--- title: Rhinoceros Reviews meta\_title: 'Rhinoceros Reviews 2026: Details, Pricing, & Features | G2' meta\_description: Filter 192 reviews by the users' company size, role or industry to find out how Rhinoceros works for a business like yours. aggregate\_rating: rating\_value: 4.4 review\_count: 192 scale: '5' date\_modified: '2026-08-09' parent\_category: name: CAD url: https://www.g2.com/categories/cad --- # Rhinoceros Reviews & Product Details Rhinoceros, commonly known as Rhino, is a 3D computer-aided design (CAD) application developed by Robert McNeel & Associates. It specializes in free-form NURBS (Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines) modeling, enabling users to create, edit, analyze, document, render, animate, and translate complex 3D geometries with precision. Widely adopted across various industries—including architecture, industrial design, naval engineering, jewelry design, and multimedia—Rhino offers a comprehensive suite of tools for professionals seeking accuracy and flexibility in their design processes. Key Features and Functionality: - Comprehensive Modeling Tools: Rhino provides an extensive array of tools for creating and editing points, curves, surfaces, solids, meshes, and subdivision geometry (SubD). Users can generate complex shapes through operations like lofting, sweeping, and blending, facilitating intricate design work. - Precision and Accuracy: The software ensures high levels of accuracy, essential for designing, prototyping, engineering, and manufacturing applications ranging from intricate jewelry pieces to large-scale architectural projects. - Extensive Compatibility: Rhino supports over 30 CAD file formats, including DWG/DXF, IGES, STEP, and STL, allowing seamless integration with other design, drafting, CAM, engineering, analysis, rendering, animation, and illustration software. - Advanced Rendering and Presentation: With built-in rendering capabilities and support for various third-party rendering plugins, Rhino enables users to produce high-quality visualizations and presentations of their designs. - Grasshopper Integration: The inclusion of Grasshopper, a visual programming language, allows for parametric and algorithmic design, enabling users to create generative forms and automate complex modeling tasks without prior programming knowledge. - Customization and Extensibility: Rhino's open architecture and SDK facilitate customization of the interface and the creation of custom commands and menus. Additionally, a vast ecosystem of plugins extends its functionality to cater to specific industry needs. Primary Value and User Solutions: Rhino's primary value lies in its ability to provide an affordable yet powerful 3D modeling solution that balances flexibility, precision, and user-friendliness. It addresses the needs of professionals who require accurate and complex modeling capabilities without the steep learning curve or high costs associated with other high-end CAD software. By supporting a wide range of file formats and offering extensive customization options, Rhino ensures seamless workflow integration and adaptability to various project requirements. Its integration with Grasshopper further empowers users to explore parametric design and computational modeling, fostering innovation and efficiency in the design process. * * * Seller [McNeel](https://www.g2.com/sellers/mcneel) Discussions [Rhinoceros Community](https://www.g2.com/products/rhinoceros/discuss) Solution Type Best-of-Breed Overview by Bob McNeel (CEO, Robert McNeel & Assoc) Show More ## Pricing Pricing provided by Rhinoceros. ### Rhino 5 for Windows Upgrade $495 ### Rhino 5 for Windows $995 [ View More Pricing Information ](https://www.g2.com/products/rhinoceros/pricing) ## Top-Rated Alternatives [ ![AutoCAD](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "AutoCAD") AutoCAD 4.4/5(1,940) ](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad/reviews) [ ![Onshape](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Onshape") Onshape 4.7/5(725) ](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) [ ![SOLIDWORKS](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "SOLIDWORKS") SOLIDWORKS 4.5/5(646) ](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews) [ View All Alternatives ](https://www.g2.com/products/rhinoceros/competitors/alternatives) ## User Insights Average based on 192 real user reviews. Perceived Cost $$$$$ [Log in to unlock pricing and user insights](/login) ## Rhinoceros Integrations (2) What do users say about integrations? Integration information sourced from real user reviews. [ ![Product Avatar Image](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Product Avatar Image") Adobe Illustrator ](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-illustrator/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Product Avatar Image") Revit ](https://www.g2.com/products/revit/reviews) Show More ![Verified User in Higher Education](/assets/icons/anonymous-avatar-purple-4ae1032bdb50ee5682003170c8184aee790d25958bd397abbd384ba52c596a7b.svg "Verified User in Higher Education") UH Verified User in Higher Education Enterprise (\> 1000 emp.) 1/5/2018 "Easy to use infinite possibilities" 4/5 What do you like best about Rhinoceros? What is amazing about Rhino is that it is very easy to pick up. And with a few tricks, anything you can imagine can be modeled. It can be intimidating at first but after a while things get much easier. What is important to know is that there is no single way to execute any given task. The McNeel web information on each command is also great and pretty informative. They have little videos of every command. I have not seen such detailed explanations elsewhere. