Autodesk 3ds Max vs AutoCAD LT: 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 LT
AutoCAD LT (annual) plan
$5,400
a year for 10 people · $450 a month
AutoCAD LT costs $14,700 less a year for 10 people.
Lower annual-billing cost for a 10-person team on each product's entry paid plan: AutoCAD LT. This is arithmetic on verified prices, not a recommendation.
| 10 people | Autodesk 3ds Max | AutoCAD LT |
|---|---|---|
| Entry paid plan | 3ds Max (annual) | AutoCAD LT (annual) |
| Vendor price | $2,010 per year | $540 per year |
| Monthly cost | $1,675 | $450 |
| Annual cost | $20,100 | $5,400 |
| Per user / year | $2,010 | $540 |
| 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 LT: 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 LT
- 2D drafting and annotationCreate, edit and annotate drawings on desktop, web and mobile.
- AutoLISP automationUse AutoLISP to automate workflows and enforce CAD standards.
- LISP file supportSupports LSP, FAS and VLX file types.
- Cloud support filesCentrally control support files stored in the cloud.
- Project-aware palettesTool palettes and CUI load the right resources for each project.
- Desktop, web and mobile accessUse AutoCAD on desktop, web or mobile to share and review ideas.
Autodesk 3ds Max vs AutoCAD LT pricing questions
How much do Autodesk 3ds Max and AutoCAD LT cost?
Autodesk 3ds Max paid plans start at $255 per month (3ds Max (monthly)). AutoCAD LT paid plans start at $70 per month (AutoCAD LT (monthly)).
Is Autodesk 3ds Max or AutoCAD LT cheaper for 5 users?
AutoCAD LT is cheaper for 5 users: $2,700 per year on AutoCAD LT (annual), against $10,050 per year for Autodesk 3ds Max on 3ds Max (annual). That is $7,350 less per year, before tax.
Is Autodesk 3ds Max or AutoCAD LT cheaper for 10 users?
AutoCAD LT is cheaper for 10 users: $5,400 per year on AutoCAD LT (annual), against $20,100 per year for Autodesk 3ds Max on 3ds Max (annual). That is $14,700 less per year, before tax.
Is Autodesk 3ds Max or AutoCAD LT cheaper for 25 users?
AutoCAD LT is cheaper for 25 users: $13,500 per year on AutoCAD LT (annual), against $50,250 per year for Autodesk 3ds Max on 3ds Max (annual). That is $36,750 less per year, before tax.