Autodesk Maya vs Rhino 3D

Autodesk Maya9.0Visit Rhino 3D8.7Visit

Higher score Autodesk Maya #3 in 3D Modeling Software 9.0/10 30-day trial Free trial✓ 4 of 4 features Visit Autodesk Maya

vs

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

• Autodesk Maya fits best

  Character animation and VFX studios

• 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 Maya 9.0/10 Visit ↗	Rhino 3D 8.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.0	8.7
Ranking	#3 in 3D Modeling Software	#7 in 3D Modeling Software
Best for	Character animation and VFX studios	Precision NURBS and surface modeling
Pricing model	Paid	Paid
Starting price	$2,010/user/yr	$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, macOS, Linux	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 Maya 4/4 · Rhino 3D 3/4
Sculpting tools	✓ (best)	Not checked yet
Animation tools	✓	✓
Parametric modeling	✓	✓
3D print export	✓	✓
Specs
Platform access	Desktop	Desktop
Render engine	Both	Both
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.	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	No free plan is available. The free trial lasts 30 days. Access is through a desktop application rather than a browser-based platform.	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 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 →	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 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.

• 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 Maya9.0/10 · 30-day trial

  A mature desktop suite for studios handling modeling, animation, VFX, and rendering.

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

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

  Visit Rhino 3DFull verdict →