Head-to-head · 3D Printing Software
OrcaSlicer vs Slic3r
OrcaSlicer leads on 1 check, Slic3r on 0, and 6 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 7 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Free planboth
- Most featuresOrcaSlicer · 5 of 6
Our editors rank OrcaSlicer at #1 and Slic3r at #4 for 3d printing software; OrcaSlicer and Slic3r have no rubric score yet (facts researched, not yet scored), so the checks below decide.
OrcaSlicer offers print monitoring; Slic3r doesn't publish it.
OrcaSlicer is the better fit for advanced FDM users who want free calibration control. Slic3r is the better fit for established free FDM slicing.
- OrcaSlicer fits best
Advanced FDM users who want free calibration control
- Slic3r fits best
Established free FDM slicing
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Side by side
| Feature | OrcaSlicer —/10 Visit ↗ | Slic3r —/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | — | — |
| Ranking | #1 in 3D Printing Software | #4 in 3D Printing Software |
| Best for | Advanced FDM users who want free calibration control | Established free FDM slicing |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Not published | Not published |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Integrations | 10 integrations | 1 integrations |
| Features OrcaSlicer 5/6 · Slic3r 4/6 | ||
| Auto supports | ✓ | ✓ |
| Printer control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Print monitoring | ✓ (best) | Not published |
| Cloud slicing | — | Not published |
| Multi-material tools | ✓ | ✓ |
| Model repair | ✓ | ✓ |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | OrcaSlicer is a free, open-source desktop slicer for FDM 3D printing from SoftFever. It converts 3D models into printer instructions and supports Windows, macOS, and Linux. Its audience includes makers and professionals who want detailed… Read the review → |
Slic3r is open-source 3D printing software for preparing digital models for FFF/FDM printing. It slices models into layers, generates G-code and toolpaths, and provides visual previews for inspecting print paths. The desktop application… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
OrcaSlicer — where it wins
- Extensive built-in calibration tests for key print settings
- Configurable supports, mesh repair, and multi-material preparation
- Network printing and monitoring through compatible hosts
Where it doesn't
- Focused on FDM rather than other 3D printing processes
- Cloud slicing is not part of its workflow
- Mesh repair depends on the platform
Slic3r — where it wins
- Free, open-source slicing for Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Support generation, mesh repair, and multi-material preparation
- Printer control, OctoPrint integration, and batch processing
Where it doesn't
- Primarily aimed at advanced users
- SLA/DLP workflows are experimental
- The official site lists version 1.3.0 from 2018
- OrcaSlicer—/10 · Free plan
A calibration-focused FDM slicer with broad printer-host integrations.
Visit OrcaSlicerFull verdict → - Slic3r—/10 · Free plan
A mature free slicer with multi-material tools, printer control, and OctoPrint integration.
Visit Slic3rFull verdict →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026