Best UltiMaker Cura Alternatives in 2026
The top UltiMaker Cura alternatives are Autodesk Netfabb, Formlabs PreForm and GrabCAD Print: 15 additive manufacturing software our editors would look at instead of UltiMaker Cura, in our ranking order.
UltiMaker Cura: A capable free slicer with broad settings and useful UltiMaker printer workflows. Where it falls short: network job sending and monitoring are tied to compatible UltiMaker printers.
Switching from UltiMaker Cura? For most additive manufacturing software buyers the best UltiMaker Cura alternative is Autodesk Netfabb, built for industrial teams needing advanced build preparation.
Why People Look for an UltiMaker Cura Alternative
- Network job sending and monitoring are tied to compatible UltiMaker printers
- Cloud slicing is separate from the downloadable desktop product
- A wide range of settings can take time to navigate
Quick Picks by What You Need
- Best overallAutodesk Netfabb9.3
Industrial teams needing advanced build preparation
Visit Autodesk Netfabb - Best free optionAutodesk Netfabb9.3
Has a free plan
Visit Autodesk Netfabb
All 15 UltiMaker Cura Alternatives, Ranked
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. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
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Best forIndustrial teams needing advanced build preparation
- Better than UltiMaker Cura:
- Editor score 9.3 vs 8.1
A Windows build-preparation suite spanning mesh repair, supports, slicing, lattices, and toolpaths.
9.3/10★★★★★Visit Autodesk -
Best forFormlabs users preparing validated production jobs
- Better than UltiMaker Cura:
- Editor score 9.0 vs 8.1
A free Formlabs-focused tool for preparing and uploading SLA and SLS jobs.
9.0/10★★★★☆Visit Formlabs -
Best forStratasys teams needing production and fleet workflows
- Better than UltiMaker Cura:
- Editor score 8.8 vs 8.1
A broad Stratasys workflow suite with a free tier and paid production controls.
8.8/10★★★★☆Visit GrabCAD Print -
Best forBambu printer users seeking free multi-material slicing
- Better than UltiMaker Cura:
- Editor score 8.6 vs 8.1
A free, open-source slicer with multi-material tools and remote control for Bambu printer users.
8.6/10★★★★☆Visit Bambu Lab -
Best forCreality users wanting free slicing and printer control
- Better than UltiMaker Cura:
- Editor score 8.3 vs 8.1
A free FDM slicer with multi-color tools and Creality-focused printer control.
8.3/10★★★★☆Visit Creality Print -
Best forFree users needing FFF, DLP, or SLS slicing
A free desktop slicer for varied printing workflows, with detailed controls and previews.
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit Raise3D -
Best forIndustrial teams needing repair, nesting, and print checks
A Windows workflow for preparing, checking, nesting and managing 3D Systems plastic prints.
7.8/10★★★★☆Visit 3D Systems -
Best forIndustrial metal-AM build preparation and optimization
A Windows desktop suite for preparing, optimizing, and slicing industrial metal-AM builds.
- Slicer included
- Build nesting
7.7/10★★★★☆Visit 3D Systems -
Best forStratasys FDM users needing detailed toolpath control
Detailed FDM slicing and toolpath controls for Stratasys production workflows.
- Slicer included
- Build nesting
7.6/10★★★★☆Visit Stratasys -
Best forResin and filament users wanting one slicer
One slicer covers resin and filament preparation, with paid plans for expanded tools.
7.5/10★★★★☆Visit Lychee Slicer -
Best forOpen-source users needing FFF and mSLA slicing
A desktop slicer with broad print controls for FFF and mSLA workflows.
7.4/10★★★★☆Visit SuperSlicer -
Best forFree, self-hosted printer control and monitoring
Free, self-hosted control and monitoring for compatible consumer 3D printers.
7.3/10★★★★☆Visit OctoPrint -
Best forFree cloud slicing and remote printer management
A free cloud slicer and remote printer manager with paid queue and team features.
7.2/10★★★★☆Visit AstroPrint -
Best forFree, open-source slicing with broad host support
A capable local slicer for detailed print preparation across major desktop platforms.
7.1/10★★★★☆Visit PrusaSlicer -
Best forAdvanced users seeking procedural and non-planar slicing
A technically deep slicer for procedural, non-planar, multi-material, and DLP work.
7.1/10★★★★☆Visit IceSL
UltiMaker Cura Alternatives: Common Questions
What is the best alternative to UltiMaker Cura?
Autodesk Netfabb: #1 in our Additive Manufacturing Software ranking, with an editor score of 9.3 out of 10. A Windows build-preparation suite spanning mesh repair, supports, slicing, lattices, and toolpaths.
Is there a free alternative to UltiMaker Cura?
Yes. Autodesk Netfabb, Formlabs PreForm, GrabCAD Print, Bambu Studio and Creality Print have a free plan or a free tier (12 of the 15 alternatives on this page).
Why do people look for UltiMaker Cura alternatives?
Network job sending and monitoring are tied to compatible UltiMaker printers; Cloud slicing is separate from the downloadable desktop product; A wide range of settings can take time to navigate.
How do I switch from UltiMaker Cura?
Export your data from UltiMaker Cura (most tools have an export in their settings). Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one. Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on. Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel UltiMaker Cura.
How to Switch from UltiMaker Cura
- Export your data from UltiMaker Cura (most tools have an export in their settings).
- Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one.
- Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on.
- Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel UltiMaker Cura.
UltiMaker Cura vs Each Alternative
| # | Tool | Free plan | Paid from | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | UltiMaker Cura | Yes | Free | 8.1 |
| 1 | Autodesk Netfabb | Yes | 9.3 | |
| 2 | Formlabs PreForm | Yes | Free | 9.0 |
| 3 | GrabCAD Print | Yes | $5,000/user/yr | 8.8 |
| 4 | Bambu Studio | Yes | Free | 8.6 |
| 5 | Creality Print | Yes | Free | 8.3 |
| 6 | ideaMaker | Yes | Free | 7.9 |
| 7 | 3D Sprint | Yes | 7.8 | |
| 8 | 3D Systems 3DXpert | 7.7 | ||
| 9 | Stratasys Insight | 7.6 | ||
| 10 | Lychee Slicer | Yes | 7.5 | |
| 11 | SuperSlicer | Yes | Free | 7.4 |
| 12 | OctoPrint | Yes | Free | 7.3 |
| 13 | AstroPrint | Yes | 7.2 | |
| 14 | PrusaSlicer | Yes | Free | 7.1 |
| 15 | IceSL | No | 7.1 |
Head-to-Head
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update