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UltiMaker Cura vs MatterControl: catalog facts
UltiMaker CuraMatterControl

Best for: Slicing for a filament printer when you want profiles that already exist

Best for: Hobbyists who want one program for designing, slicing and running prints

Free

Free and open source under the LGPL 3.0. An UltiMaker account is optional and only needed for cloud…

Full pricing details for UltiMaker Cura

Free and open source under the LGPL 3.0. An UltiMaker account is optional and only needed for cloud features.

Free

Free and open-source software from MatterHackers.

Windows, macOS, Linux Windows, macOS, Linux
  • Profiles for hundreds of printers, not just UltiMaker's own
  • Recommended presets hide the settings until you want them
All 4 strengths for UltiMaker Cura
  • Profiles for hundreds of printers, not just UltiMaker's own
  • Recommended presets hide the settings until you want them
  • Layer preview shows the toolpath before you start the print
  • Plugin marketplace for model sources and post-processing scripts
  • Design, slicing and printer control in one app
  • Runs on Windows, macOS and Linux
All 3 strengths for MatterControl
  • Design, slicing and printer control in one app
  • Runs on Windows, macOS and Linux
  • Long development history with many printer profiles
  • Heavier and slower to start than the newer slicers
  • Hundreds of settings once you leave the recommended mode
All 3 limitations for UltiMaker Cura
  • Heavier and slower to start than the newer slicers
  • Hundreds of settings once you leave the recommended mode
  • Calibration tooling is thin compared with OrcaSlicer
  • Development pace is slower than the most popular slicers
  • Built-in design tools are simpler than dedicated CAD programs
Downloadable app Downloadable app
Open source Open source
License: LGPL-3.0 License not stated
No account needed Not stated if an account is needed
Offline features available Not stated if it works offline
Sources for UltiMaker Cura

Catalog checked September 21, 2026

Sources for MatterControl

Catalog checked September 23, 2026

“Not stated” means we have not confirmed it. Features can vary by device and plan.