# LightWave 3D, Maya vs 3ds Max Design Comparison

| | LightWave 3D | Maya | 3ds Max Design | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Star Rating** | 3.9 out of 5 | 4.3 out of 5 | 4.3 out of 5 | 
| **Total Reviews** | 29 | 267 | 280 | 
| **Largest Market Segment** | Small-Business (78.6% of reviews) | Small-Business (61.8% of reviews) | Small-Business (63.6% of reviews) | 
| **Entry Level Price** | No pricing available | No pricing available | $460 per quarter | 

---
## Top Pros & Cons

### LightWave 3D

**Not enough data**

### Maya

Pros:
- 3D Modeling (1 reviews)
- Ease of Use (1 reviews)

Cons:
- Crashes (1 reviews)
- Software Bugs (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 | LightWave 3D | Maya | 3ds Max Design | 
|---|---|---|---|
  | **Meets Requirements** | 7.6 (27 reviews) | 8.8 (228 reviews) | 8.5 (261 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Use** | 7.4 (27 reviews) | 7.0 (228 reviews) | 6.6 (261 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Setup** | Not enough data | 8.8 (35 reviews) | 6.8 (37 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Admin** | Not enough data | 8.5 (25 reviews) | 6.9 (27 reviews) | 
  | **Quality of Support** | 6.9 (25 reviews) | 7.8 (200 reviews) | 7.6 (228 reviews) | 
  | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | Not enough data | 8.7 (27 reviews) | 8.2 (29 reviews) | 
  | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 6.5 (27 reviews) | 8.1 (223 reviews) | 7.5 (257 reviews) | 

---
## Pricing

### LightWave 3D

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

No information available

### Maya

#### 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 |
|---|---|---|
| **LightWave 3D** | N/A | N/A |
| **Maya** | 8.0/10 | 100 |
| **3ds Max Design** | 8.1/10 | 76 |

#### Design

| Feature | LightWave 3D | Maya | 3ds Max Design | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Sculpting** | Not enough data | 7.5 (91 reviews) | 8.1 (64 reviews) | 
| **Topology** | Not enough data | 8.7 (89 reviews) | 7.9 (64 reviews) | 
| **Drawing** | Not enough data | 7.0 (83 reviews) | 7.8 (66 reviews) | 
| **Brush Variety ** | Not enough data | 7.2 (84 reviews) | 6.9 (58 reviews) | 
| **Effects** | Not enough data | 8.3 (87 reviews) | 8.2 (67 reviews) | 

#### Move

| Feature | LightWave 3D | Maya | 3ds Max Design | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Animate** | Not enough data | 9.1 (86 reviews) | 8.2 (65 reviews) | 
| **Render** | Not enough data | 9.0 (90 reviews) | 8.7 (71 reviews) | 
| **Views** | Not enough data | 8.7 (86 reviews) | 9.0 (70 reviews) | 

#### Store & Manage

| Feature | LightWave 3D | Maya | 3ds Max Design | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Pipeline ** | Not enough data | 8.8 (87 reviews) | 8.0 (61 reviews) | 
| **Controls** | Not enough data | 8.5 (85 reviews) | 8.3 (62 reviews) | 
| **Template library ** | Not enough data | 7.3 (81 reviews) | 7.6 (63 reviews) | 

#### Generative AI

| Feature | LightWave 3D | Maya | 3ds Max Design | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **AI Text-to-Image** | Not enough data | 6.7 (40 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **AI Text-to-3D** | Not enough data | 7.1 (41 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### 3D Rendering

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **LightWave 3D** | N/A | N/A |
| **Maya** | 6.7/10 | 32 |
| **3ds Max Design** | N/A | N/A |

#### Generative AI

| Feature | LightWave 3D | Maya | 3ds Max Design | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **AI Text-to-Image** | Not enough data | 6.7 (29 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **AI Text-to-Video** | Not enough data | 6.4 (29 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **AI Text-to-3D** | Not enough data | 7.1 (30 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### Animation

