Top 5 Most Popular BIM Software for Construction Companies

In today’s architecture and construction industry, Building Information Modeling (BIM) is no longer just a 3D design tool — it has become the central hub of project management, covering design, construction, operation, and maintenance.

Choosing the right BIM software directly impacts productivity, costs, and project quality.

Below is an in-depth evaluation of the 5 most popular BIM software in 2025, based on Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (E-E-A-T), incorporating the latest vendor updates and market data to help you make an informed decision.

1. Autodesk Revit

Expertise & New Features

• Autodesk released Revit 2025 in April 2024 with major site/topography design enhancements: TopoSolid upgrades such as Excavate on Toposolid, Smooth Shading, Extend Face-based hosting, and more.
• Improved Sheet Collections, annotation editing, Project Browser performance, and search tools.

Experience & Real-World Pros

• Widely used in architectural, structural, and MEP design across civil and industrial projects in Vietnam.
• Supports parametric modeling with synchronized updates across elements, reducing coordination errors.
• Strong global user community with abundant learning resources and plugins, helping shorten onboarding time.

Trustworthiness & Limitations

• Requires high-performance hardware (large RAM, powerful GPU, SSD, multi-core CPU).
• License, maintenance, and annual subscription costs can be heavy for small companies or projects.
• Needs standardized workflows and trained users to avoid coordination errors between disciplines.

2. Autodesk Navisworks

Expertise & Key Features

• Strong capabilities for model coordination and clash detection, integrating models Revit, IFC, DWG, and more.

• Tools for 4D construction scheduling, visual sectioning, and progress simulation.

Experience & Real-World Use

• Very effective for complex multidisciplinary projects, reducing errors between design and construction.

• Widely used by EPC contractors, general contractors, and structural/MEP design firms.

Limitations

• Not intended for 3D design scratch — mainly used for review, coordination, and control.

• Performance may lag with large models or poor network/cloud conditions.

3. Autodesk BIM 360 / Autodesk Construction Cloud

Expertise & New Updates

• Now part of Autodesk Construction Cloud, BIM 360 offers a cloud platform for project, document, schedule, and quality management.

• Supports model versioning, issue tracking, submittals, and version history reviews.

Experience & Benefits

• Ideal for remote or multi-party projects (designers, supervisors, subcontractors).

• Reduces errors outdated versions and eliminates manual drawing prints and emails — all managed in a centralized cloud environment.

Limitations & Notes

• Dependent on stable internet and data security.

• Cloud subscription costs can be high for large or international projects.

• Requires strong data governance to avoid file duplication or loss.

4. SketchUp

Expertise & Strengths

• Beginner-friendly and ideal for concept design, landscape architecture, and quick visualizations.

• Extensive 3D Warehouse library and plugins; Pro version supports CAD export and interoperability.

Experience & Use Cases

• Popular among architects and designers to present concepts to clients because it is intuitive and visual.

• Suitable for small firms or concept-phase projects thanks to its speed and low cost.

Limitations

• Not suitable for detailed technical drawings or complex multidisciplinary (MEP/structural) design.

• Performance can degrade with large models or require multiple plugin-based conversions.​​​​​​​

5. Trimble Connect (Successor to Tekla BIMsight)

Authoritativeness & New Info

• Tekla BIMsight was discontinued in 2020, replaced by Trimble Connect (desktop + cloud).

• Adds cloud connectivity, team collaboration, document sharing, and enhanced model coordination features.

Experience & Real-World Use

• Widely adopted by companies, educational institutions, and external users who migrated BIMsight for an updated, supported collaboration platform.

• Supports model viewing, sharing, coordination, and managing diverse files (PDF, video, images) across desktop and mobile.

Limitations & Notes

• BIMsight is no longer updated — migration to Trimble Connect is recommended.

• Requires decent hardware and stable network for cloud features.

• Some advanced features are restricted in the free version.​​​​​​​

Comparative Overview & Software Selection Guide

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