Blender 3D vs Rhino 3D

Last Updated:

Our analysts compared Blender 3D vs Rhino 3D based on data from our 400+ point analysis of 3D Design Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

Rhino 3D Software Tool

Product Basics

Blender 3D is a versatile software designed for creating intricate 3D computer graphics. It excels in modeling, sculpting, animation, rendering, and compositing, making it ideal for artists, animators, and designers in industries like film, gaming, and architecture. Its open-source nature allows for extensive customization and a supportive community enhances its appeal. Unique features include a powerful rendering engine, advanced sculpting tools, and a comprehensive animation suite. Users appreciate its flexibility and robust capabilities, often comparing it favorably to other high-cost alternatives. Blender 3D is particularly beneficial for those seeking a cost-effective solution without compromising on features, as it is free to use. For specific pricing needs or additional services, contacting SelectHub is recommended. Overall, Blender 3D stands out for its comprehensive toolset and adaptability, making it a preferred choice for creative professionals seeking a reliable and dynamic 3D graphics solution.
read more...
Rhino 3D excels in creating intricate 3D models with precision, making it ideal for professionals in architecture, industrial design, and jewelry design. Its robust capabilities include NURBS modeling, which allows for the creation of complex surfaces and curves. Users appreciate its versatility and the ability to handle large projects without compromising performance. Rhino 3D's standout features include its extensive plugin ecosystem and compatibility with various file formats, enhancing its adaptability across different workflows. Compared to similar products, users often highlight its affordability and the one-time purchase model, which can be more cost-effective in the long run. For specific pricing details, it's advisable to contact SelectHub to tailor a quote to individual needs. Rhino 3D's unique blend of power and flexibility makes it a favored choice for those seeking detailed and accurate 3D modeling solutions.
read more...
$0 Free, Open-Source
Free Trial is unavailable →
Get a free price quote
Tailored to your specific needs
$995 One-Time
Get a free price quote
Tailored to your specific needs
Small 
i
Medium 
i
Large 
i
Small 
i
Medium 
i
Large 
i
Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile

