# 3ds Max Design, MicroStation vs Lumion Pro Comparison

| | 3ds Max Design | MicroStation | Lumion Pro | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Star Rating** | 4.3 out of 5 | 4.0 out of 5 | 4.5 out of 5 | 
| **Total Reviews** | 279 | 405 | 108 | 
| **Largest Market Segment** | Small-Business (63.5% of reviews) | Enterprise (34.2% of reviews) | Small-Business (70.2% of reviews) | 
| **Entry Level Price** | $460 per quarter | $2,135.00 Per Year | No pricing available | 

---
## Top Pros & Cons

### 3ds Max Design

Pros:
- 3D Modeling (3 reviews)
- Ease of Use (3 reviews)

Cons:
- Difficult Learning (3 reviews)
- High Hardware Requirements (3 reviews)

### MicroStation

Pros:
- Ease of Use (46 reviews)
- 3D Modeling (36 reviews)

Cons:
- Difficult Learning (15 reviews)
- Learning Curve (14 reviews)

### Lumion Pro

Pros:
- Ease of Use (3 reviews)
- Simple (3 reviews)

Cons:
- Limited Materials (2 reviews)
- Complexity (1 reviews)

---
## Ratings Comparison
| Rating | 3ds Max Design | MicroStation | Lumion Pro | 
|---|---|---|---|
  | **Meets Requirements** | 8.5 (260 reviews) | 8.2 (351 reviews) | 8.5 (81 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Use** | 6.6 (260 reviews) | 7.7 (357 reviews) | 9.2 (82 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Setup** | 6.8 (36 reviews) | 7.5 (163 reviews) | 8.7 (21 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Admin** | 6.9 (27 reviews) | 7.0 (83 reviews) | 8.1 (7 reviews) | 
  | **Quality of Support** | 7.6 (227 reviews) | 7.7 (320 reviews) | 8.6 (66 reviews) | 
  | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 8.2 (29 reviews) | 7.7 (86 reviews) | 8.0 (5 reviews) | 
  | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 7.4 (256 reviews) | 7.2 (344 reviews) | 9.4 (76 reviews) | 

---
## Pricing

### 3ds Max Design

#### Entry-Level Pricing

Plan: Quarterly

Price: $460 per quarter


[Browse all 3 editions](https://www.g2.com/products/3ds-max-design/pricing)

#### Free Trial

Yes

### MicroStation

#### Entry-Level Pricing

Plan: MicroStation 12-month Subscription

Price: $2,135.00 Per Year

Description: Get access to software that comes with training – fast! Bentley’s eStore, Virtuosity, offers a convenient way to lease a 12-month license of Bentley software for a low, upfront cost. Every online purchase through Virtuosity comes as a Virtuoso Subscription that includes training and auto-renewals. Local currency pricing available.

Key Features:
- Training via Virtuosity Keys
- Flexible for your project needs
- Named-User license

[Browse all 2 editions](https://www.g2.com/products/microstation/pricing)

#### Free Trial

Yes

### Lumion Pro

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

Yes

---
## Features Comparison By Category

### 3D Modeling

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **3ds Max Design** | 8.1/10 | 75 |
| **MicroStation** | N/A | N/A |
| **Lumion Pro** | N/A | N/A |

#### Design

| Feature | 3ds Max Design | MicroStation | Lumion Pro | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Sculpting** | 8.1 (63 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Topology** | 7.9 (63 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Drawing** | 7.7 (65 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Brush Variety ** | 6.9 (57 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Effects** | 8.2 (66 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Move

| Feature | 3ds Max Design | MicroStation | Lumion Pro | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Animate** | 8.2 (64 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Render** | 8.7 (70 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Views** | 9.0 (69 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Store & Manage

| Feature | 3ds Max Design | MicroStation | Lumion Pro | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Pipeline ** | 8.0 (60 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Controls** | 8.3 (61 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Template library ** | 7.7 (62 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Generative AI

| Feature | 3ds Max Design | MicroStation | Lumion Pro | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **AI Text-to-Image** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **AI Text-to-3D** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### Civil Engineering Design

