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Head-to-head · Interior Design Software

Live Home 3D vs Chief Architect

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 1 check side by side
Higher score Live Home 3D #7 in Interior Design Software 8.3/10 Free plan · paid from $5.99/mo Free plan✓ 0 of 3 features Visit Live Home 3D
Chief Architect #8 in Interior Design Software 8.2/10 From $1,995/yr ✓ 0 of 3 features Try Chief Architect

Live Home 3D leads on 1 check, Chief Architect on 0, and 0 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreLive Home 3D · 8.3/10
  • Free planonly Live Home 3D

Live Home 3D scores higher on our rubric for interior design software: 8.3 against 8.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #7 and #8.

Live Home 3D offers free plan; Chief Architect doesn't.

Live Home 3D is the better fit for desktop users wanting AR and export flexibility. Chief Architect is the better fit for professional construction drawings and estimating.

  • Live Home 3D fits best

    Desktop users wanting AR and export flexibility

  • Chief Architect fits best

    Professional construction drawings and estimating

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. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Live Home 3D 8.3/10 Visit ↗ Chief Architect 8.2/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.3 8.2
Ranking #7 in Interior Design Software #8 in Interior Design Software
Best for Desktop users wanting AR and export flexibility Professional construction drawings and estimating
Pricing model Free plan + paid Paid
Starting price Not published Not published
Free plan ✓ (best) —
Free trial — —
Money-back guarantee 30 days 14 days
Deployment Desktop, Mobile Desktop
Platforms Windows, macOS, iOS, Android Windows, macOS
Support Docs, Community Docs
Built for Solo, Small business Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Live Home 3D 0/3 · Chief Architect 0/3
Floor plan tools Not published Not published
Commercial use Not published Not published
BIM support Not published Not published
Specs
3D rendering Not published Not published
Supported platforms Not published Not published
Furniture catalog Not published Not published
Our review
Pros
  • Turns 2D floor plans into 3D models when switching views
  • Exports still images, panoramas, and video walkthroughs
  • Supports AR on Apple devices and 3D model import/export
  • Creates coordinated 2D plans and 3D models as you draw walls, windows, and doors
  • Supports multi-floor plans, tracing imported floor plans, and construction drawings
  • Includes materials lists, schedules, and cost-estimating tools
Cons
  • AR viewing is limited to supported Apple devices
  • AI-assisted renders use a credit-based cloud feature
  • Advanced tools and higher-resolution exports require Pro Features
  • Annual Premier costs $1,995, with a monthly option at $229 per month
  • Desktop deployment only, for Windows and macOS
  • The trial disables saving, printing, exporting, and virtual tours
Our verdict

Live Home 3D is home and interior design software for drawing floor plans, furnishing rooms, and creating 3D renderings of homes and exteriors. It suits solo designers and small teams that want to move between 2D planning and 3D…

Read the review →

Chief Architect is desktop design software for residential and light-commercial projects, aimed at home builders, remodelers, architects, and interior designers. Drawing walls, windows, and doors generates a 3D model while the software…

Read the review →
  1. Live Home 3DInterior Design Software 8.3Free plan · paid from $5.99/mo
  2. Chief ArchitectInterior Design Software 8.2From $1,995/yr

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Live Home 3D — where it wins

    • Turns 2D floor plans into 3D models when switching views
    • Exports still images, panoramas, and video walkthroughs
    • Supports AR on Apple devices and 3D model import/export

    Where it doesn't

    • AR viewing is limited to supported Apple devices
    • AI-assisted renders use a credit-based cloud feature
    • Advanced tools and higher-resolution exports require Pro Features

  • Chief Architect — where it wins

    • Creates coordinated 2D plans and 3D models as you draw walls, windows, and doors
    • Supports multi-floor plans, tracing imported floor plans, and construction drawings
    • Includes materials lists, schedules, and cost-estimating tools

    Where it doesn't

    • Annual Premier costs $1,995, with a monthly option at $229 per month
    • Desktop deployment only, for Windows and macOS
    • The trial disables saving, printing, exporting, and virtual tours

More comparisons

All interior design software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Guides on interior design software

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update