3ds Max
Houdini
No signals
3ds Max
Houdini
3ds Max
Houdini
3ds Max
Houdini
3ds Max
Houdini
3ds Max
Houdini
No signals
3ds Max
No signals
Houdini
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: 1 user
Storage: N/A
Limits: Non-commercial use only. Renders have watermarks. Some export formats restricted. Cannot integrate with other commercial software.
Users: 1 user
Storage: N/A
Limits: Annual gross revenue must be under $100,000 USD. 2-year rental option at $399 available.
Users: 1 user
Storage: N/A
Limits: No Pyro, fluids, or destruction DOPs. Need FX for full simulation capabilities. $1,340/year rental alternative.
Users: 1 user
Storage: N/A
Limits: Expensive upfront cost. $3,195/year rental alternative. Steep learning curve to utilize capabilities.
| Feature | 3ds Max | Houdini |
|---|---|---|
| Modeling | ||
| Polygon Modeling Powerful modifier stack system | ||
| NURBS Modeling Full support | ||
| Procedural Modeling Node-based procedural systems | ||
| Manual Modeling Less developed than Maya | ||
| Simulation | ||
| FLIP Fluid Simulation Industry-leading fluids | ||
| Pyro Fire/Smoke Unmatched fire and smoke | ||
| Vellum Cloth/Hair Advanced cloth and hair | ||
| RBD Destruction Building and object destruction | ||
| Crowd Simulation Large-scale crowds | ||
| Rendering | ||
| Arnold Renderer Included in subscription | ||
| V-Ray Support Separate license required | ||
| Corona Support Separate license required | ||
| Karma Renderer USD-based production renderer | ||
| Animation | ||
| Character Animation Capable but Maya preferred | ||
| Effects | ||
| Particle Systems Particle Flow system | ||
| Extensibility | ||
| VEX Scripting Powerful but steep learning curve | ||
| Python Integration Full Python support | ||
| MAXScript Scripting and automation | ||
| Python Support Limited compared to Maya | ||
| Integration | ||
| CAD Import Strong Autodesk ecosystem | ||
| Game Engine Export Unity and Unreal support | ||
| Pipeline | ||
| USD Support Native USD integration | ||
| Texturing | ||
| UV Mapping Standard toolset | ||
| Platform | ||
| Mac Support Windows only | ||