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Rhinoceros? Some parts of the interface are a bit clunky. The infinite possibilities can prove to be very daunting. Certain commands have too much of a crossover (for example, UnrollSrf and Smash - still don't know the difference between these). The biggest disadvantage (which may be an advantage for some) is that Rhino is not a standalone product. By this I mean, knowledge of associated software is often required - like VRay for Rendering, Illustrator to set lineweights for linework, Grasshopper for complex parametric geometry, Revit for BIM. Furthermore, programs like VRay aren't the best when used with Rhino - Chaos Group focuses more on their Max plugin Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Recommendations to others considering Rhinoceros: The best way to obtain Rhino is if you purchase a student license while a student. One license can be used for 2 devices, so all in all this rote is pretty reasonable. Just remember - if you can imagine doing something, it can probably be done in Rhino 90% of the time Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Rhinoceros solving and how is that benefiting you? Rhino is great for a quick solve. For quick architectural massing, or the communication of a concept when you have time constraints, Rhino is unparalleled Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Current UserValidated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite ![Marissa P.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Marissa P.") MP Marissa P. Owner Luxury Goods & Jewelry Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 1/11/2018 "Rhino, for complex 3D modeling plug-ins and workflow " 3.5/5 What do you like best about Rhinoceros? I must use nurbs for specific projects, so Rhino is my go-to. It is better for project printers such as CNC milling, etc. It works well with all of the new renderers that I use, such as Vray. It has a good user interface and workflow that is straightforward. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Rhinoceros? The normal issues such as it is very expensive to update, it does need other plug-ins for certain applications. It is time-intensive and not a "fast" software for time sensitive projects. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Recommendations to others considering Rhinoceros: Rhino is great for modeling, for use on big heavy-duty architecture and industrial design projects. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Rhinoceros solving and how is that benefiting you? Rhino meets my 3D needs as I do a lot of rapid prototyping, project printing, interior design, jewelry design, etc that requires plugins and complex modeling. Rhino was one of the first 3d programs to come out so many users such as myself are familiar with its interface already. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Validated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite ![Stefan B.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Stefan B.") SB Stefan B. sr. BIM Manager Information Services Enterprise (\> 1000 emp.) 2/11/2014 "Versatile 3D Nurbs Modeller" 5/5 What do you like best about Rhinoceros? Flexible and extensive control over geometry: curves, surface, solids and meshes; transformation, model manipulations (rounding, solid operations, sweeping & lofting, trimming…). The focus is clearly NURBS geometry and to a lesser extent Mesh geometry. Subdivision modelling (as a hybrid between NURBS and meshes, from the user's point of view) is upcoming. Attractive licensing, without subscription or forced yearly updates. They also have an open policy for educational users: low license, without usage or feature restrictions (even commercial work). Quite exceptional. Rhino has file import and export convertors for a wide variety of CAD and design formats. Via plug-ins you can even expand this more. Impressive versatility, esp. when adding the Grasshopper visual programming system (add-on). For architectural and BIM design, extensions and plug-ins are available to extend and improve the usability. That said, don't compare it directly with software like ARCHICAD or Revit, as they have a different purpose. It took a few years to arise, but the Mac version is now becoming very usable and quite complete. Not for 100% as some plugins and features remain Windows-only. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Rhinoceros? No free student version (but license allows commercial usage even for EDU users). Mac version does not support Grasshopper, so still need Windows version. Could be better integrated in e.g. BIM processes (partly solved by add-ons). Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Recommendations to others considering Rhinoceros: When complex 3D geometric editing goes beyond what AutoCAD or SketchUp provide or when you want to use Grasshopper, this is the CAD system to use. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Rhinoceros solving and how is that benefiting you? Complex geometric model creation, especially if smoothness and continuity are required. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More 9/21/2017 Current UserValidated ReviewerSource: Organic ![Joshua V.