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Head-to-head · 3D Model Marketplaces

CGTrader vs McMaster-Carr CAD Models

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 3 checks side by side
Higher score CGTrader #1 in 3D Model Marketplaces 9.4/10 From $9.99/mo ✓ 1 of 2 features Visit CGTrader
McMaster-Carr CAD Models #7 in 3D Model Marketplaces 8.8/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 2 features Visit McMaster-Carr

CGTrader leads on 1 check, McMaster-Carr CAD Models on 1, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreCGTrader · 9.4/10
  • Free planonly McMaster-Carr CAD Models
  • Most featuresCGTrader · 1 of 2

CGTrader scores higher on our rubric for 3d model marketplaces: 9.4 against 8.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #7.

McMaster-Carr CAD Models offers free plan; CGTrader doesn't publish it. CGTrader offers commercial license; McMaster-Carr CAD Models doesn't.

CGTrader is the better fit for broad professional 3D asset sourcing. McMaster-Carr CAD Models is the better fit for engineering CAD parts at scale.

  • CGTrader fits best

    Broad professional 3D asset sourcing

  • McMaster-Carr CAD Models fits best

    Engineering CAD parts at scale

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. We may earn a commission when you click some links. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature CGTrader 9.4/10 Visit ↗ McMaster-Carr CAD Models 8.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.4 8.8
Ranking #1 in 3D Model Marketplaces #7 in 3D Model Marketplaces
Best for Broad professional 3D asset sourcing Engineering CAD parts at scale
Pricing model Paid Free
Starting price Not published Not published
Free plan Not published ✓ (best)
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud Cloud, Browser extension
Platforms Web Web, Windows
Support Email, Live chat, Docs Email, Docs
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features CGTrader 1/2 · McMaster-Carr CAD Models 0/2
Commercial license ✓ (best) —
Subscription access Not published —
Specs
3D file formats Not published STEP, SLDPRT, Parasolid (.X_T)
License options Not published Not published
Downloads per month Not published Not published
Game engine support Not published Not published
Our review
Pros
  • 800K+ everyday assets and a 1.7M+ curated model library
  • Supports print-ready, animated, rigged, PBR, scanned, and VR assets
  • Business purchasing, asset sharing, selling, and designer projects
  • Over 700,000 maintained CAD models across McMaster-Carr parts
  • STEP, SLDPRT, Parasolid, simplified, feature-rich, and drawing files
  • SOLIDWORKS add-in supports BOM, order forms, and model insertion
Cons
  • Web and cloud deployment only
  • Marketplace products can carry different license restrictions
  • Subscription page states a 12-month commitment despite monthly pricing
  • Usage is restricted to deciding whether to purchase McMaster-Carr products
  • Commercial exploitation, redistribution, and outside-purpose fabrication are prohibited
  • Workflow integration is centered on SOLIDWORKS and McMaster-Carr purchasing
Our verdict

CGTrader is an online marketplace for downloadable 3D models, 3D-print-ready assets, textures, scripts and plugins, scanned content, and VR models. It is aimed at designers, artists, developers, visualization teams, game creators,…

Read the review →

McMaster-Carr CAD Models is a free library of downloadable 3D and 2D models for more than 700,000 parts in McMaster-Carr’s industrial catalog. It serves engineers, designers, and purchasing teams that need manufacturer-specific geometry…

Read the review →
  1. CGTrader3D Model Marketplaces 9.4From $9.99/mo
  2. McMaster-Carr CAD Models3D Model Marketplaces 8.8Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • CGTrader — where it wins

    • 800K+ everyday assets and a 1.7M+ curated model library
    • Supports print-ready, animated, rigged, PBR, scanned, and VR assets
    • Business purchasing, asset sharing, selling, and designer projects

    Where it doesn't

    • Web and cloud deployment only
    • Marketplace products can carry different license restrictions
    • Subscription page states a 12-month commitment despite monthly pricing

  • McMaster-Carr CAD Models — where it wins

    • Over 700,000 maintained CAD models across McMaster-Carr parts
    • STEP, SLDPRT, Parasolid, simplified, feature-rich, and drawing files
    • SOLIDWORKS add-in supports BOM, order forms, and model insertion

    Where it doesn't

    • Usage is restricted to deciding whether to purchase McMaster-Carr products
    • Commercial exploitation, redistribution, and outside-purpose fabrication are prohibited
    • Workflow integration is centered on SOLIDWORKS and McMaster-Carr purchasing
  • CGTrader9.4/10 · From $9.99/mo

    CGTrader combines broad 3D asset coverage, flexible formats, subscriptions, and business purchasing.

    Visit CGTraderFull verdict →
  • McMaster-Carr CAD Models8.8/10 · Free plan

    A free, maintained CAD library for McMaster-Carr parts with SOLIDWORKS and API access.

    Visit McMaster-CarrFull verdict →

More comparisons

All 3D model marketplaces comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update