Maya vs Modo: Pricing and Ratings Compared (2026)
Entry prices and free plans as read on each vendor's pricing page, and user ratings as published on review sites, for Maya and Modo side by side. This page compares data; it is not a hands-on review.
On the data: On the data below, Modo leads on a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
Maya
3D animation and modeling by Autodesk
Best for you if:
- • You want industry standard 3D
Modo
Turn a device description into a buildable hardware prototype.
Best for you if:
- • You want a free tier before you commit
| At a Glance | Maya | Modo |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | From $305/year Maya Indie plan | Free plan |
Category | 3D Design Animation | 3D Design Prototyping |
Rating | 4.3/5 G2 4.3 267 reviews | n/a |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Watch out for | No perpetual license: Autodesk eliminated perpetual licenses in 2016. Stop paying and you lose access to everything, including your own .ma/.mb files (limited third-party support). You are renting, not owning. | n/a |
Choose Maya or Modo?
Choose Maya if
- You want industry standard 3D
- You want animation tools
Choose Modo if
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want good for visual project management
- You want intuitive interface
In-Depth Analysis
Maya
3D animation and modeling by Autodesk
It remains the industry standard for character animation, rigging, and VFX pipelines in film and games, but the value proposition has eroded significantly.
Watch out
No perpetual license: Autodesk eliminated perpetual licenses in 2016. Stop paying and you lose access to everything, including your own .ma/.mb files (limited third-party support). You are renting, not owning.
Strengths
- Pro: Industry standard 3D
- Pro: Animation tools
- Pro: VFX capabilities
- Pro: Good for film
- Pro: Active development
Weaknesses
- Con: Very expensive
- Con: Steep learning curve
- Con: Resource intensive
- Con: Complex interface
- Con: Subscription only
Key features
Modo
Turn a device description into a buildable hardware prototype.
Strengths
- Pro: Good for visual project management
- Pro: Intuitive interface
- Pro: Collaborative features
- Pro: Modern design
Weaknesses
- Con: Newer tool with limited features
- Con: Smaller user community
- Con: May lack advanced PM features
Key features
Plans and prices: Maya vs Modo
| Tool | Plans and prices | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Maya |
| autodesk.com/maya read Oct 7, 2026 |
| Modo | No plan prices on file | modo.is/pricing |
Prices as read on each vendor's own pricing page on the date shown. Plans are listed per tool and are not matched against the other tool's plans: a plan name or price in one column says nothing about the same row in the other. Details on Maya pricing and Modo pricing.
Key Takeaways
Maya
- Choose if you want 3D animation and modeling by Autodesk
Modo
- Has a free plan
What the data shows
On the data below, Modo leads on a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.
- Only Maya has a published user rating (4.3/5 from 267 reviews); Modo has none we can show.
- Maya starts at $305/year; Modo has no public paid plan price on file.
- Only Modo has a free plan.
Criteria: user rating (only above 20 reviews on both sides, gap of 0.2 or more), entry price (only on the same billing basis), free plan. How we rate
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Maya and Modo compare in 2026?
On the data below, Modo leads on a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair. Only Maya has a published user rating (4.3/5 from 267 reviews); Modo has none we can show. Maya starts at $305/year; Modo has no public paid plan price on file. Only Modo has a free plan.
What are Maya and Modo used for?
Maya: 3D animation and modeling by Autodesk. Modo: Turn a device description into a buildable hardware prototype.
What does Maya cost vs Modo?
Maya's cheapest paid plan is Maya Indie at $305/year. Modo has no public paid-plan price on file. Prices read on the vendors' pricing pages, latest check Oct 7, 2026.
What's the main difference between Maya and Modo?
Maya's main strength: industry standard 3D. Modo's main strength: good for visual project management.