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Joshua V.") JV Joshua V. Associate Professor of Architecture Enterprise (\> 1000 emp.) 1/4/2018 "Best surface modeler for the price, and a very active user community " 5/5 What do you like best about Rhinoceros? The tools for the price is a really great value for educators and students. I also like how easy it is to extend Rhino and there is a very angaged user group that develops plugins for Rhino and Grasshopper. Last, the development process for Rhino is very transparent—no new releases until much testing by users (for free), and the company is very responsive to its customers. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Rhinoceros? There are a few tools in Rhino that feel messy or buggy. For example, Make 2D Boolean commands sometimes create more problems than they solve. But otherwise, great product. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Rhinoceros solving and how is that benefiting you? Accuracy with 3D modeling along with interoperability with CNC tools. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Current UserValidated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite ![Verified User in Marketing and Advertising](/assets/icons/anonymous-avatar-purple-4ae1032bdb50ee5682003170c8184aee790d25958bd397abbd384ba52c596a7b.svg "Verified User in Marketing and Advertising") UM Verified User in Marketing and Advertising Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 2/15/2018 "Learned it in an educational background, kept using since and still using as of today" 4/5 What do you like best about Rhinoceros? Feels very professional and complete, you can basically create anything if you reverse engineer that thing and figure out how to make the best of the tools that Rhino makes available for us. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Rhinoceros? It takes a little while to get used to and to be able to make the most out of the software. I had 2 years of classes specifically for this software and V-ray and I still didn't feel like I knew the software all that well. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Recommendations to others considering Rhinoceros: Get into it if you need to design 3D models or do some 3D printing, it's a really nice software to dive in the world of 3D modelling Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Rhinoceros solving and how is that benefiting you? It allows me to create 3D models with a lot of precision for 3D printing and/or to create 3D animations and visuals. For example small accessories that I can model in Rhino, 3D print at home and sell online or at trade shows really quickly and efficiently. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Validated ReviewerSource: Seller invite AW Alexander W. System Administrator III Higher Education Enterprise (\> 1000 emp.) 9/29/2017 "Better than AutoCAD" 5/5 What do you like best about Rhinoceros? Light weight, easy to use, uses similar commands to AutoDesk software, Lots of FREE plugins and tools, works with render farm setup Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Rhinoceros? Setting up for multi-user environments can be tricky. Right now, since I have to capture and reimage every semester, I have to load the default user HKCU and literally delete a registry key so that it gets created fresh for each user, otherwise it tries to use the toolbars in the Administrator profile. It also doesn't have the BEST rendering engine, so I suggest you get V-Ray for Rhino to go with your installs of Rhino. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Rhinoceros solving and how is that benefiting you? We have faculty who teach how to model in Rhino, which makes the students use it and Sketchup almost exclusively for doing models and renderings. We have used it on the IT side to make some custom items that we then 3D print to replace broken parts, which does save us hundreds, if not a couple of thousand, of dollars a year. Rhino's License manager, the Zoo, is very nice, lightweight, and does give some great statistics, and makes reviewing your license usage over time easy. It is far better than many other LS than I have used. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Current UserValidated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite ![Katherine M.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Katherine M.") KM Katherine M. Project Designer Architecture & Planning Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 3/14/2018 "I use Rhino as a modeling software in school." 5/5 What do you like best about Rhinoceros? Rhino is by far the easiest and most versatile 3D modeling software I have learned. I use it for almost all of my projects in school and I use it at work to build models to show clients. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Rhinoceros? There's nothing I dislike about Rhino. It's a great tool that I use daily. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Rhinoceros solving and how is that benefiting you? I use rhino instead of sketchup at work because it's a more customizable modeling software. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Current UserValidated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite ![Elizabeth N.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Elizabeth N.") EN Elizabeth N. Intern Architecture & Planning Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 3/27/2018 "Rhino, great design software" 4.5/5 What do you like best about Rhinoceros? Works with many plugins, grasshopper and python are 2 I am familiar with. Any form can be created and output is various! Used for many studio projects sine it is good for ouput like 3d printing, laser cutting and rendering Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Rhinoceros? There is so much to learn and it can be difficult to know what all the software is capable of. