3ds Max
Blender
3ds Max
Blender
3ds Max
Blender
No signals
3ds Max
Blender
3ds Max
Blender
No signals
3ds Max
Blender
3ds Max
No signals
Blender
Users: 1 user
Storage: N/A
Limits: Most expensive per-year option ($3,060/year). No ownership, subscription required to continue.
Users: 1 user
Storage: N/A
Limits: Windows only. No perpetual option, must renew annually. Very expensive for individuals.
Users: 1 user
Storage: N/A
Limits: Annual gross revenue must be under $100,000 USD. Cannot use on projects valued over $100,000 USD.
Users: Unlimited
Storage: N/A (local software)
Limits: No official paid support. Community-driven help only. Some studio features require Blender Studio subscription.
Users: 1 user
Storage: Cloud assets access
Limits: This is supplementary content, not required for using Blender. Mainly for learning and production assets.
| Feature | 3ds Max | Blender |
|---|---|---|
| Modeling | ||
| Polygon Modeling Powerful modifier stack system | ||
| NURBS Modeling Full support | ||
| Core Features | ||
| 3D Modeling Comprehensive polygon and NURBS modeling | ||
| Digital Sculpting Capable but not ZBrush-level | ||
| Rigging & Animation Full character animation pipeline | ||
| Rendering | ||
| Arnold Renderer Included in subscription | ||
| V-Ray Support Separate license required | ||
| Cycles Ray Tracing Photorealistic path-traced rendering | ||
| Corona Support Separate license required | ||
| EEVEE Real-time Fast rasterization-based rendering | ||
| Animation | ||
| Character Animation Capable but Maya preferred | ||
| Grease Pencil 2D 2D animation in 3D space | ||
| Simulation | ||
| Physics Simulation Cloth, fluid, smoke, rigid body | ||
| Effects | ||
| Particle Systems Particle Flow system | ||
| Post-production | ||
| Video Editing Basic editing, not professional-grade | ||
| Compositing Node-based compositor | ||
| Integration | ||
| CAD Import Strong Autodesk ecosystem | ||
| Extensibility | ||
| MAXScript Scripting and automation | ||
| Python Support Limited compared to Maya | ||
| Python Scripting Full API access | ||
| VFX | ||
| Motion Tracking Camera and object tracking | ||
| Texturing | ||
| UV Mapping Standard toolset | ||
| Platform | ||
| Mac Support Windows only | ||
| Emerging Tech | ||
| VR Scene Inspection VR headset support | ||
