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Free Autodesk 3ds Max alternatives

Top 3D Modeling & Animation like Autodesk 3ds Max

The most popular alternative to Autodesk 3ds Max is Blender, which has a free version. Other great alternatives to Autodesk 3ds Max are SketchUp, Houdini, ZBrush, and Autodesk Fusion.

Most alternatives to Autodesk 3ds Max are in the 3D Modeling & Animation category, compared here by price, platform and features.

Autodesk 3ds Max alternatives
AllFreeOpen source
7 apps

All Autodesk 3ds Max alternatives

  1. Blender

    Blender is a free, open source 3D creation suite covering modeling, sculpting, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering with Cycles and EEVEE, compositing and video editing. Its Grease Pencil tools also allow 2D animation inside a 3D space. Developed by the Blender Foundation and a large community, it is used by hobbyists, studios and game developers and can be extended with Python add-ons.

    12 Blender alternatives

    Pros

    • Completely free and open source, with no license or subscription
    • Covers modeling, sculpting, animation, rendering and video editing
    • Large community with countless tutorials and Python add-ons

    Cons

    • Dense interface that takes newcomers time to learn
    • Less established than Maya or 3ds Max in some studio pipelines
    Cost / License
    FreeOpen source
    Categories
    3D Modeling & Animation
    Platforms
    WindowsMacLinux
    Features
    AnimationPlugins & extensionsRenderingSculpting
    Visit websiteMore about Blender

  2. SketchUp

    4.5(18K) · App Store

    SketchUp is a 3D modeling tool from Trimble built around simple push-pull geometry, used by architects, interior designers, landscape designers and woodworkers. The 3D Warehouse offers a large library of ready-made models, and the Extension Warehouse adds plugins for rendering, layout and analysis. A free web version exists for personal use; paid plans add the desktop app, LayOut for 2D drawings and the iPad app.

    8 SketchUp alternatives

    Pros

    • Push-pull modeling is quick to pick up for beginners
    • 3D Warehouse offers a vast library of ready-made models
    • Extensions add rendering, layout and analysis tools

    Cons

    • The free web version is limited to personal use
    • Struggles with complex curved and organic shapes
    • The desktop app and LayOut require a paid subscription
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Categories
    3D Modeling & Animation
    Platforms
    WebWindowsMaciPhone
    Features
    CAD & parametric modelingPlugins & extensionsTemplates
    Visit websiteMore about SketchUp

  3. Houdini

    Houdini is a 3D animation and visual effects application from SideFX built on a node-based procedural workflow, where every step stays editable. Studios use it for simulations such as fire, smoke, fluids, destruction and crowds, and game developers use it to generate environments and assets procedurally. A free Apprentice edition allows non-commercial learning, alongside paid Indie and studio licenses.

    7 Houdini alternatives

    Pros

    • Node-based procedural workflow keeps every step editable
    • Leading toolset for fire, smoke, fluid and destruction simulations
    • Free Apprentice edition for non-commercial learning

    Cons

    • One of the steepest learning curves among 3D applications
    • The free edition watermarks renders and is non-commercial only
    • Overkill for simple modeling or quick motion graphics jobs
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Categories
    3D Modeling & Animation
    Platforms
    WindowsMacLinux
    Features
    AnimationPlugins & extensionsRendering
    Visit websiteMore about Houdini

  4. ZBrush

    ZBrush is a digital sculpting and painting application used for characters, creatures, collectibles and 3D-printed figures in film, games and toy design. It handles models with millions of polygons using brush-based sculpting, DynaMesh, ZRemesher retopology and Polypaint for surface color. Created by Pixologic and now owned by Maxon, it runs on Windows and macOS, and an iPad version is also available.

    6 ZBrush alternatives

    Pros

    • Handles models with millions of polygons smoothly
    • DynaMesh and ZRemesher speed up sculpting and retopology
    • Reference tool for character and creature sculpting

    Cons

    • Unconventional interface that takes a long time to master
    • Not a full 3D suite, so animation and scene work need other tools
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Categories
    3D Modeling & Animation
    Platforms
    WindowsMaciPhone
    Features
    Plugins & extensionsRenderingSculpting
    Visit websiteMore about ZBrush

  5. Autodesk Fusion

    Autodesk Fusion, formerly Fusion 360, is a product design and engineering platform that combines parametric and freeform 3D modeling, simulation, generative design, electronics design and CAM toolpaths for CNC machining. Projects are stored in the cloud with version history and team sharing. It is used by engineers, makers and small manufacturers, and a free personal-use license with reduced features is available.

