Compare software

Blender vs Autodesk 3ds Max: catalog facts
Blender	Autodesk 3ds Max
Free Free and open source, funded by donations, sponsorship and the Blender Studio…	Paid Commercial software sold by Autodesk.
Windows, macOS, Linux	Windows
The entire 3D pipeline in one program, including rendering and video editing Two renderers: Cycles for path tracing and Eevee for real time	Modelling, animation and rendering in one package Long-established in games and architectural visualisation
An enormous application with a correspondingly long learning curve Serious rendering and simulation wants a capable GPU	Windows only Expensive for individuals
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Closed source
License: GPL-2.0-or-later	License not stated
No account needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Works offline	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 20, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 23, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.