Rhino 3D vs SketchUp

Rhino 3D7.8Visit SketchUp8.6Visit

Rhino 3D #7 in 3D Modeling Software 7.8/10 From $995 · 90-day trial ✓ 3 of 4 features Visit Rhino 3D

vs

Higher score SketchUp #8 in 3D Modeling Software 8.6/10 Free plan · paid from $10.75/user/mo (annual) · 7-day trial Free plan✓ 3 of 4 features Visit SketchUp

• Rhino 3D fits best

  Precision NURBS and surface modeling

• SketchUp fits best

  Accessible modeling and design visualization

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Side by side

Feature	Rhino 3D 7.8/10 Visit ↗	SketchUp 8.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	7.8	8.6
Ranking	#7 in 3D Modeling Software	#8 in 3D Modeling Software
Best for	Precision NURBS and surface modeling	Accessible modeling and design visualization
Pricing model	Paid	Free plan + paid
Starting price	Not published	$10.75/user/mo
Free plan	—	✓ (best)
Free trial	—	—
Free trial length	90 days · no card needed	7 days
Deployment	Desktop	Cloud, Desktop, Mobile
Platforms	Windows, macOS	Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Features Rhino 3D 3/4 · SketchUp 3/4
Sculpting tools	Not published	Not published
Animation tools	✓	✓
Parametric modeling	✓	✓
3D print export	✓	✓
Specs
Platform access	Desktop	Both
Render engine	Both	Both
Our review
Pros	NURBS, SubD, mesh, point-cloud, and solid modeling in one application Grasshopper supports visual, algorithmic modeling workflows Analysis, drafting, rendering, and 3D-print preparation are included	Free browser edition with 3D Warehouse and Trimble Connect access Combines 3D modeling, LayOut documentation, animation, and cloud sharing Advanced plans add Revit import, point-cloud tools, and AI features
Cons	Commercial licensing costs $995 as a one-time purchase Desktop-only access limits use to Windows and macOS Keyframe-based object animation requires the separate Bongo plug-in	Free plan is not for commercial use Advanced scan and Revit workflows are Windows-only Desktop modeling and LayOut start at the Pro tier
Our verdict	Rhino 3D is desktop modeling software for designers, engineers, architects, fabricators, jewelers, and educators. Its core strength is precision NURBS curve, surface, and solid modeling, complemented by SubD geometry, polygon meshes, point… Read the review →	SketchUp is Trimble’s 3D modeling software for architects, designers, builders, educators, and other professionals. It combines browser-based, desktop, and iPad modeling with 2D documentation, scene creation, animation, cloud sharing,… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Rhino 3D — where it wins

  • NURBS, SubD, mesh, point-cloud, and solid modeling in one application
  • Grasshopper supports visual, algorithmic modeling workflows
  • Analysis, drafting, rendering, and 3D-print preparation are included

  Where it doesn't

  • Commercial licensing costs $995 as a one-time purchase
  • Desktop-only access limits use to Windows and macOS
  • Keyframe-based object animation requires the separate Bongo plug-in

• SketchUp — where it wins

  • Free browser edition with 3D Warehouse and Trimble Connect access
  • Combines 3D modeling, LayOut documentation, animation, and cloud sharing
  • Advanced plans add Revit import, point-cloud tools, and AI features

  Where it doesn't

  • Free plan is not for commercial use
  • Advanced scan and Revit workflows are Windows-only
  • Desktop modeling and LayOut start at the Pro tier

• Rhino 3D7.8/10 · From $995 · 90-day trial

  A broad desktop toolkit for precision modeling, fabrication, analysis, and algorithmic design.

  Visit Rhino 3DFull verdict →
• SketchUp8.6/10 · Free plan · paid from $10.75/user/mo (annual) · 7-day trial

  An accessible 3D workspace spanning browser, desktop, iPad, documentation, and visualization.

  Visit SketchUpFull verdict →