    6 Autodesk Fusion alternatives

    Pros

    • CAD, CAM, simulation and electronics design in one application
    • Cloud storage with version history makes sharing designs simple
    • Free personal-use license is a good fit for hobbyists and makers

    Cons

    • The free personal license is non-commercial and has reduced features
    • Cloud-based file storage limits offline work and control over files
    • Available on Windows and macOS only, with no Linux version
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Categories
    3D Modeling & Animation
    Platforms
    WindowsMac
    Features
    CAD & parametric modelingRenderingTeam collaboration
    Visit websiteMore about Autodesk Fusion

  6. FreeCAD

    34.2Kstars

    FreeCAD is a free, open source parametric 3D modeler for mechanical engineering, product design, architecture (BIM) and 3D printing. It is organized into workbenches for part design, sketching, assemblies, technical drawings, finite element analysis and CAM, and can be fully scripted in Python. Version 1.0, released in 2024, added a built-in assembly workbench and fixes for the topological naming problem.

    6 FreeCAD alternatives

    Pros

    • Free and open source parametric CAD with no license fees
    • Workbenches cover parts, assemblies, drawings, FEM and CAM
    • Fully scriptable in Python for automation and custom tools

    Cons

    • Interface feels less polished than commercial CAD packages
    • Workflows differ between workbenches, which slows down learning
    Cost / License
    FreeOpen source
    Categories
    3D Modeling & Animation
    Platforms
    WindowsMacLinux
    Features
    CAD & parametric modelingOffline modePlugins & extensions
    Visit websiteMore about FreeCAD

  7. Onshape

    3.5(412) · App Store

    Onshape is a professional 3D CAD system that runs entirely in the browser and on mobile devices, with no software to install and no files to manage. It combines parametric part and assembly modeling with Git-like branching, merging and version history, and lets several engineers edit the same design at once. Developed by PTC, it offers a free plan for hobbyists with public documents and paid plans for companies.

    6 Onshape alternatives

    Pros

    • Runs entirely in the browser with nothing to install
    • Built-in branching, merging and version history for designs
    • Several engineers can edit the same model at the same time

    Cons

    • Documents created on the free plan are public
    • Needs a reliable internet connection to work
    • Professional plans weigh heavily on small companies' budgets
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Categories
    3D Modeling & Animation
    Platforms
    WebiPhoneAndroid
    Features
    API accessCAD & parametric modelingIntegrationsReal-time collaboration
    Visit websiteMore about Onshape

Autodesk 3ds Max vs its alternatives at a glance

Pricing, platforms and the key features of Autodesk 3ds Max, compared with its most popular alternatives.

Autodesk 3ds Max vs its alternatives at a glance
AppPricingPlatformsAnimationPlugins & extensionsRendering
Autodesk 3ds MaxFree trialWindows
BlenderFreeOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux
SketchUpFreemiumWeb, Windows, Mac, iPhone
HoudiniFreemiumWindows, Mac, Linux
ZBrushFreemiumWindows, Mac, iPhone
Autodesk FusionFreemiumWindows, Mac

Autodesk 3ds Max alternatives: frequently asked questions

What is the best alternative to Autodesk 3ds Max?

The most popular alternative to Autodesk 3ds Max is Blender: Free and open source 3D suite for modeling, animation and rendering. Other great alternatives are SketchUp, Houdini, ZBrush, and Autodesk Fusion.

Is there a free alternative to Autodesk 3ds Max?

Yes, 7 alternatives are free or have a free plan, including Blender, SketchUp, Houdini, and ZBrush.

Is there an open source alternative to Autodesk 3ds Max?

Yes, 2 open source alternatives are listed, including Blender and FreeCAD.

Is Autodesk 3ds Max free?

Autodesk 3ds Max is a paid app that offers a free trial.

Compare Autodesk 3ds Max with its alternatives

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