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **3ds Max Design** | N/A | N/A |
| **MicroStation** | 7.6/10 | 66 |
| **Lumion Pro** | N/A | N/A |

#### Plan

| Feature | 3ds Max Design | MicroStation | Lumion Pro | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Documentation ** | Not enough data | 8.1 (55 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Sequence** | Not enough data | 7.5 (46 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Annotate** | Not enough data | 8.2 (54 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Collaborate ** | Not enough data | 7.6 (50 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Design

| Feature | 3ds Max Design | MicroStation | Lumion Pro | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **3D Modeling** | Not enough data | 7.2 (49 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **3D Rendering ** | Not enough data | 7.1 (46 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Drawing** | Not enough data | 8.6 (59 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Editing ** | Not enough data | 8.6 (58 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Construction

| Feature | 3ds Max Design | MicroStation | Lumion Pro | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Fabrication** | Not enough data | 7.3 (42 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Reinforcement** | Not enough data | 7.3 (41 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Clash Detection** | Not enough data | 6.9 (38 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Grading** | Not enough data | 7.6 (43 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Earthwork** | Not enough data | 7.5 (44 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Engineering

| Feature | 3ds Max Design | MicroStation | Lumion Pro | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Hydraulic engineering** | Not enough data | 7.1 (37 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Hydrologic engineering** | Not enough data | 6.8 (37 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Transportation engineering** | Not enough data | 8.7 (47 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Structural engineering** | Not enough data | 6.9 (36 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### General-Purpose CAD

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **3ds Max Design** | N/A | N/A |
| **MicroStation** | 8.2/10 | 119 |
| **Lumion Pro** | N/A | N/A |

#### Design

| Feature | 3ds Max Design | MicroStation | Lumion Pro | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Drawing** | Not enough data | 8.9 (94 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Modeling** | Not enough data | 8.4 (91 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Visualize ** | Not enough data | 8.1 (89 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Rendering** | Not enough data | 7.6 (80 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Edit

| Feature | 3ds Max Design | MicroStation | Lumion Pro | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **File Import ** | Not enough data | 8.2 (96 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Push/Pull** | Not enough data | 8.0 (79 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Views** | Not enough data | 8.2 (86 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Grips ** | Not enough data | 8.3 (84 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Collaboration

| Feature | 3ds Max Design | MicroStation | Lumion Pro | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Annotate** | Not enough data | 8.3 (86 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Documentation ** | Not enough data | 8.1 (86 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Data Extract** | Not enough data | 8.1 (81 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### Urban Planning and Design

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **3ds Max Design** | N/A | N/A |
| **MicroStation** | N/A | N/A |
| **Lumion Pro** | 7.7/10 | 23 |

#### Plan

| Feature | 3ds Max Design | MicroStation | Lumion Pro | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Documentation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.5 (13 reviews) | 
| **Sequence** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.1 (16 reviews) | 
| **Annotate** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 6.3 (12 reviews) | 
| **Collaborate** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 6.0 (13 reviews) | 

#### Design

| Feature | 3ds Max Design | MicroStation | Lumion Pro | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **3D Modeling** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 
| **3D Rendering** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 9.6 (23 reviews) | 
| **2D Modeling** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 
| **Editing** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 

#### Analysis

| Feature | 3ds Max Design | MicroStation | Lumion Pro | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Sustainability** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 
| **Liveability** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 
| **Movement** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 

### Architectural Rendering

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **3ds Max Design** | N/A | N/A |
| **MicroStation** | N/A | N/A |
| **Lumion Pro** | 8.6/10 | 35 |

#### Library

| Feature | 3ds Max Design | MicroStation | Lumion Pro | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Objects** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.7 (30 reviews) | 
| **Materials** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.5 (32 reviews) | 

#### Rendering

| Feature | 3ds Max Design | MicroStation | Lumion Pro | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Textures** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 9.0 (30 reviews) | 
| **Shading** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 9.2 (27 reviews) | 
| **Lighting** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.6 (28 reviews) | 
| **Exterior Rendering** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 9.3 (28 reviews) | 
| **Aerial Rendering** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.8 (28 reviews) | 
| **Atmospheric rendering** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 9.0 (26 reviews) | 

