Autodesk 3ds Max vs Rhino 3D

Autodesk 3ds Max8.8Visit Rhino 3D8.7Visit

Higher score Autodesk 3ds Max #5 in 3D Modeling Software 8.8/10 30-day trial Free trial✓ 3 of 4 features Visit Autodesk

vs

Rhino 3D #7 in 3D Modeling Software 8.7/10 90-day trial Free trial✓ 3 of 4 features Visit Rhino 3D

• Autodesk 3ds Max fits best

  Windows architectural and entertainment modeling

• Rhino 3D fits best

  Precision NURBS and surface modeling

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature	Autodesk 3ds Max 8.8/10 Visit ↗	Rhino 3D 8.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	8.8	8.7
Ranking	#5 in 3D Modeling Software	#7 in 3D Modeling Software
Best for	Windows architectural and entertainment modeling	Precision NURBS and surface modeling
Pricing model	Paid	Paid
Starting price	30-day trial	$195 one-time
Free plan	—	—
Free trial	30 days	90 days
Free trial length	30 days	90 days · no card needed
Deployment	Desktop	Desktop
Platforms	Windows	Windows, macOS
Support	Docs · 24/7	Email, Phone, Community, Docs
Built for	Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Autodesk 3ds Max 3/4 · Rhino 3D 3/4
Sculpting tools	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Animation tools	✓	✓
Parametric modeling	✓	✓
3D print export	✓	✓
Specs
Platform access	Desktop	Desktop
Render engine	Built-in	Both
Our review
Pros	Polygon, spline, retopology, sculpting, and modifier workflows Integrated Arnold rendering with materials, lighting, and texture tools Animation, scripting, plugins, STL export, and major workflow integrations	NURBS, SubD, mesh, point-cloud, and solid modeling in one application Grasshopper supports visual, algorithmic modeling workflows Analysis, drafting, rendering, and 3D-print preparation are included
Cons	Runs only on Windows desktop No free plan is available Paid purchasing is required beyond the 30-day trial	Commercial licensing costs $995 as a one-time purchase Desktop-only access limits use to Windows and macOS Keyframe-based object animation requires the separate Bongo plug-in
Our verdict	Autodesk 3ds Max is desktop software for creating 3D models, characters, environments, animations, and visualizations. It is aimed at game developers, animation and visual-effects artists, architects, and product designers. The feature set… Read the review →	Rhino 3D is desktop modeling software for designers, engineers, architects, fabricators, jewelers, and educators. Its core strength is precision NURBS curve, surface, and solid modeling, complemented by SubD geometry, polygon meshes, point… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Autodesk 3ds Max — where it wins

  • Polygon, spline, retopology, sculpting, and modifier workflows
  • Integrated Arnold rendering with materials, lighting, and texture tools
  • Animation, scripting, plugins, STL export, and major workflow integrations

  Where it doesn't

  • Runs only on Windows desktop
  • No free plan is available
  • Paid purchasing is required beyond the 30-day trial

• Rhino 3D — where it wins

  • NURBS, SubD, mesh, point-cloud, and solid modeling in one application
  • Grasshopper supports visual, algorithmic modeling workflows
  • Analysis, drafting, rendering, and 3D-print preparation are included

  Where it doesn't

  • Commercial licensing costs $995 as a one-time purchase
  • Desktop-only access limits use to Windows and macOS
  • Keyframe-based object animation requires the separate Bongo plug-in

• Autodesk 3ds Max8.8/10 · 30-day trial

  A broad Windows toolkit for architectural, game, animation, and visualization work.

  Visit AutodeskFull verdict →
• Rhino 3D8.7/10 · 90-day trial

  A broad desktop toolkit for precision modeling, fabrication, analysis, and algorithmic design.

  Visit Rhino 3DFull verdict →