Free and open first

Best 3D Modeling Software in 2026

Whether you are shaping a model, preparing it for print, or building an animated scene, the tools you need can vary with the project. Compared on parametric modeling, sculpting tools, animation tools, and 3D print export, these entries offer concrete capabilities to consider. Render engine and platform access may also matter to your workflow, while free-plan availability and paid-from pricing help you compare costs. Blender, Houdini, and SketchUp are among the software options shown. Match the listed features to the kind of modeling and output you have in mind, and check which platforms and pricing arrangements suit your needs.

147 apps
Research read 28 Sept 2026
How the order is worked out

1

Blender
by Blender
Free plan Open source LinuxMacWindows

Blender brings a wide range of 3D and animation tools into one free, open-source desktop application.

9.2 Free plan Visit site
2

MeshLab
by MeshLab
Free plan Open source APIiPhoneLinux+3

MeshLab offers mesh editing and processing tools for scan data, with listed exports for common 3D formats and a Python interface. Its scope is desktop mesh processing rather than real-time capture.

9.1 Free plan Visit site
3

OpenSCAD

Free plan Open source APILinuxMac+3

Choose OpenSCAD for script-driven, parameterized CAD work, particularly designs such as machine parts.

9.0 Free plan Visit site
4

Blockbench

Free plan Open source AndroidAPIiPhone+5

Blockbench offers modeling, texture painting, animation, and plugins across web, desktop, and mobile platforms.

9.0 Free plan Visit site
5

Goxel

Free plan Open source AndroidiPhoneLinux+2

8.6 Free plan Visit site
6

Avidemux

Free plan Open source LinuxMacWeb+1

8.5 Free plan Visit site
7

Rhino 3D
by Rhino 3D
Free plan APIiPhoneLinux+3

Rhino 3D lists modeling and related tools alongside several permanent-license options and a 90-day evaluation.

7.7 From $995 · 90-day trial Visit site
8

Solid Edge
by Solid Edge
Free plan AndroidiPhoneWeb+1

7.7 Free plan · 30-day trial Visit site
9

ZBrush
by ZBrush
Free plan APIiPhoneMac+1

7.6 Free plan Visit site
10

Houdini
by Houdini
Free plan WindowsMacLinux

Houdini combines procedural modeling and animation with simulation, rendering and pipeline tools across several creative industries.

7.5 Free plan · paid from $299/yr Visit site
11

SketchUp
by SketchUp
Free plan iPhoneWebWindows

SketchUp offers a free browser-based option and paid plans with different design workflows. Check the plan details for platform limits, commercial use, and annual billing before choosing.

7.5 Free plan · paid from $10.75/user/mo (annual) · 7-day trial Visit site
12

Onshape
by Onshape
Free plan AndroidiPhoneWeb

Onshape combines parametric CAD with collaboration and built-in design-data management. Check the plan terms carefully if you need private documents or commercial use.

7.5 Free plan · paid from $1,500/user/yr Visit site
13

FreeCAD
by FreeCAD
Free plan LinuxMacWindows

Choose FreeCAD if you need a free, open-source desktop modeler with parametric editing, broad open-format support, and technical simulation tools. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

7.5 Free plan Visit site
14

Autodesk Mudbox

Free plan APILinuxMac+1

Choose Mudbox if your work calls for detailed 3D sculpting, model painting, retopology, and 3D print export in a desktop workflow.

7.5 30-day trial Visit site
15

Meshy
by Meshy
Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone+4

Meshy brings text- and image-based 3D creation, character animation, printing checks, and a broad set of integrations into one tool.

7.5 Free plan · paid from $20/mo Visit site
16

Tripo AI
by Tripo AI
Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone+3

Choose Tripo AI if you want a 3D-generation platform with multiple input types, editing tools, and API access.

7.5 Free plan Visit site
17

3DCoat

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

3DCoat combines several 3D creation tasks and supports detailed sculpting and texturing workflows. Consider the learning-mode restrictions and listed plan cost when deciding whether it fits your work.

7.4 Free plan · paid from €379 · 30-day trial Visit site
18

Bforartists
by Bforartists
Free plan LinuxMacWindows

Bforartists brings a broad 3D workflow together in a free desktop suite, with compatibility for Blender files and most add-ons.

7.4 Free plan Visit site
19

MakeHuman

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

MakeHuman offers a free, cross-platform way to build customizable human characters, with several mesh export formats and a built-in asset downloader.

7.4 Free plan Visit site
20

Wings 3D
by Wings 3D
Free plan LinuxMacWindows

Choose Wings 3D for free subdivision modeling, sculpting, and 3D print export on desktop systems. Look elsewhere if you need animation tools or rendering within the application.

7.4 Free plan Visit site
21

Daz 3D
by Daz 3D
Free plan MacWebWindows

Daz Studio combines character creation, rendering, and a large asset library, with bridges to several other 3D applications.

7.4 Free plan · paid from $8.99/mo Visit site
22

Shapr3D
by Shapr3D
Free plan MacWindows

Shapr3D combines 3D CAD modeling, offline work, and broad file-format support. Review the Free plan limit and Pro trial billing terms before choosing a plan.

7.3 Free plan · paid from $299/user/yr · 14-day trial Visit site
23

T-FLEX CAD

Free plan LinuxWindows

T-FLEX CAD covers mechanical modeling, drafting, assemblies, manufacturing features, and extensive file translation.

7.3 Free plan · pricing on request · 30-day trial Visit site
24

SOLIDWORKS
by SOLIDWORKS
Free plan MacWebWindows

SOLIDWORKS combines locally installed design tools with cloud collaboration options and browser-based xDesign tools.

7.3 Free plan · paid from $2,820/user/yr Visit site
25

Gravity Sketch

Free plan WebWindowsMac

7.3 Free plan · paid from £15.99/mo Visit site

#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price

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