Product Assistance

Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support

Product Insights

  • Cost-Effective Solution: Blender is open-source and free, making it accessible for individuals and small businesses without the need for expensive licenses.
  • Comprehensive Toolset: Offers a wide range of tools for modeling, sculpting, texturing, and rendering, allowing users to complete entire projects within a single application.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility: Available on Windows, macOS, and Linux, ensuring that users can work on their preferred operating system without compatibility issues.
  • Active Community Support: A large, vibrant community provides extensive tutorials, forums, and resources, facilitating learning and problem-solving for users at all levels.
  • Regular Updates: Frequent updates and improvements driven by community feedback ensure that Blender remains at the cutting edge of 3D technology.
  • Customizability: Users can tailor the interface and functionality through Python scripting, allowing for personalized workflows and automation of repetitive tasks.
  • Industry Adoption: Increasingly used in professional environments, including film, gaming, and animation, providing users with skills that are relevant and in demand.
  • High-Quality Output: Capable of producing photorealistic renders and animations, meeting the quality standards required for professional projects.
  • Non-Destructive Workflow: Features like modifiers and node-based materials allow for iterative design processes without permanently altering the original model.
  • Integration with Other Software: Supports various file formats and can be integrated into existing pipelines, enhancing its utility in diverse production environments.
  • Educational Resource: Serves as a powerful tool for learning 3D graphics, providing students and educators with a robust platform for teaching and experimentation.
  • Open Development Model: Users can contribute to its development, ensuring that the software evolves in ways that meet the needs of its community.
  • Real-Time Rendering: The Eevee engine allows for real-time rendering, enabling artists to see changes instantly and iterate quickly.
  • VR and AR Capabilities: Supports virtual and augmented reality workflows, making it suitable for cutting-edge applications in these growing fields.
  • Animation and Rigging Tools: Comprehensive animation and rigging features support complex character animations, making it ideal for creating dynamic scenes.
read more...
  • Versatile Modeling: Rhino 3D supports a wide range of modeling techniques, from NURBS to mesh and subdivision surfaces, allowing designers to create complex and precise models for various industries, including architecture, automotive, and jewelry design.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility: With support for both Windows and macOS, Rhino 3D ensures that users can work seamlessly across different operating systems, enhancing collaboration and flexibility in diverse work environments.
  • Extensive File Support: Rhino 3D can import and export over 30 file formats, including DWG, DXF, OBJ, and STL, making it easy to integrate with other software and streamline workflows across different stages of a project.
  • Customizability: Users can tailor Rhino 3D to their specific needs through scripting and plugins, enabling the automation of repetitive tasks and the extension of core functionalities to suit unique project requirements.
  • Precision and Accuracy: Rhino 3D excels in creating highly accurate models, which is crucial for industries like engineering and manufacturing where precision is paramount for prototyping and production.
  • Robust Community Support: A vibrant community of users and developers provides a wealth of resources, including forums, tutorials, and plugins, facilitating learning and problem-solving for both beginners and advanced users.
  • Cost-Effective Solution: Compared to other high-end 3D modeling software, Rhino 3D offers a competitive pricing model without compromising on capabilities, making it accessible to small businesses and freelancers.
  • Advanced Rendering Capabilities: With integrated rendering tools and support for third-party render engines, Rhino 3D allows users to produce photorealistic visualizations, enhancing presentations and client communications.
  • Scalability: Rhino 3D can handle projects of varying scales, from small product designs to large architectural models, ensuring that users can grow their projects without needing to switch software.
  • Interoperability with Grasshopper: The integration with Grasshopper, a visual programming language, enables parametric design and algorithmic modeling, empowering users to explore complex geometries and design variations efficiently.
  • Continuous Development: Regular updates and improvements ensure that Rhino 3D remains at the forefront of technology, incorporating user feedback and industry trends to enhance functionality and user experience.
  • Educational Resources: A wealth of educational materials, including online courses and workshops, are available to help users of all skill levels master Rhino 3D, fostering professional development and skill enhancement.
