Autodesk 3ds Max vs AutoCAD: what each really costs
Team size
Billing
Autodesk 3ds Max
3ds Max (annual) plan
$20,100
a year for 10 people · $1,675 a month
AutoCAD
AutoCAD (annual) plan
$20,950
a year for 10 people · $1,745.83 a month
Autodesk 3ds Max costs $850 less a year for 10 people.
Lower annual-billing cost for a 10-person team on each product's entry paid plan: Autodesk 3ds Max. This is arithmetic on verified prices, not a recommendation.
| 10 people | Autodesk 3ds Max | AutoCAD |
|---|---|---|
| Entry paid plan | 3ds Max (annual) | AutoCAD (annual) |
| Vendor price | $2,010 per year | $2,095 per year |
| Monthly cost | $1,675 | $1,745.83 |
| Annual cost | $20,100 | $20,950 |
| Per user / year | $2,010 | $2,095 |
| Billing commitment | Not recorded | Not recorded |
| Minimum seats | None stated | None stated |
| Free plan | No free plan listed | No free plan listed |
| Free trial | Not stated | Not stated |
Calculated by SpecEntry from official vendor prices. Taxes and optional add-ons are not included. Open each product page for every plan and the official source.
Autodesk 3ds Max vs AutoCAD: features
Key features as each vendor lists them. A feature missing from a list does not mean the product lacks it.
Autodesk 3ds Max
- Polygon modeling toolsModel with Smart Extrude, Booleans and retopology tools such as ReForm.
- Procedural workflowsModel, animate and texture dynamically while keeping edits non-destructive.
- Character riggingBuilt-in CAT and Biped setups simplify rigging and character animation.
- Arnold renderingCreate stylized or realistic professional renders through the Arnold integration.
- OpenUSD collaborationIntegrated open standards such as OpenUSD support collaboration.
- Flow RetopologySend mesh operations to the cloud for retopology.
- Node-based material editorBuild realistic materials in a node-based editor compliant with OpenPBR.
AutoCAD
- Multi-device draftingCreate, edit and annotate drawings on desktop, web and mobile.
- Connected Support FilesCentrally control cloud-based support files.
- Project-aware palettesTool palettes and CUI load the right resources for each project automatically.
- Autodesk AssistantAn in-app assistant helps find information, check CAD standards and fix design issues.
- Raster Design toolsetEdit scanned drawings and convert raster images into DWG objects.
- Plant 3D toolsetCreate instrumentation diagrams and 3D models and extract piping isometrics.
- Map 3D toolsetModel-based GIS for planning, design and management data.
Autodesk 3ds Max vs AutoCAD pricing questions
How much do Autodesk 3ds Max and AutoCAD cost?
Autodesk 3ds Max paid plans start at $255 per month (3ds Max (monthly)). AutoCAD paid plans start at $260 per month (AutoCAD (monthly)).
Is Autodesk 3ds Max or AutoCAD cheaper for 5 users?
Autodesk 3ds Max is cheaper for 5 users: $10,050 per year on 3ds Max (annual), against $10,475 per year for AutoCAD on AutoCAD (annual). That is $425 less per year, before tax.
Is Autodesk 3ds Max or AutoCAD cheaper for 10 users?
Autodesk 3ds Max is cheaper for 10 users: $20,100 per year on 3ds Max (annual), against $20,950 per year for AutoCAD on AutoCAD (annual). That is $850 less per year, before tax.
Is Autodesk 3ds Max or AutoCAD cheaper for 25 users?
Autodesk 3ds Max is cheaper for 25 users: $50,250 per year on 3ds Max (annual), against $52,375 per year for AutoCAD on AutoCAD (annual). That is $2,125 less per year, before tax.