# Autodesk 3ds Max, Houdini vs 3ds Max Design Comparison | | Autodesk 3ds Max | Houdini | 3ds Max Design | |---|---|---|---| | **Star Rating** | 4.5 out of 5 | 4.5 out of 5 | 4.3 out of 5 | | **Total Reviews** | 42 | 35 | 280 | | **Largest Market Segment** | Small-Business (80.5% of reviews) | Small-Business (64.7% of reviews) | Small-Business (63.6% of reviews) | | **Entry Level Price** | No pricing available | No pricing available | $460 per quarter | --- ## Top Pros & Cons ### Autodesk 3ds Max Pros: - Ease of Use (2 reviews) - Modeling (2 reviews) Cons: - Complex Interface (1 reviews) - Complexity (1 reviews) ### Houdini Pros: - Ease of Use (1 reviews) - Features (1 reviews) Cons: - Difficult Learning (1 reviews) - Difficulty for Beginners (1 reviews) ### 3ds Max Design Pros: - 3D Modeling (3 reviews) - Ease of Use (3 reviews) Cons: - Difficult Learning (3 reviews) - High Hardware Requirements (3 reviews) --- ## Ratings Comparison | Rating | Autodesk 3ds Max | Houdini | 3ds Max Design | |---|---|---|---| | **Meets Requirements** | 8.6 (30 reviews) | 9.0 (31 reviews) | 8.5 (261 reviews) | | **Ease of Use** | 7.9 (32 reviews) | 6.4 (32 reviews) | 6.6 (261 reviews) | | **Ease of Setup** | 7.7 (8 reviews) | 8.7 (5 reviews) | 6.8 (37 reviews) | | **Ease of Admin** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 6.9 (27 reviews) | | **Quality of Support** | 8.1 (30 reviews) | 8.6 (30 reviews) | 7.6 (228 reviews) | | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.2 (29 reviews) | | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 8.1 (30 reviews) | 8.8 (30 reviews) | 7.5 (257 reviews) | --- ## Pricing ### Autodesk 3ds Max #### Entry-Level Pricing No pricing available #### Free Trial No information available ### Houdini #### Entry-Level Pricing No pricing available #### Free Trial No information available ### 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 --- ## Features Comparison By Category ### 3D Modeling | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **Autodesk 3ds Max** | N/A | N/A | | **Houdini** | 7.9/10 | 16 | | **3ds Max Design** | 8.1/10 | 76 | #### Design | Feature | Autodesk 3ds Max | Houdini | 3ds Max Design | |---|---|---|---| | **Sculpting** | Not enough data | 6.3 (8 reviews) | 8.1 (64 reviews) | | **Topology** | Not enough data | 8.0 (9 reviews) | 7.9 (64 reviews) | | **Drawing** | Not enough data | 5.6 (8 reviews) | 7.8 (66 reviews) | | **Brush Variety ** | Not enough data | 6.3 (8 reviews) | 6.9 (58 reviews) | | **Effects** | Not enough data | 9.4 (14 reviews) | 8.2 (67 reviews) | #### Move | Feature | Autodesk 3ds Max | Houdini | 3ds Max Design | |---|---|---|---| | **Animate** | Not enough data | 8.1 (15 reviews) | 8.2 (65 reviews) | | **Render** | Not enough data | 8.9 (15 reviews) | 8.7 (71 reviews) | | **Views** | Not enough data | 8.6 (13 reviews) | 9.0 (70 reviews) | #### Store & Manage | Feature | Autodesk 3ds Max | Houdini | 3ds Max Design | |---|---|---|---| | **Pipeline ** | Not enough data | 9.4 (13 reviews) | 8.0 (61 reviews) | | **Controls** | Not enough data | 8.5 (12 reviews) | 8.3 (62 reviews) | | **Template library ** | Not enough data | 7.8 (12 reviews) | 7.6 (63 reviews) | #### Generative AI | Feature | Autodesk 3ds Max | Houdini | 3ds Max Design | |---|---|---|---| | **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 | ### 3D Rendering | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **Autodesk 3ds Max** | 4.3/10 | 7 | | **Houdini** | N/A | N/A | | **3ds Max Design** | N/A | N/A | #### Generative AI | Feature | Autodesk 3ds Max | Houdini | 3ds Max Design | |---|---|---|---| | **AI Text-to-Image** | 3.8 (7 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **AI Text-to-Video** | 3.9 (6 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **AI Text-to-3D** | 5.3 (6 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | ### Animation | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **Autodesk 3ds Max** | N/A | N/A | | **Houdini** | N/A | N/A | | **3ds Max Design** | N/A | N/A | #### Generative AI | Feature | Autodesk 3ds Max | Houdini | 3ds Max Design | |---|---|---|---| | **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 | Autodesk 3ds Max | Houdini | 3ds Max Design | |---|---|---|---| | **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 **Shared Categories (1):** [3D Rendering Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/3d-rendering) **Unique to Houdini (1):** [3D Modeling Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/3d-modeling) **Unique to 3ds Max Design (4):** [Animation Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/animation), [3D Modeling Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/3d-modeling), [VR Visualization Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/vr-visualization), [Virtual Reality (VR) Game Engines](https://www.g2.com/categories/vr-game-engine) --- ## Reviewer Demographics ### By Company Size | Segment | Autodesk 3ds Max | Houdini | 3ds Max Design | |---|---|---|---| | **Small-Business** | 80.5% | 64.7% | 63.6% | | **Mid-Market** | 12.2% | 23.5% | 24.0% | | **Enterprise** | 7.3% | 11.8% | 12.4% | ### By