Quick comparison: 5 free alternatives to Autodesk Maya
| Alternative | Price | Platforms | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blender Top pick | Open Source | WindowsmacOSLinux | Offline |
| Bforartists | Open Source | WindowsmacOSLinux | Offline |
| Wings 3D | Open Source | WindowsmacOSLinux | Offline |
| Daz Studio | Freemium | WindowsmacOS | Offline |
| Houdini Apprentice | Freemium | WindowsmacOSLinux | Offline |
A closer look at each alternative
-
Blender
Top pickOpen SourceOfflineWindowsmacOSLinux- Price
- Free and open source.
- Download
- Download the installer from the official site; works offline.
- Why it stands out
- Modelling, animation, rigging, simulation and rendering in one program, free and open source.
-
Bforartists
Open SourceOfflineWindowsmacOSLinux- Price
- Free and open source.
- Download
- Download the installer from the official site; works offline.
- Why it stands out
- A version of Blender with a reorganised interface, more icons and menus designed for artists.
-
Wings 3D
Open SourceOfflineWindowsmacOSLinux- Price
- Free and open source.
- Download
- Download the installer from the official site; works offline.
- Why it stands out
- A light, easy-to-learn subdivision modeller for creating objects and characters.
-
Daz Studio
FreemiumOfflineWindowsmacOS- Price
- Free, with optional paid extras.
- Download
- Download the installer from the official site; works offline.
- Why it stands out
- Free for posing, animating and rendering 3D characters; extra models are sold in its store.
-
Houdini Apprentice
FreemiumOfflineWindowsmacOSLinux- Price
- Free, with optional paid extras.
- Download
- Download the installer from the official site; works offline.
- Why it stands out
- The free version of Houdini for learning effects and simulations; non-commercial use only.
Tip for students: Blender is free for commercial use too: you can use it for your coursework and later at work without switching programs.
Independent: we have no commercial relationship, sponsorship or affiliation with Autodesk Maya or with these alternatives, and nobody pays us to recommend them. Links go to their official websites and are not affiliate links; the site is funded only by Google AdSense ads, which don't influence the selection. Learn more.
Frequently asked questions about alternatives to Autodesk Maya
What is the best free alternative to Autodesk Maya?
Our first pick is Blender. Modelling, animation, rigging, simulation and rendering in one program, free and open source. Bforartists and Wings 3D are also worth trying. The best one for you depends on the features you use most.
Are there open source alternatives to Autodesk Maya?
Yes: Blender, Bforartists and Wings 3D are open source: free, licence-free and with code anyone can inspect.
Which alternatives to Autodesk Maya work offline?
Blender, Bforartists, Wings 3D, Daz Studio and Houdini Apprentice install on your computer and work without a connection.
Which alternatives to Autodesk Maya are there for Mac and Linux?
Blender, Bforartists, Wings 3D and Houdini Apprentice run on both macOS and Linux.