Alternatives to ZBrush

Sculpt detailed digital models using brush-based tools. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.

Replacements

Listings that take over the same core job as ZBrush.

  • Blender

    The free 3D creation suite: modelling, sculpting, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing and video editing.

    FreeOpen sourceWindowsmacOSLinux

    Blender is free and open source on Windows, macOS and Linux, offering sculpting alongside modelling, animation and rendering in one larger application.

  • Nomad Sculpt

    Sculpt and paint 3D models with a touch-oriented modeling application.

    PaidProprietaryiOSAndroidWindowsmacOS

    Nomad Sculpt is a paid touch-oriented sculpting and painting app on iOS, Android, Windows and macOS, with licensing differing between platform editions.

  • SculptGL

    Digital sculpting tool that runs in a web browser with no installation.

    FreeOpen sourceWeb

    SculptGL is a free MIT-licensed browser sculpting tool with dynamic topology and STL export, but lacks production pipeline features like rigging or animation.

  • 3DCoat

    A 3D application for voxel sculpting, retopology, UV mapping, PBR texture painting and rendering.

    PaidProprietaryWindowsmacOSLinux

    3DCoat combines voxel and polygon sculpting with retopology, UV mapping and texture painting, adds Linux support, and offers a free learning mode without time limits.

Also worth comparing

These listings name ZBrush as their own alternative, so the relationship runs both ways.

  • Adobe Substance 3D Modeler

    A 3D sculpting and modelling app for Windows that works on the desktop and in VR.

    PaidProprietaryWindows

    ZBrush offers brush-based sculpting for detailed models on Windows and macOS with a paid license, but it has no VR sculpting mode and no Substance subscription is involved.

Similar software

Related functionality, not a direct replacement.