Industry #### Autodesk 3ds Max - **Architecture & Planning:** 31.7% - **Design:** 12.2% - **Computer Games:** 9.8% - **Construction:** 7.3% - **Civil Engineering:** 4.9% - **Marketing and Advertising:** 4.9% - **Graphic Design:** 4.9% - **Animation:** 2.4% - **Building Materials:** 2.4% - **Consumer Services:** 2.4% - **Other:** 17.1% #### Houdini - **Motion Pictures and Film:** 24.2% - **Media Production:** 18.2% - **Animation:** 18.2% - **Information Technology and Services:** 6.1% - **Entertainment:** 6.1% - **Design:** 6.1% - **Computer Games:** 6.1% - **Marketing and Advertising:** 3.0% - **Higher Education:** 3.0% - **Fine Art:** 3.0% - **Other:** 6.1% #### 3ds Max Design - **Architecture & Planning:** 26.8% - **Design:** 16.3% - **Animation:** 6.5% - **Computer Games:** 5.1% - **Graphic Design:** 4.3% - **Civil Engineering:** 2.9% - **Education Management:** 2.5% - **Marketing and Advertising:** 2.5% - **Automotive:** 2.2% - **Computer Software:** 2.2% - **Other:** 28.6% --- ## Alternatives ### Alternatives to Autodesk 3ds Max - [D5 Render](https://www.g2.com/products/d5-render/reviews) — 4.8/5 stars (1046 reviews) - [Unity](https://www.g2.com/products/unity/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (364 reviews) - [Blender](https://www.g2.com/products/blender/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (316 reviews) - [Enscape 3D](https://www.g2.com/products/enscape-3d/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (415 reviews) - [V-Ray](https://www.g2.com/products/v-ray/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (221 reviews) - [Meshy](https://www.g2.com/products/meshy/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (2684 reviews) - [Lumion Pro](https://www.g2.com/products/lumion-pro/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (109 reviews) - [Twinmotion](https://www.g2.com/products/twinmotion/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (61 reviews) - [Cinema 4D](https://www.g2.com/products/cinema-4d/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (136 reviews) - [KeyShot](https://www.g2.com/products/keyshot/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (181 reviews) ### Alternatives to Houdini - [Blender](https://www.g2.com/products/blender/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (316 reviews) - [Maya](https://www.g2.com/products/maya/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (267 reviews) - [Cinema 4D](https://www.g2.com/products/cinema-4d/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (136 reviews) - [ZBrush](https://www.g2.com/products/zbrush/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (104 reviews) - [Modo](https://www.g2.com/products/modo/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (86 reviews) - [Unity](https://www.g2.com/products/unity/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (364 reviews) - [Substance Designer](https://www.g2.com/products/substance-designer/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (56 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) ### Alternatives to 3ds Max Design - [Unity](https://www.g2.com/products/unity/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (364 reviews) - [Blender](https://www.g2.com/products/blender/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (316 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) --- ## Top Discussions ### Autodesk 3ds Max - Title: [Is 3ds Max a rendering software?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-3ds-max-a-rendering-software) — 2 comments > **Top comment:** "Yes very good 3d model rendering I use it many time i like it very much." - Title: [How to invert surfaces](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-to-invert-surfaces) — 1 comment, 1 upvote > **Top comment:** "To invert a surface: - Select the surface you would want to invert (using polygon selection) - On the command panel (default is on the right side of your..." - Title: [What is 3ds Max software used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-3ds-max-software-used-for) — 1 comment > **Top comment:** "In mechanical and it's related system integration applications,It is a animation software to get motion to the 3d modelling parts , components and assembly..." ### Houdini - Title: [Does Disney use Houdini?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/does-disney-use-houdini) — 2 comments > **Top comment:** "yes, it is used by major VFX companies including Walt Disney." - Title: [What is Houdini software used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-houdini-software-used-for) — 2 comments > **Top comment:** "Houdini is used for VFX but does a lot of other task that makes games more productive because of it's procedural nature. " - Title: [Is Houdini free for students?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-houdini-free-for-students) — 1 comment > **Top comment:** "Yes, SideFx give Access to Free Education use" ### 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..." --- **Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/autodesk-3ds-max-vs-houdini-vs-3ds-max-design)