Autodesk 3ds Max vs Onshape: 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
Onshape
Standard plan
$15,000
a year for 10 people · $1,250 a month
Onshape costs $5,100 less a year for 10 people.
Lower annual-billing cost for a 10-person team on each product's entry paid plan: Onshape. This is arithmetic on verified prices, not a recommendation.
| 10 people | Autodesk 3ds Max | Onshape |
|---|---|---|
| Entry paid plan | 3ds Max (annual) | Standard |
| Vendor price | $2,010 per year | $1,500 per user per year |
| Monthly cost | $1,675 | $1,250 |
| Annual cost | $20,100 | $15,000 |
| Per user / year | $2,010 | $1,500 |
| Billing commitment | Not recorded | Not recorded |
| Minimum seats | None stated | None stated |
| Free plan | No free plan listed | Yes |
| 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 Onshape: 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.
Onshape
- Built-in version controlIntegrated version control with branching and merging.
- Cloud-native CADCloud architecture removes local file failures.
- Real-time collaborationSecure collaboration across locations.
- No installationNo installs, upgrades or hardware requirements.
- Change historyEvery change is captured so teams can roll back instantly.
- Built-in PDMProfessional CAD with built-in product data management.
Source:onshape.com/en ·
Autodesk 3ds Max vs Onshape pricing questions
How much do Autodesk 3ds Max and Onshape cost?
Autodesk 3ds Max paid plans start at $255 per month (3ds Max (monthly)). Onshape paid plans start at $1,500/user/year (Standard).
Is Autodesk 3ds Max or Onshape cheaper for 5 users?
Onshape is cheaper for 5 users: $7,500 per year on Standard, against $10,050 per year for Autodesk 3ds Max on 3ds Max (annual). That is $2,550 less per year, before tax.
Is Autodesk 3ds Max or Onshape cheaper for 10 users?
Onshape is cheaper for 10 users: $15,000 per year on Standard, against $20,100 per year for Autodesk 3ds Max on 3ds Max (annual). That is $5,100 less per year, before tax.
Is Autodesk 3ds Max or Onshape cheaper for 25 users?
Onshape is cheaper for 25 users: $37,500 per year on Standard, against $50,250 per year for Autodesk 3ds Max on 3ds Max (annual). That is $12,750 less per year, before tax.
Do Autodesk 3ds Max and Onshape have a free plan?
Onshape lists a free plan; Autodesk 3ds Max does not list one on its official pricing.