Side by side
LightWave 3D vs Wings 3D
Both stand on game 3d modeling software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free trial APIMacWindows
Choose LightWave 3D if you need tools for modeling, animation, rendering, and visual-effects work, particularly with its Unreal Engine Bridge. Look elsewhere if you need a free plan; the new commercial licence is £795, paid once, excluding applicable sales tax or VAT.
Visit LightWave 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.
Visit Wings 3DThe facts
| LightWave 3D | Wings 3D | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | A free trial | Yes |
| Open source | No | Not published |
| Runs on | API, Mac, Windows | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | See the plans | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 10 | 1 |
| Maker | LightWave 3D | Wings 3D |
| Website | lightwave3d.com | wings3d.com |
| On game 3d modeling software | #18 of 26 | #14 of 26 |
LightWave 3D: what it does well
- Separate Modeler and Layout workspaces cover object creation and scene output.
- RiPR provides a GPU-assisted preview display mode.
- Unreal Engine Bridge transfers scene elements in real time.
- Includes physics simulation, motion capture, and procedural motion.
- Supports macOS and Windows PC.
What to know first
- There is no free plan.
- A new LightWave 2025 licence costs £795, paid once, excluding applicable sales tax or VAT.
- The listed 30-day trial is for LightWave 2024.
Wings 3D: what it does well
- Free for personal and commercial projects
- Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Includes sculpting tools and 3D print export
- AutoUV unfolds surfaces for painting and texturing
- Configurable interface with customizable hotkeys
What to know first
- Animation tools are not supported
- Rendering requires an external engine
- Documentation does not cover every aspect of the software
Alternatives to LightWave 3D Alternatives to Wings 3D The whole list