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Head-to-head · 3D Modeling Software

Blender vs Autodesk Maya

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 checks side by side
Higher score Blender #1 in 3D Modeling Software 9.3/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 4 features Visit Blender
Autodesk Maya #3 in 3D Modeling Software 9.0/10 30-day trial Free trial✓ 4 of 4 features Visit Autodesk Maya

Blender leads on 1 check, Autodesk Maya on 0, 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 scoreBlender · 9.3/10
  • Free planonly Blender
  • Free trialonly Autodesk Maya
  • Most featuresAutodesk Maya · 4 of 4

Blender scores higher on our rubric for 3d modeling software: 9.3 against 9.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #3.

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

Blender is the better fit for broad, free professional 3D creation. Autodesk Maya is the better fit for character animation and VFX studios.

  • Blender fits best

    Broad, free professional 3D creation

  • Autodesk Maya fits best

    Character animation and VFX studios

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Side by side

Feature Blender 9.3/10 Visit ↗ Autodesk Maya 9.0/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.3 9.0
Ranking #1 in 3D Modeling Software #3 in 3D Modeling Software
Best for Broad, free professional 3D creation Character animation and VFX studios
Pricing model Free Paid
Starting price Free plan $2,010/user/yr
Free plan ✓ (best) —
Free trial — 30 days
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux Windows, macOS, Linux
Support Community, Docs Docs · 24/7
Built for Solo, Small business Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Blender 3/4 · Autodesk Maya 4/4
Sculpting tools ✓ ✓
Animation tools ✓ ✓
Parametric modeling Not checked yet ✓ (best)
3D print export ✓ ✓
Specs
Platform access Desktop Desktop
Render engine Built-in Both
Our review
Pros
  • Covers modeling, sculpting, animation, rendering, and compositing
  • Open-source desktop software with no paid tier
  • Includes Python scripting and 3D-print export utilities
  • 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.
Cons
  • Its broad scope may exceed the needs of single-purpose workflows
  • Primarily a desktop application rather than a browser-based workspace
  • The 3D Print Toolbox is provided as an extension or add-on
  • No free plan is available.
  • The free trial lasts 30 days.
  • Access is through a desktop application rather than a browser-based platform.
Our verdict

Blender is a free, open-source 3D creation suite for artists, hobbyists, professionals, and studios. Its scope spans polygon, curve, and mesh modeling; digital sculpting and retopology; rigging and animation; simulation; rendering;…

Read the review →

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 →
  1. Blender3D Modeling Software 9.3Free plan
  2. Autodesk Maya3D Modeling Software 9.030-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Blender — where it wins

    • Covers modeling, sculpting, animation, rendering, and compositing
    • Open-source desktop software with no paid tier
    • Includes Python scripting and 3D-print export utilities

    Where it doesn't

    • Its broad scope may exceed the needs of single-purpose workflows
    • Primarily a desktop application rather than a browser-based workspace
    • The 3D Print Toolbox is provided as an extension or add-on

  • 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.

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