  • Global Reach: Rhino 3D is used worldwide, making it easier for international teams to collaborate on projects, share expertise, and maintain consistency across global operations.
read more...
  • Comprehensive Modeling Tools: Blender offers a wide array of modeling tools, including advanced sculpting, retopology, and curve-based modeling, allowing for intricate and detailed 3D creations.
  • Powerful Rendering Engine: Cycles and Eevee are Blender's two rendering engines, providing both ray tracing and real-time rendering capabilities for high-quality visual outputs.
  • Animation and Rigging: Blender supports complex animations with features like inverse kinematics, shape keys, and a non-linear animation editor, making it suitable for both character and object animations.
  • Node-Based Compositing: The node editor allows for intricate compositing and post-processing, enabling users to create complex visual effects and color grading directly within Blender.
  • Grease Pencil: This feature allows for 2D animation within a 3D environment, offering a unique toolset for artists to create traditional-style animations with modern 3D techniques.
  • Python Scripting: Blender's extensive Python API allows for automation, custom tool creation, and integration with other software, enhancing workflow efficiency and customization.
  • Video Editing: The Video Sequence Editor (VSE) provides basic video editing capabilities, including cutting, splicing, and color grading, suitable for integrating 3D content into video projects.
  • Cross-Platform Support: Blender runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, ensuring accessibility and consistency across different operating systems.
  • Open Source and Community Driven: As an open-source project, Blender benefits from a large community of developers and artists who contribute to its continuous improvement and feature expansion.
  • UV Mapping: Blender includes advanced UV mapping tools, such as live unwrap and multi-tile UV mapping, facilitating detailed texture application and manipulation.
  • Simulation Tools: Features like fluid, smoke, and particle simulations allow for realistic environmental effects, enhancing the realism of 3D scenes.
  • Asset Management: The Asset Browser provides a streamlined way to manage and reuse assets across projects, improving workflow efficiency and organization.
  • Customizable Interface: Blender's interface is highly customizable, allowing users to tailor the workspace to their specific needs and preferences, enhancing productivity.
  • Support for Industry Standards: Blender supports various file formats and standards, such as FBX, OBJ, and Alembic, ensuring compatibility with other industry tools and pipelines.
  • Real-Time Collaboration: With the introduction of features like the Blender Cloud, users can collaborate on projects in real-time, facilitating teamwork and project management.
read more...
  • NURBS Modeling: Rhino 3D excels in creating complex and precise NURBS curves and surfaces, allowing for intricate and detailed designs.
  • Extensive File Compatibility: Supports over 30 file formats, including DWG, DXF, OBJ, and STL, facilitating seamless integration with other software.
  • Grasshopper Integration: Offers a powerful visual programming language for parametric design, enabling users to create generative and algorithmic models.
  • Advanced Rendering: Includes built-in rendering tools and supports plugins like V-Ray for photorealistic visualizations.
  • Customizable Interface: Users can tailor the interface to their workflow, enhancing productivity and ease of use.
  • Precision Tools: Provides robust tools for measuring, analyzing, and editing models with high accuracy, essential for engineering and manufacturing.
  • Extensive Plugin Ecosystem: A wide range of plugins are available, expanding functionality for specific industries such as architecture, jewelry, and marine design.
  • Mesh Tools: Offers comprehensive tools for creating, editing, and analyzing polygon meshes, useful for 3D printing and digital sculpting.
  • History and Record Keeping: Allows users to maintain a history of modeling operations, enabling easy modifications and iterative design processes.
  • Cross-Platform Availability: Available for both Windows and macOS, ensuring accessibility for a broad range of users.
  • Scriptable with Python and RhinoScript: Supports scripting for automation and customization, enhancing workflow efficiency.
  • Real-Time Collaboration: Features like Rhino.Inside enable integration with other software such as Revit, fostering collaborative design environments.
  • Comprehensive Documentation and Support: Extensive resources, including tutorials and community forums, provide robust support for users at all levels.
  • Animation and Presentation Tools: Includes basic animation capabilities and tools for creating presentations, aiding in client communication and project visualization.
  • Scalable Licensing Options: Offers flexible licensing, including educational and commercial options, catering to diverse user needs.
read more...

