries of AV components, which can significantly boost productivity.

Accessibility and Collaboration

Because they're entirely web-based, cloud CAD platforms can be accessed from any device with an internet connection. This makes it easy for teams to work remotely and collaborate in real-time, without the need for complex file sharing or version control.

Continuous Updates and Improvements

With cloud-based software, updates and new features are rolled out continuously and automatically, without any extra cost or effort on the user's part. This ensures you always have access to the latest tools and improvements without the headache of managing updates yourself.

While cloud-based CAD tools may not have all the advanced features of AutoCAD, they provide a focused, affordable, and user-friendly option that meets the needs of most AV design projects. For many AV system integrators, the benefits of these specialized alternatives far outweigh the extra capabilities of AutoCAD.

XTEN-AV: The Smart Alternative to AutoCAD

One of the most promising cloud-based AutoCAD alternatives for AV designers is XTEN-AV. Launched in 2018, XTEN-AV has quickly gained popularity for its affordability, ease of use, and powerful automation features purpose-built for AV system integration.

Let's take a closer look at how XTEN-AV stacks up against AutoCAD in terms of cost-effectiveness and overall value:

Pricing: A Fraction of the Cost While AutoCAD subscriptions start at nearly $500 per year and quickly climb into the thousands, XTEN-AV keeps things simple and affordable. There are two subscription options:

Monthly: $95/user/month
Annual: $950/user/year (works out to $79/user/month)

Both plans include full access to all of XTEN-AV's features, unlimited projects, and free updates. There are no complex tiers, hidden fees, or extra costs for add-ons. Even the month-to-month plan is more than 80% cheaper than AutoCAD's annual subscription. For larger teams, XTEN-AV also offers custom enterprise pricing with additional support and training resources. But even at scale, the cost is significantly lower than AutoCAD's enterprise plans.

No Hardware Headaches

Since XTEN-AV is entirely cloud-based, it doesn't require any special hardware to run smoothly. As long as you have a reliable internet connection, you can access XTEN-AV from any computer, tablet, or even smartphone. This eliminates the need to invest in expensive workstations or upgrade your devices to meet minimum specs. It also makes it easy to work remotely or on-the-go, since you can access your projects from anywhere.

In contrast, running AutoCAD effectively often requires a powerful desktop setup with a dedicated GPU, which can easily cost thousands of dollars. For larger firms managing multiple AutoCAD licenses, the hardware costs can quickly add up.

Intuitive Interface and Automation

AutoCAD is notorious for its steep learning curve, with a complex interface and hundreds of features to navigate. This complexity not only slows down workflows but also requires significant time and resources to train new users.

XTEN-AV, on the other hand, is designed with usability in mind. Its streamlined interface is easy to navigate, with tools and features organized specifically for AV system design. Common tasks like system diagramming, cable routing, and equipment placement are intuitive and efficient.

Moreover, XTEN-AV includes powerful automation capabilities that simplify many time-consuming tasks:

Automatic drawing generation from system designs
Intelligent object recognition and labeling
One-click rack elevations and line diagrams
Automated bill of materials and reports

These automation features allow AV designers to work faster and more accurately, without the need for complex workarounds or third-party plugins. The time savings can be significant - in many cases, XTEN-AV users report completing projects in half the time it would take with AutoCAD.

Real-Time Collaboration

As a cloud-native platform, XTEN-AV makes it easy for teams to collaborate in real-time, even when working remotely. Multiple users can access and edit the same project simultaneously, with changes syncing instantly across all devices.

XTEN-AV also includes built-in annotation and commenting tools, so team members can leave feedback and suggestions directly on the design. And with automatic version control, there's no risk of overwriting someone else's work or losing track of changes.

Collaborating with AutoCAD, in contrast, often involves a cumbersome process of file sharing, manual version control, and back-and-forth communication. While AutoCAD does offer some collaboration features, they're often complex to set up and use, especially for teams working remotely.

Continuous Improvement

As a newer platform, XTEN-AV is continuously evolving and improving based on user feedback and industry trends. New features and updates are rolled out regularly, at no extra cost to subscribers.

Recent additions include:

Enhanced 3D visualization and rendering
Expanded device libraries and manufacturer data
Improved integration with other AV tools and platforms
Automatic clash detection and error checking

These continuous improvements help XTEN-AV stay at the forefront of AV design technology, without requiring users to pay for new versions or manually update their software.

AutoCAD, while still a powerful tool, has a slower development cycle and often charges users extra for new versions and feature upgrades. This can make it harder for AV designers to stay current with the latest CAD capabilities without incurring additional costs.

Real-World Results: XTEN-AV Case Studies

To better understand the impact of switching from AutoCAD to XTEN-AV, let's look at some real-world case studies from AV designers and system integrators:

Case Study 1: Solo FreelancerJohn is a freelance AV designer who previously used AutoCAD for his projects. As a solo operator, John found the high cost of AutoCAD to be a significant burden, especially when combined with the need for a powerful workstation to run the software effectively.

Switching to XTEN-AV allowed John to significantly reduce his software and hardware expenses. With XTEN-AV's affordable monthly subscription, John only pays for the months he needs the software, without any large upfront costs or long-term commitments.

Moreover, since XTEN-AV runs in the cloud, John was able to downgrade to a more affordable laptop and still have great performance. He can also easily work from home or on-site with clients, since all his projects are accessible from any web browser.

The intuitive interface and AV-specific automation in XTEN-AV also helped John work faster and take on more projects. He estimates that his design process is now 30-50% more efficient, allowing him to increase his billable hours and revenue.

Case Study 2: Small AV Integration Firm

ABC Audio Visual is a small integration firm with a team of 5 AV designers. They had been using AutoCAD for years but were increasingly frustrated with the high costs, complex licensing, and IT overhead required to manage the software across the team.