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Recommendations to others considering Rhinoceros: It is a great design program with so many applications even outside of the arhitexure Field Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Rhinoceros solving and how is that benefiting you? Student work, it is great for modeling and running scripts that generate forms and patterns. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Validated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite ![Verified User in Architecture & Planning](/assets/icons/anonymous-avatar-purple-4ae1032bdb50ee5682003170c8184aee790d25958bd397abbd384ba52c596a7b.svg "Verified User in Architecture & Planning") UA Verified User in Architecture & Planning Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 4/27/2018 "Rhino, a solution " 5/5 What do you like best about Rhinoceros? I like the incredibly versatility of Rhino, it's so easy to learn and it can be usefull to create lots of differents things Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Rhinoceros? I dislike that it's not so well known in Italy, so people don't usually use it very mush Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Recommendations to others considering Rhinoceros: I recommend Rhino as one of the most compleate programs for 3D, as well as one of the easyest to learn. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Rhinoceros solving and how is that benefiting you? With Rhino I solved all problems I can't solve with other 3D programs. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Current UserValidated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite ![Verified User in Design](/assets/icons/anonymous-avatar-purple-4ae1032bdb50ee5682003170c8184aee790d25958bd397abbd384ba52c596a7b.svg "Verified User in Design") UD Verified User in Design Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 8/9/2018 "Easy and effective " 4.5/5 What do you like best about Rhinoceros? The commands are straight forward and the interface makes design easy Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Rhinoceros? Rhino is not the best for a Mac, which I use. Also the default render abilities is very weak Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Rhinoceros solving and how is that benefiting you? When a client or studio crit needs quick concepts. I am able to save time and get things done effectively Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Validated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite ## Questions about Rhinoceros? Ask real users or explore answers from the community Get practical answers, real workflows, and honest pros and cons from the G2 community or share your insights. [ Ask about Rhinoceros ](https://www.g2.com/products/rhinoceros/discussions/new) GU Guest User What is Rhinoceros used for? 0 Upvotes 0 [ Join the conversation ](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-rhinoceros-used-for) MB Mason Burrows • Last activity over 6 years ago How do I change command line auto-fill shortcuts 1 Upvote 1 [ Join the conversation ](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-do-i-change-command-line-auto-fill-shortcuts) [ View all Discussions ](https://www.g2.com/products/rhinoceros/discuss) ## Pricing Options Pricing provided by Rhinoceros. ### Rhino 5 for Windows Upgrade $495 ### Rhino 5 for Windows $995 [ View More Pricing Information ](https://www.g2.com/products/rhinoceros/pricing) Rhinoceros Comparisons ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/small_square/small_square_e00dd8bdafdafc988f2621d1c6fb30ad/fusion-360.png "Product Avatar Image") Autodesk Fusion 4.5/5(520) [ Compare Now ](https://www.g2.com/compare/autodesk-fusion-vs-rhinoceros) ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/small_square/small_square_19c4c507ebba54cd623e1c0a704becd9/sketchup.png "Product Avatar Image") SketchUp 4.5/5(1,327) [ Compare Now ](https://www.g2.com/compare/rhinoceros-vs-sketchup) ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/small_square/small_square_6112c138e20f80a02a073469ac6e865c/blender.gif "Product Avatar Image") Blender 4.6/5(319) [ Compare Now ](https://www.g2.com/compare/blender-vs-rhinoceros) ##### Categories on G2 [General-Purpose CAD](https://www.g2.com/categories/general-purpose-cad)[Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)](https://www.g2.com/categories/mechanical-computer-aided-design-mcad) ##### Explore More [What investor portal features best support annual reports and earnings presentations for public company IR teams?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-investor-portal-features-best-support-annual-reports-and-earnings-presentations-for-public-company-ir-teams)[Which audio engine platforms have the best user reviews for ease of adoption and quick time to value?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/which-audio-engine-platforms-have-the-best-user-reviews-for-ease-of-adoption-and-quick-time-to-value)[Best ASM software for reducing cybersecurity risks](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-are-the-best-asm-tools-for-reducing-cybersecurity-risks) [What is the best employee engagement software?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-the-best-employee-engagement-software)[Which public records management software tracks request status and enforces response deadlines?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/which-public-records-management-software-tracks-request-status-and-enforces-response-deadlines)[Pros and Cons Details](https://www.g2.com/products/rhinoceros/reviews?qs=pros-and-cons) [Show MoreShow Less](javascript:void(0);)