Autodesk 3ds Max vs Polycam: 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
Polycam
Basic (annual) plan
$1,500
a year for 10 people · $125 a month
Polycam costs $18,600 less a year for 10 people.
Lower annual-billing cost for a 10-person team on each product's entry paid plan: Polycam. This is arithmetic on verified prices, not a recommendation.
| 10 people | Autodesk 3ds Max | Polycam |
|---|---|---|
| Entry paid plan | 3ds Max (annual) | Basic (annual) |
| Vendor price | $2,010 per year | $150 per year |
| Monthly cost | $1,675 | $125 |
| Annual cost | $20,100 | $1,500 |
| Per user / year | $2,010 | $150 |
| 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 Polycam: 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.
Polycam
- Phone-based scanningScan spaces with a phone or tablet without extra hardware.
- Automatic floor plansGet measured 2D plans with walls, doors and windows labeled.
- Saved measurementsEach scan keeps its measurements for later checks.
- 17+ export formatsExport to formats including DXF, ESX and PDF.
- Link sharing and commentsShare models by link with saved views and comments.
- Object captureTurn any object into a shareable 3D model.
- Drone photogrammetryUpload drone photos to get 3D models of roofs, sites and terrain.
Source:poly.cam ·
Autodesk 3ds Max vs Polycam pricing questions
How much do Autodesk 3ds Max and Polycam cost?
Autodesk 3ds Max paid plans start at $255 per month (3ds Max (monthly)). Polycam paid plans start at $30 per month (Basic (monthly)).
Is Autodesk 3ds Max or Polycam cheaper for 5 users?
Polycam is cheaper for 5 users: $750 per year on Basic (annual), against $10,050 per year for Autodesk 3ds Max on 3ds Max (annual). That is $9,300 less per year, before tax.
Is Autodesk 3ds Max or Polycam cheaper for 10 users?
Polycam is cheaper for 10 users: $1,500 per year on Basic (annual), against $20,100 per year for Autodesk 3ds Max on 3ds Max (annual). That is $18,600 less per year, before tax.
Is Autodesk 3ds Max or Polycam cheaper for 25 users?
Polycam is cheaper for 25 users: $3,750 per year on Basic (annual), against $50,250 per year for Autodesk 3ds Max on 3ds Max (annual). That is $46,500 less per year, before tax.
Do Autodesk 3ds Max and Polycam have a free plan?
Polycam lists a free plan; Autodesk 3ds Max does not list one on its official pricing.