#### Integrations

| Feature | 3ds Max Design | MicroStation | Lumion Pro | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **BIM Integration** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.9 (23 reviews) | 
| **3D Rendering Integration** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.8 (27 reviews) | 

#### Generative AI

| Feature | 3ds Max Design | MicroStation | Lumion Pro | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **AI Text-to-3D** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 6.1 (6 reviews) | 

### 3D Rendering

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **3ds Max Design** | N/A | N/A |
| **MicroStation** | N/A | N/A |
| **Lumion Pro** | 5.6/10 | 6 |

#### Generative AI

| Feature | 3ds Max Design | MicroStation | Lumion Pro | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **AI Text-to-Image** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 5.8 (6 reviews) | 
| **AI Text-to-Video** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 5.3 (5 reviews) | 
| **AI Text-to-3D** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 5.8 (6 reviews) | 

### Animation

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **3ds Max Design** | N/A | N/A |
| **MicroStation** | N/A | N/A |
| **Lumion Pro** | N/A | N/A |

#### Generative AI

| Feature | 3ds Max Design | MicroStation | Lumion Pro | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **AI Image-to-Text** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **AI Text-to-3D** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Agentic AI - Animation

| Feature | 3ds Max Design | MicroStation | Lumion Pro | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Multi-step Planning** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Cross-system Integration** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

---
## Categories

**Unique to 3ds Max Design (5):** [Animation Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/animation), [3D Modeling Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/3d-modeling), [3D Rendering Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/3d-rendering), [VR Visualization Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/vr-visualization), [Virtual Reality (VR) Game Engines](https://www.g2.com/categories/vr-game-engine)

**Unique to MicroStation (2):** [Civil Engineering Design Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/civil-engineering-design), [General-Purpose CAD Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/general-purpose-cad)

**Unique to Lumion Pro (3):** [Urban Planning and Design Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/urban-planning-and-design), [3D Rendering Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/3d-rendering), [Architectural Rendering Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/architectural-rendering)


---
## Reviewer Demographics

### By Company Size

| Segment | 3ds Max Design | MicroStation | Lumion Pro | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Small-Business** | 63.5% | 33.7% | 70.2% | 
| **Mid-Market** | 24.1% | 32.1% | 20.2% | 
| **Enterprise** | 12.4% | 34.2% | 9.6% | 

### By Industry

#### 3ds Max Design

- **Architecture & Planning:** 26.5%
- **Design:** 16.4%
- **Animation:** 6.5%
- **Computer Games:** 5.1%
- **Graphic Design:** 4.4%
- **Civil Engineering:** 2.9%
- **Education Management:** 2.5%
- **Marketing and Advertising:** 2.5%
- **Automotive:** 2.2%
- **Computer Software:** 2.2%
- **Other:** 28.7%

#### MicroStation

- **Civil Engineering:** 40.3%
- **Architecture & Planning:** 10.8%
- **Construction:** 8.6%
- **Design:** 6.8%
- **Transportation/Trucking/Railroad:** 3.5%
- **Oil & Energy:** 3.5%
- **Mechanical or Industrial Engineering:** 3.0%
- **Utilities:** 2.7%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 1.9%
- **Telecommunications:** 1.6%
- **Other:** 17.3%

#### Lumion Pro

- **Architecture & Planning:** 67.7%
- **Design:** 7.3%
- **Construction:** 7.3%
- **Non-Profit Organization Management:** 2.1%
- **Events Services:** 2.1%
- **Accounting:** 1.0%
- **Animation:** 1.0%
- **Automotive:** 1.0%
- **Business Supplies and Equipment:** 1.0%
- **Civil Engineering:** 1.0%
- **Other:** 8.3%

