Autodesk 3ds Max vs Chief Architect: 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
Chief Architect
Premier (annual) plan
$19,950
a year for 10 people · $1,662.50 a month
Chief Architect costs $150 less a year for 10 people.
Lower annual-billing cost for a 10-person team on each product's entry paid plan: Chief Architect. This is arithmetic on verified prices, not a recommendation.
| 10 people | Autodesk 3ds Max | Chief Architect |
|---|---|---|
| Entry paid plan | 3ds Max (annual) | Premier (annual) |
| Vendor price | $2,010 per year | $1,995 per year, billed annually |
| Monthly cost | $1,675 | $1,662.50 |
| Annual cost | $20,100 | $19,950 |
| Per user / year | $2,010 | $1,995 |
| 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 Chief Architect: 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.
Chief Architect
- Automatic 3D modelDrawing walls builds the 3D model at the same time.
- Smart doors and windowsWindows and doors insert into walls with openings and framing.
- Cabinet designCabinets snap to walls, countertops merge and cabinets update with fixtures.
- Style PaletteChange a room's colors, materials and architectural elements at once.
- Real-time renderingFast real-time rendering for interior design.
- Artistic renderingLine drawing and watercolor styles in addition to photorealism.
Source:chiefarchitect.com ·
Autodesk 3ds Max vs Chief Architect pricing questions
How much do Autodesk 3ds Max and Chief Architect cost?
Autodesk 3ds Max paid plans start at $255 per month (3ds Max (monthly)). Chief Architect paid plans start at $229 per month, billed monthly (Premier (monthly)).
Is Autodesk 3ds Max or Chief Architect cheaper for 5 users?
Chief Architect is cheaper for 5 users: $9,975 per year on Premier (annual), against $10,050 per year for Autodesk 3ds Max on 3ds Max (annual). That is $75 less per year, before tax.
Is Autodesk 3ds Max or Chief Architect cheaper for 10 users?
Chief Architect is cheaper for 10 users: $19,950 per year on Premier (annual), against $20,100 per year for Autodesk 3ds Max on 3ds Max (annual). That is $150 less per year, before tax.
Is Autodesk 3ds Max or Chief Architect cheaper for 25 users?
Chief Architect is cheaper for 25 users: $49,875 per year on Premier (annual), against $50,250 per year for Autodesk 3ds Max on 3ds Max (annual). That is $375 less per year, before tax.