Autodesk 3ds Max vs SketchUp

Autodesk 3ds Max8.8Visit SketchUp8.6Visit

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

SketchUp #8 in 3D Modeling Software 8.6/10 Free plan · 7-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 3 of 4 features Visit SketchUp

• Autodesk 3ds Max fits best

  Windows architectural and entertainment modeling

• SketchUp fits best

  Accessible modeling and design visualization

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Side by side

Feature	Autodesk 3ds Max 8.8/10 Visit ↗	SketchUp 8.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	8.8	8.6
Ranking	#5 in 3D Modeling Software	#8 in 3D Modeling Software
Best for	Windows architectural and entertainment modeling	Accessible modeling and design visualization
Pricing model	Paid	Free plan + paid
Starting price	30-day trial	$10.75/user/mo
Free plan	—	✓ (best)
Free trial	30 days	7 days
Free trial length	30 days	7 days
Deployment	Desktop	Cloud, Desktop, Mobile
Platforms	Windows	Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Integrations	6 integrations	7 integrations
Features Autodesk 3ds Max 3/4 · SketchUp 3/4
Sculpting tools	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Animation tools	✓	✓
Parametric modeling	✓	✓
3D print export	✓	✓
Specs
Platform access	Desktop	Both
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	Free browser edition with 3D Warehouse and Trimble Connect access Combines 3D modeling, LayOut documentation, animation, and cloud sharing Advanced plans add Revit import, point-cloud tools, and AI features
Cons	Runs only on Windows desktop No free plan is available Paid purchasing is required beyond the 30-day trial	Free plan is not for commercial use Advanced scan and Revit workflows are Windows-only Desktop modeling and LayOut start at the Pro tier
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 →	SketchUp is Trimble’s 3D modeling software for architects, designers, builders, educators, and other professionals. It combines browser-based, desktop, and iPad modeling with 2D documentation, scene creation, animation, cloud sharing,… 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

• SketchUp — where it wins

  • Free browser edition with 3D Warehouse and Trimble Connect access
  • Combines 3D modeling, LayOut documentation, animation, and cloud sharing
  • Advanced plans add Revit import, point-cloud tools, and AI features

  Where it doesn't

  • Free plan is not for commercial use
  • Advanced scan and Revit workflows are Windows-only
  • Desktop modeling and LayOut start at the Pro tier

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

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

  Visit AutodeskFull verdict →
• SketchUp8.6/10 · Free plan · 7-day trial

  An accessible 3D workspace spanning browser, desktop, iPad, documentation, and visualization.

  Visit SketchUpFull verdict →