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **LightWave 3D** | N/A | N/A |
| **Maya** | 7.4/10 | 41 |
| **3ds Max Design** | N/A | N/A |

#### Generative AI

| Feature | LightWave 3D | Maya | 3ds Max Design | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **AI Image-to-Text** | Not enough data | 6.9 (36 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **AI Text-to-3D** | Not enough data | 7.9 (38 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Agentic AI - Animation

| Feature | LightWave 3D | Maya | 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 (3):** [3D Modeling Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/3d-modeling), [3D Rendering Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/3d-rendering), [Animation Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/animation)


**Unique to Maya (1):** [Virtual Reality (VR) Game Engines](https://www.g2.com/categories/vr-game-engine)

**Unique to 3ds Max Design (2):** [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 | LightWave 3D | Maya | 3ds Max Design | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Small-Business** | 78.6% | 61.8% | 63.6% | 
| **Mid-Market** | 14.3% | 23.2% | 24.0% | 
| **Enterprise** | 7.1% | 15.1% | 12.4% | 

### By Industry

#### LightWave 3D

- **Animation:** 32.1%
- **Design:** 14.3%
- **Marketing and Advertising:** 7.1%
- **Graphic Design:** 7.1%
- **Publishing:** 3.6%
- **Newspapers:** 3.6%
- **Media Production:** 3.6%
- **Management Consulting:** 3.6%
- **Machinery:** 3.6%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 3.6%
- **Other:** 17.9%

#### Maya

- **Animation:** 16.6%
- **Computer Games:** 13.1%
- **Design:** 6.9%
- **Motion Pictures and Film:** 6.9%
- **Entertainment:** 6.2%
- **Higher Education:** 5.0%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 4.2%
- **Architecture & Planning:** 3.1%
- **Computer Software:** 3.1%
- **Marketing and Advertising:** 3.1%
- **Other:** 31.7%

#### 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 LightWave 3D

- [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)
- [Houdini](https://www.g2.com/products/houdini/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (35 reviews)
- [Unity](https://www.g2.com/products/unity/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (364 reviews)
- [KeyShot](https://www.g2.com/products/keyshot/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (181 reviews)
- [ZBrush](https://www.g2.com/products/zbrush/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (104 reviews)
- [V-Ray](https://www.g2.com/products/v-ray/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (221 reviews)
- [Enscape 3D](https://www.g2.com/products/enscape-3d/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (415 reviews)
- [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1324 reviews)

### Alternatives to Maya

- [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)
- [KeyShot](https://www.g2.com/products/keyshot/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (181 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)
- [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1324 reviews)
- [Adobe After Effects](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-after-effects/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (1089 reviews)
- [Substance Designer](https://www.g2.com/products/substance-designer/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (56 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)
- [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)
- [Substance Designer](https://www.g2.com/products/substance-designer/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (56 reviews)

---
## Top Discussions

### LightWave 3D

No discussions available for this product.

### Maya

- Title: [Is Maya free to use?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-maya-free-to-use) — 6 comments
  > **Top comment:** "NO"
- Title: [What is new in Maya?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-new-in-maya) — 3 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Its a software of Autodesk, used for 3D modelling, rendering and animation"
- Title: [What studios use Maya?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-studios-use-maya) — 2 comments
  > **Top comment:** "MPC"
- Title: [What does Maya software do?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-does-maya-software-do) — 2 comments
  > **Top comment:** "While it's understandable that many of us prefer to do the work ourselves, when you have more tasks or responsibilities you start to define your time..."
- Title: [laraib](https://www.g2.com/discussions/49923-laraib) — 2 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "You need assistance and support to run a successful and high-quality business, which will undoubtedly boost your sales and team performance. In these..."

### 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/lightwave-3d-vs-maya-vs-3ds-max-design)