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Head-to-head · 3D Modeling Software

Autodesk Maya vs Autodesk 3ds Max

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 checks side by side
Higher score Autodesk Maya #3 in 3D Modeling Software 9.0/10 30-day trial Free trial✓ 4 of 4 features Visit Autodesk Maya
Autodesk 3ds Max #5 in 3D Modeling Software 8.8/10 30-day trial Free trial✓ 3 of 4 features Visit Autodesk

Autodesk Maya leads on 0 checks, Autodesk 3ds Max on 0, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreAutodesk Maya · 9.0/10
  • Free trialboth
  • Most featuresAutodesk Maya · 4 of 4

Autodesk Maya scores higher on our rubric for 3d modeling software: 9.0 against 8.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #5.

On render engine, Autodesk Maya gives you Both where Autodesk 3ds Max offers Built-in.

Autodesk Maya is the better fit for character animation and VFX studios. Autodesk 3ds Max is the better fit for windows architectural and entertainment modeling.

  • Autodesk Maya fits best

    Character animation and VFX studios

  • Autodesk 3ds Max fits best

    Windows architectural and entertainment modeling

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Side by side

Feature Autodesk Maya 9.0/10 Visit ↗ Autodesk 3ds Max 8.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.0 8.8
Ranking #3 in 3D Modeling Software #5 in 3D Modeling Software
Best for Character animation and VFX studios Windows architectural and entertainment modeling
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price $2,010/user/yr 30-day trial
Free plan — —
Free trial 30 days 30 days
Free trial length 30 days 30 days
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux Windows
Support Docs · 24/7 Docs · 24/7
Integrations 3 integrations 6 integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Autodesk Maya 4/4 · Autodesk 3ds Max 3/4
Sculpting tools ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Animation tools ✓ ✓
Parametric modeling ✓ ✓
3D print export ✓ ✓
Specs
Platform access Desktop Desktop
Render engine Both Built-in
Our review
Pros
  • Covers modeling, rigging, animation, simulations, look development, and rendering.
  • Supports Arnold GPU and CPU rendering, OpenUSD workflows, and Python 3 scripting.
  • Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux with Unreal Engine and Adobe After Effects integrations.
  • 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
Cons
  • No free plan is available.
  • The free trial lasts 30 days.
  • Access is through a desktop application rather than a browser-based platform.
  • Runs only on Windows desktop
  • No free plan is available
  • Paid purchasing is required beyond the 30-day trial
Our verdict

Autodesk Maya is a desktop 3D content-creation application for modeling, rigging, animation, visual effects, look development, and rendering. Autodesk positions it for artists and technical directors working in film, television, games, and…

Read the review →

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 →
  1. Autodesk Maya3D Modeling Software 9.030-day trial
  2. Autodesk 3ds Max3D Modeling Software 8.830-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Autodesk Maya — where it wins

    • Covers modeling, rigging, animation, simulations, look development, and rendering.
    • Supports Arnold GPU and CPU rendering, OpenUSD workflows, and Python 3 scripting.
    • Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux with Unreal Engine and Adobe After Effects integrations.

    Where it doesn't

    • No free plan is available.
    • The free trial lasts 30 days.
    • Access is through a desktop application rather than a browser-based platform.

  • 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

More comparisons

All 3D modeling software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update