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Head-to-head · 3D Modeling Software

Autodesk Maya vs SketchUp

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

Autodesk Maya leads on 0 checks, SketchUp on 1, and 4 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 planonly SketchUp
  • Free trialboth
  • Most featuresAutodesk Maya · 4 of 4

Autodesk Maya scores higher on our rubric for 3d modeling software: 9.0 against 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #8.

SketchUp offers free plan; Autodesk Maya doesn't. On platform access, SketchUp gives you Both where Autodesk Maya offers Desktop.

Autodesk Maya is the better fit for character animation and VFX studios. SketchUp is the better fit for accessible modeling and design visualization.

  • Autodesk Maya fits best

    Character animation and VFX studios

  • SketchUp fits best

    Accessible modeling and design visualization

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Side by side

Feature Autodesk Maya 9.0/10 Visit ↗ SketchUp 8.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.0 8.6
Ranking #3 in 3D Modeling Software #8 in 3D Modeling Software
Best for Character animation and VFX studios Accessible modeling and design visualization
Pricing model Paid Free plan + paid
Starting price $2,010/user/yr $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, macOS, Linux Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Integrations 3 integrations 7 integrations
Features Autodesk Maya 4/4 · SketchUp 3/4
Sculpting tools ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Animation tools ✓ ✓
Parametric modeling ✓ ✓
3D print export ✓ ✓
Specs
Platform access Desktop Both
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.
  • 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
  • No free plan is available.
  • The free trial lasts 30 days.
  • Access is through a desktop application rather than a browser-based platform.
  • 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 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 →

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 →
  1. Autodesk Maya3D Modeling Software 9.030-day trial
  2. SketchUp3D Modeling Software 8.6Free plan · 7-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.

  • 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

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