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Head-to-head · 3D Modeling Software

Autodesk Maya vs SOLIDWORKS

  • 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
SOLIDWORKS #40 in 3D Modeling Software 5.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 4 features Visit SOLIDWORKS

Autodesk Maya leads on 0 checks, SOLIDWORKS 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 SOLIDWORKS
  • Free trialonly Autodesk Maya

Autodesk Maya scores higher on our rubric for 3d modeling software: 9.0 against 5.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #40.

SOLIDWORKS offers free plan; Autodesk Maya doesn't. On platform access, SOLIDWORKS gives you Both where Autodesk Maya offers Desktop. On render engine, Autodesk Maya gives you Both where SOLIDWORKS offers Built-in.

Autodesk Maya is the better fit for character animation and VFX studios. SOLIDWORKS is the better fit for professional mechanical CAD teams.

  • Autodesk Maya fits best

    Character animation and VFX studios

  • SOLIDWORKS fits best

    Professional mechanical CAD teams

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Side by side

Feature Autodesk Maya 9.0/10 Visit ↗ SOLIDWORKS 5.4/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.0 5.4
Ranking #3 in 3D Modeling Software #40 in 3D Modeling Software
Best for Character animation and VFX studios Professional mechanical CAD teams
Pricing model Paid Free plan + paid
Starting price $2,010/user/yr $2,820/device/yr
Free plan — ✓ (best)
Free trial 30 days —
Money-back guarantee 30 days 15 days
Deployment Desktop Cloud, Desktop, Browser extension
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux Windows, Web
Support Docs · 24/7 Docs
Integrations 3 integrations 2 integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Autodesk Maya 4/4 · SOLIDWORKS 4/4
Sculpting tools ✓ ✓
Animation tools ✓ ✓
Parametric modeling ✓ ✓
3D print export ✓ ✓
Specs
Platform access Desktop Both
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.
  • Covers parts, assemblies, drawings, sheet metal, weldments, molds, and structures
  • Adds cloud collaboration, revision management, simulation, and photorealistic rendering
  • Supports 3D-print export to STL, 3MF, and AMF, plus 3DEXPERIENCE integration
Cons
  • No free plan is available.
  • The free trial lasts 30 days.
  • Access is through a desktop application rather than a browser-based platform.
  • Standard starts at $2,820 per user per year, billed annually
  • Advanced routing, simulation, and motion analysis require the Premium plan
  • Free access is documented for students rather than general commercial users
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 →

SOLIDWORKS is 3D CAD and product development software for engineers, designers, and technology professionals. Its scope includes parametric part, assembly, and 2D drawing modeling, with specialized tools for sheet metal, weldments, molds,…

Read the review →
  1. Autodesk Maya3D Modeling Software 9.030-day trial
  2. SOLIDWORKS3D Modeling Software 5.4Free plan

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.

  • SOLIDWORKS — where it wins

    • Covers parts, assemblies, drawings, sheet metal, weldments, molds, and structures
    • Adds cloud collaboration, revision management, simulation, and photorealistic rendering
    • Supports 3D-print export to STL, 3MF, and AMF, plus 3DEXPERIENCE integration

    Where it doesn't

    • Standard starts at $2,820 per user per year, billed annually
    • Advanced routing, simulation, and motion analysis require the Premium plan
    • Free access is documented for students rather than general commercial users

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