---
## Alternatives

### Alternatives to 3ds Max Design

- [Unity](https://www.g2.com/products/unity/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (365 reviews)
- [Blender](https://www.g2.com/products/blender/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (315 reviews)
- [Cinema 4D](https://www.g2.com/products/cinema-4d/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (136 reviews)
- [Modo](https://www.g2.com/products/modo/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (86 reviews)
- [LightWave 3D](https://www.g2.com/products/lightwave-3d/reviews) — 3.9/5 stars (29 reviews)
- [KeyShot](https://www.g2.com/products/keyshot/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (181 reviews)
- [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1324 reviews)
- [Enscape 3D](https://www.g2.com/products/enscape-3d/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (415 reviews)
- [ZBrush](https://www.g2.com/products/zbrush/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (104 reviews)
- [Adobe Dimension](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-dimension/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (72 reviews)

### Alternatives to MicroStation

- [AutoCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (1930 reviews)
- [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1324 reviews)
- [SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (643 reviews)
- [Civil 3D](https://www.g2.com/products/civil-3d/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (304 reviews)
- [AutoCAD LT](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad-lt/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (285 reviews)
- [Rhinoceros](https://www.g2.com/products/rhinoceros/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (191 reviews)
- [DraftSight](https://www.g2.com/products/draftsight/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (208 reviews)
- [AutoTURN](https://www.g2.com/products/autoturn/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (50 reviews)
- [Autodesk InfraWorks](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-infraworks/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (42 reviews)
- [Carlson Civil](https://www.g2.com/products/carlson-civil/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (22 reviews)

### Alternatives to Lumion Pro

- [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1324 reviews)
- [D5 Render](https://www.g2.com/products/d5-render/reviews) — 4.8/5 stars (1044 reviews)
- [Enscape 3D](https://www.g2.com/products/enscape-3d/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (415 reviews)
- [Blender](https://www.g2.com/products/blender/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (315 reviews)
- [V-Ray](https://www.g2.com/products/v-ray/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (221 reviews)
- [Cinema 4D](https://www.g2.com/products/cinema-4d/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (136 reviews)
- [Chaos Corona](https://www.g2.com/products/chaos-corona/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (116 reviews)
- [Twinmotion](https://www.g2.com/products/twinmotion/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (61 reviews)
- [Artlantis](https://www.g2.com/products/artlantis/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (16 reviews)
- [Maxwell Render](https://www.g2.com/products/maxwell-render/reviews) — 3.9/5 stars (22 reviews)

---
## Top Discussions

### 3ds Max Design

- Title: [Is 3ds max free?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-3ds-max-free) — 3 comments
  > **Top comment:** "No one can try it in trail period but it's not free"
- Title: [What is 3ds Max Design used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-3ds-max-design-used-for) — 2 comments
  > **Top comment:** "<p>3ds Max Design is mainly used for creating high-quality 3D models and realistic visualizations, especially in architecture and interior design. Designers..."
- Title: [What is the difference between 3ds Max and 3ds Max Design?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-the-difference-between-3ds-max-and-3ds-max-design) — 2 comments
  > **Top comment:** "3ds Max Design version has an additional module for lighting analysis (Exposure) useful for architects, and - unlike the Max version - it does not include..."
- Title: [I need a 3d max exterior design](https://www.g2.com/discussions/i-need-a-3d-max-exterior-design) — 2 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "This tutorial succinctly summarizes the most effective way to convert an image to a 3d object in 3ds Max: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtkvRFMVsds"
- Title: [When will you implement TyFLow definitively?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/quando-implementerete-tyflow-definitavmente) — 1 comment, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "It is still in beta. Unless Autodesk is able to buy out Tyson Ibele and TyFlow then it will always be a plugin you have to purchase (unless he makes it open..."

### MicroStation

- Title: [Microstation](https://www.g2.com/discussions/33530-microstation) — 2 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "We'd be happy to answer any questions you have!  Let us know what additional details you're looking for."

### Lumion Pro

- Title: [Is Lumion software free?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-lumion-software-free) — 2 comments
  > **Top comment:** "There is a free trial but after that, no."
- Title: [What is Lumion software used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-lumion-software-used-for) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "It is for 3D rendering of architectural projects."
- Title: [How to do night renders?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/14437-how-to-do-night-renders) — 1 comment, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Use or edit Night rendering styles built into software by Lumion."

---
**Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/3ds-max-design-vs-microstation-vs-lumion-pro)