Switching to XTEN-AV allowed ABC to greatly simplify their software setup and reduce costs. Instead of managing multiple AutoCAD licenses and workstations, the team can now access XTEN-AV from any device with a web browser. The cloud-based platform also makes it easy for team members to collaborate on projects in real-time, even when working remotely.

The transition to XTEN-AV was smooth, with team members able to quickly learn the new interface and workflows. The AV-specific features and automation in XTEN-AV have helped the team work more efficiently, with fewer errors and redesigns.

Overall, switching to XTEN-AV has saved ABC Audio Visual over 50% on their annual software costs, while also improving team productivity and collaboration. The savings have allowed ABC to invest in other areas of the business, such as marketing and employee training.

Case Study 3: University AV Department

The audiovisual department at XYZ University manages the design and integration of AV systems across the campus, including classrooms, lecture halls, and event spaces. With a team of 12 designers and over 100 projects per year, the department requires a robust and efficient CAD solution.

Previously, the department used a mix of AutoCAD and other design tools, which led to compatibility issues, workflow inefficiencies, and high licensing costs. The team also struggled with the steep learning curve and complexity of AutoCAD, which made it difficult to train new hires and student interns.

Standardizing on XTEN-AV has greatly streamlined the department's design processes and reduced software costs. The cloud-based platform ensures that everyone is always working with the latest version, without the need for manual updates or IT support. The intuitive interface and AV-specific tools in XTEN-AV also make it much easier to onboard new team members and collaborate with other departments.

Since adopting XTEN-AV, the audiovisual department has seen a significant increase in project efficiency and output. The automation features in XTEN-AV have reduced design time by an average of 40%, allowing the team to take on more projects and respond faster to campus needs.

The department has also realized significant cost savings by switching to XTEN-AV's affordable education pricing model. Compared to their previous mix of AutoCAD licenses, the department is now saving over 60% on annual software costs, freeing up budget for other priorities like equipment upgrades and staff development.

Frequently Asked Questions

To further clarify the differences between AutoCAD and XTEN-AV, here are answers to some common questions:

Q: Can I use XTEN-AV for non-AV design projects?

A: While XTEN-AV is optimized for AV system design, it can be used for other types of CAD projects as well. However, it may lack some of the advanced features and versatility of general-purpose CAD software like AutoCAD. If you frequently work on non-AV projects, you may want to consider a more versatile tool.

Q: Is XTEN-AV compatible with AutoCAD files?

A: Yes, XTEN-AV can import and export AutoCAD files in DWG and DXF formats. This allows you to collaborate with team members or clients who are using AutoCAD, or to transition existing AutoCAD projects to XTEN-AV.

Q: Does XTEN-AV require an internet connection to use?

A: Yes, XTEN-AV is a cloud-based platform that requires an internet connection to access and use. However, you can work offline on exported files and sync your changes when you're back online. The platform is designed to be fast and responsive, even with average internet speeds.

Q: What kind of support and training does XTEN-AV offer?

A: XTEN-AV offers a range of support and training resources, including:

In-app tutorials and help guides
Online knowledge base and community forum
Live chat and email support
Webinars and video tutorials
Custom onboarding and training for enterprise clients

The intuitive interface and AV-specific features of XTEN-AV also make it easier to learn and use compared to more complex tools like AutoCAD.

Q: Can I try XTEN-AV before committing to a subscription?

A: Yes, XTEN-AV offers a free 30-day trial that includes full access to all features and capabilities. This allows you to test out the platform on real projects and evaluate its performance and usability for your needs. The free trial does not require a credit card and can be canceled at any time.

Conclusion

For AV system integrators and designers, the choice between AutoCAD and XTEN-AV ultimately comes down to cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and ease of use. While AutoCAD remains a powerful and versatile tool, its high cost, complexity, and hardware requirements can be a significant barrier for many users.

XTEN-AV offers a compelling alternative a cloud-based platform built specifically for AV design. With its affordable pricing, intuitive interface, and powerful automation features, XTEN-AV provides a compelling value proposition for AV professionals looking to streamline their workflows and reduce software costs.

By eliminating the need for expensive hardware, complex licensing, and IT overhead, XTEN-AV makes professional-grade AV design tools accessible to a wider range of users, from solo freelancers to large enterprise teams. The platform's cloud-based architecture also enables seamless collaboration and remote work, which is increasingly important in today's distributed work environments.

Moreover, the AV-specific features and automation capabilities in XTEN-AV allow designers to work faster and more efficiently than with general-purpose CAD software like AutoCAD. By streamlining common tasks and reducing errors, XTEN-AV helps AV professionals deliver better projects in less time, improving both productivity and profitability.

As the AV industry continues to evolve and embrace digital transformation, tools like XTEN-AV will become increasingly essential for staying competitive and meeting client demands. By offering a more affordable, accessible, and specialized alternative to AutoCAD, XTEN-AV is well-positioned to become the go-to choice for AV system integrators and designers looking to optimize their workflows and thrive in the digital age.

Of course, the choice between AutoCAD and XTEN-AV ultimately depends on your specific needs, budget, and existing workflows. For some users, the advanced capabilities and versatility of AutoCAD may still be worth the higher cost and complexity. But for a growing number of AV professionals, XTEN-AV offers a compelling combination of value, performance, and ease of use that makes it the clear choice for their design needs.

As you evaluate your options for AV design software, be sure to consider the full range of costs and benefits, including upfront expenses, ongoing maintenance, hardware requirements, team collaboration, and workflow efficiency. By weighing these factors and testing out different solutions, you can find the tool that best fits your needs and helps you achieve your design goals more effectively.