Head-to-head · 3D Sculpting Software
Shapelab vs SculptGL
Shapelab leads on 2 checks, SculptGL on 0, and 5 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
- Highest scoreShapelab · 8.3/10
- Most featuresShapelab · 5 of 6
Our editors rank Shapelab at #5 and SculptGL at #7 for 3d sculpting software; SculptGL has no rubric score yet (facts researched, not yet scored), so the checks below decide.
Shapelab offers manual retopology; SculptGL doesn't publish it. Shapelab offers free trial; SculptGL doesn't publish it.
Shapelab is the better fit for flexible desktop and VR sculpting. SculptGL is the better fit for free browser-based sculpting.
- Shapelab fits best
Flexible desktop and VR sculpting
- SculptGL fits best
Free browser-based sculpting
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Side by side
| Feature | Shapelab 8.3/10 Visit ↗ | SculptGL —/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.3 | — |
| Ranking | #5 in 3D Sculpting Software | #7 in 3D Sculpting Software |
| Best for | Flexible desktop and VR sculpting | Free browser-based sculpting |
| Pricing model | Paid | Free |
| Starting price | $9.99/mo | Not published |
| Free plan | — | Not published |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop, Mobile | Cloud, Desktop, Browser extension |
| Platforms | Windows, Android | Web, Windows, Chrome extension |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market | Solo, Small business |
| Features Shapelab 5/6 · SculptGL 3/6 | ||
| Automatic retopology | — | Not published |
| Manual retopology | ✓ (best) | Not published |
| Multiresolution sculpting | ✓ | ✓ |
| Voxel sculpting | ✓ | ✓ |
| Texture painting | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | ✓ (best) | Not published |
| Specs | ||
| Supported platforms | Windows, Android | web, windows, chrome_extension |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Shapelab is a VR-focused 3D sculpting and modeling application for organic models, digital props, characters, concepts, game assets, virtual worlds, digital art, and 3D printing. It is designed for beginner creators and professional 3D… Read the review → |
SculptGL is an open-source WebGL application for digital 3D sculpting, available through the web, Windows standalone builds, and a Chrome extension. It suits artists, students, and other users who want a free browser-based sculpting… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Shapelab — where it wins
- Combines polygon sculpting, voxel sketching, and dynamic topology
- Supports desktop and VR workflows with Meta Quest access
- Exports FBX, OBJ, GLB, and STL files and integrates with Blender
Where it doesn't
- No automatic retopology; topology work is manual
- No free plan, with the trial limited to 7 days
- Desktop support is limited to Windows
SculptGL — where it wins
- Multiresolution sculpting, voxel remeshing, and dynamic topology
- PBR vertex painting with color, roughness, and metalness
- OBJ, PLY, and STL import and export
Where it doesn't
- Development has stopped and the repository was archived January 17, 2026
- Available as a web app, Windows build, or Chrome extension
- Model exchange is limited to OBJ, PLY, and STL formats
- Shapelab8.3/10 · From $9.99/mo · 7-day trial
A flexible sculpting workspace that connects polygon, voxel, painting, and VR workflows.
Visit ShapelabFull verdict → - SculptGL—/10 · Open source
A capable open-source sculpting tool for free browser-based 3D work.
Visit SculptGLFull verdict →
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All 3D sculpting software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026