Product Ranking

#2

among all
3D Design Software

#9

among all
3D Design Software

Find out who the leaders are

Analyst Rating Summary

74
58
100
55
91
78
84
64
Show More Show More

Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

Blender 3D
Rhino 3D
+ Add Product + Add Product
Animation And Rigging Modeling And Sculpting Platform Capabilities Rendering And Visualization Texturing And Shading 100 91 84 93 98 55 78 64 67 81 0 25 50 75 100
100%
0%
0%
0%
50%
50%
90%
10%
0%
50%
30%
20%
86%
0%
14%
43%
0%
57%
86%
0%
14%
29%
14%
57%
100%
0%
0%
67%
11%
22%

Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

71%
14%
15%
71%
0%
29%
0%
40%
60%
20%
0%
80%

Awards

SelectHub research analysts have evaluated Blender 3D and concluded it earns best-in-class honors for Animation and Rigging.

Animation and Rigging Award

we're gathering data

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Cost-Effective: Blender is renowned for being free to use, making it a budget-friendly choice for businesses of all sizes.
Open-Source Nature: Blender's open-source nature fosters continuous development and innovation, driven by a passionate community.
Versatility: Blender caters to a wide range of 3D tasks, including modeling, animation, rendering, and visual effects, eliminating the need for multiple software licenses.
Active Community Support: A large and active community provides ample resources, tutorials, and support for users, ensuring assistance is readily available.
Show more
Freeform Modeling: Rhino excels at creating organic, free-flowing shapes, making it ideal for product design, where aesthetics are as crucial as functionality.
Precision: Rhino's NURBS-based engine allows for highly accurate surface creation, essential for industries demanding precise specifications, such as jewelry design or medical device prototyping.
Wide Industry Use: Rhino's versatility makes it a popular choice across various sectors, from architecture to automotive design, ensuring users can collaborate effectively with others in their field.
Strong Interoperability: Rhino seamlessly integrates with other software like CAD/CAM and rendering applications, streamlining workflows and reducing the need for cumbersome file conversions.
Show more
Steep Learning Curve: Blender's interface and tools can be challenging for new users to grasp, potentially slowing down workflow as they learn the software.
Limited Industry Adoption: While gaining traction, Blender is not as widely used as industry-standard software like Maya or 3ds Max, potentially limiting job opportunities and compatibility with established pipelines.
Plugin Dependency: Blender's reliance on plugins for certain advanced features can lead to inconsistencies, as plugin quality and updates are not always guaranteed.
Show more
Performance Issues: Some users have reported performance issues, especially with the release of Rhino 8, leading to a less smooth modeling experience.
Workflow Disruptions: Recent updates, particularly Rhino 8, have been criticized for introducing changes that disrupt established workflows, impacting user productivity and requiring adjustments to familiar processes.
Lack of Native Geometric Constraints: Rhino 3D lacks native geometric constraints, which are crucial for maintaining precise relationships between objects in engineering-focused designs.
Show more

Blender 3D is a comprehensive and powerful 3D modeling and animation software that has garnered significant attention for its open-source nature and robust feature set. User reviews from the past year highlight Blender's strengths as a cost-effective alternative to industry giants like Maya and 3DS Max, particularly for independent artists, hobbyists, and those new to 3D modeling. Its intuitive interface, extensive modeling tools, and active community support make it an attractive option for a wide range of users. However, Blender's versatility can also be perceived as a weakness by some. Users note that while it excels in areas like modeling and texturing, it may fall short in specialized areas like motion graphics, where software like Cinema 4D, with its advanced rendering capabilities, might be preferred. Additionally, Blender's rendering times, especially for complex scenes, can be a drawback. Despite these limitations, Blender's open-source nature, continuous development, and active community ensure its relevance and appeal in the ever-evolving landscape of 3D modeling and animation. Blender is best suited for individuals or small teams prioritizing cost-effectiveness and a wide array of features over specialized functionalities. Its open-source nature makes it ideal for beginners, educators, and independent artists who may not have the budget for expensive commercial software. Moreover, Blender's active community and readily available tutorials provide ample support for users of all levels.

Show more

Is Rhino 3D truly a charging rhino in the world of 3D modeling software, or is it just a decoy? Rhino 3D stands out for its robust free-form modeling capabilities, allowing users to craft intricate and complex geometries with ease, a feature often lauded by architects and jewelry designers who need to create elaborate designs. Its compatibility with various software formats, including industry giants like Revit, streamlines workflows and boosts productivity. However, the recent release of Rhino 8 has been met with mixed reviews. While some users appreciate the enhanced features, others have reported performance issues and workflow disruptions, particularly those accustomed to previous versions. This suggests that while Rhino 3D excels in its powerful modeling capabilities and interoperability, the learning curve for new versions can be steep, potentially impacting productivity for some users. Rhino 3D is a good value proposition for its one-time purchase price, especially when compared to subscription-based alternatives. However, its 2D CAD functionalities are limited, potentially requiring users to rely on additional tools. Overall, Rhino 3D is best suited for professionals in architecture, industrial design, and similar fields who require powerful 3D modeling capabilities and seamless integration with other software. Its free-form modeling prowess makes it ideal for organic and complex designs, while its compatibility with various formats ensures smooth collaboration and efficient workflows. However, users accustomed to older versions might need to navigate a learning curve with Rhino 8, and those requiring robust 2D CAD functionalities might find its limitations a drawback.

Show more

Screenshots

Top Alternatives in 3D Design Software


3DCoat

3ds Max

Adobe Dimension

Autodesk Maya

Cinema 4D

Coohom

formZ

Houdini

KeyShot Studio

LightWave 3D

Modo 3D

Mudbox

Rhino 3D

SketchUp

Substance 3D

Unity 3D

ZBrush

WE DISTILL IT INTO REAL REQUIREMENTS, COMPARISON REPORTS, PRICE GUIDES and more...

Compare products
Comparison Report
Just drag this link to the bookmark bar.
?
Table settings