Autodesk 3ds Max vs V-Ray: 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
V-Ray
No plan for this billing option
No paid plan to compare for this billing option.
| 10 people | Autodesk 3ds Max | V-Ray |
|---|---|---|
| Entry paid plan | 3ds Max (annual) | No plan for this billing option |
| Vendor price | $2,010 per year | |
| Monthly cost | $1,675 | |
| Annual cost | $20,100 | |
| Per user / year | $2,010 | |
| 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 V-Ray: 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.
V-Ray
- Physically based renderingPhysically based rendering for realistic stills and animations.
- CPU, GPU or hybridChoose CPU, GPU or hybrid rendering mode.
- Distributed renderingSpeed up rendering using multiple machines.
- Real-time viewportReal-time rendering at final-frame quality in the viewport.
- Lighting and materialsRealistic lighting, materials, atmospheric effects and cameras.
- Still-to-animationTurn still renders into short animations.
- Assets from imagesGenerate 3D assets and materials from a reference image.
- CAD and DCC integrationIntegrates with leading CAD and DCC software.
Source:chaos.com/vray ·
Autodesk 3ds Max vs V-Ray pricing questions
How much do Autodesk 3ds Max and V-Ray cost?
Autodesk 3ds Max paid plans start at $255 per month (3ds Max (monthly)). V-Ray paid plans start at $540 1 license, billed annually (V-Ray Solo).
Is Autodesk 3ds Max or V-Ray cheaper for 5 users?
V-Ray is cheaper for 5 users: $2,700 per year on V-Ray Solo, 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 V-Ray cheaper for 10 users?
V-Ray is cheaper for 10 users: $5,400 per year on V-Ray Solo, 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 V-Ray cheaper for 25 users?
V-Ray is cheaper for 25 users: $13,500 per year on V-Ray Solo, against $50,250 per year for Autodesk 3ds Max on 3ds Max (annual). That is $36,750 less per year, before tax.