OpenSCAD vs Plasticity: 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 OpenSCAD and Plasticity side by side. This page compares data; it is not a hands-on review.
On the data: On the data below, OpenSCAD 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:
OpenSCAD
The programmer's solid 3D CAD modeller for creating precise 3D objects.
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (Plasticity requires payment)
Plasticity
Powerful solid and surface modeling software for creative professionals and engineers.
Best for you if:
- • You want perpetual license, no subscription required
| At a Glance | OpenSCAD | Plasticity |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free 100% free | From $175/mo Upgrade from Indie to Studio plan |
Category | 3D Design Developer Tools | 3D Design Developer Tools |
Rating | 4.2/5 G2 4.3 · Capterra 4.0 34 reviews | 3.3/5 Trustpilot 3.4 · G2 4.0 · SourceForge 2.5 5 reviews |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Choose OpenSCAD or Plasticity?
Choose OpenSCAD if
- You want a fully free tool (Plasticity requires payment)
- You want provides full control over the modeling process through scripting
- You want enables easy modification and parametrically defined designs
Choose Plasticity if
- You want perpetual license, no subscription required
- You want powerful solid and surface modeling capabilities
In-Depth Analysis
OpenSCAD
The programmer's solid 3D CAD modeller for creating precise 3D objects.
OpenSCAD's pricing is exceptionally generous, as it is entirely free.
Strengths
- Pro: Provides full control over the modeling process through scripting.
- Pro: Enables easy modification and parametrically defined designs.
- Pro: Free and open-source software.
- Pro: Ideal for precise, technical 3D modeling like machine parts.
Weaknesses
- Con: Not suitable for artistic 3D modeling or animation.
- Con: Non-interactive modeling process may have a learning curve for some users.
Key features
Plasticity
Powerful solid and surface modeling software for creative professionals and engineers.
The pricing for Plasticity, specifically the "Upgrade from Indie to Studio" at $175, seems fair given the comprehensive feature set for professional solid and surfacing tools.
Strengths
- Pro: Perpetual license, no subscription required
- Pro: Powerful solid and surface modeling capabilities
- Pro: Advanced direct editing for flexible design changes
- Pro: Utilizes industry-leading Parasolid and xNURBS kernels
- Pro: Affordable compared to other high-end CAD software
Weaknesses
- Con: Free Starter plan has limited export formats and no commercial use
- Con: Some advanced features (xNURBS) are only available in higher tiers or specific OS versions
- Con: Enterprise features like enhanced support and custom integrations require direct contact
Key features
Plans and prices: OpenSCAD vs Plasticity
| Tool | Plans and prices | Source |
|---|---|---|
| OpenSCAD |
| openscad.org read Sep 30, 2026 |
| Plasticity |
| plasticity.xyz/upgrade read Oct 20, 2026 |
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 OpenSCAD pricing and Plasticity pricing.
Key Takeaways
OpenSCAD
- Has a free plan
Plasticity
- Choose if you want powerful solid and surface modeling software for creative professionals and engineers
What the data shows
On the data below, OpenSCAD leads on a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.
- User ratings rest on too few reviews to rank (4.2/5 from 34 reviews for OpenSCAD, 3.3/5 from 5 reviews for Plasticity; we compare ratings only above 20 reviews on both sides).
- Plasticity starts at $175/mo; OpenSCAD has no public paid plan price on file.
- Only OpenSCAD 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 OpenSCAD and Plasticity compare in 2026?
On the data below, OpenSCAD leads on a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair. User ratings rest on too few reviews to rank (4.2/5 from 34 reviews for OpenSCAD, 3.3/5 from 5 reviews for Plasticity; we compare ratings only above 20 reviews on both sides). Plasticity starts at $175/mo; OpenSCAD has no public paid plan price on file. Only OpenSCAD has a free plan.
What are OpenSCAD and Plasticity used for?
OpenSCAD: The programmer's solid 3D CAD modeller for creating precise 3D objects. Plasticity: Powerful solid and surface modeling software for creative professionals and engineers.
What does OpenSCAD cost vs Plasticity?
OpenSCAD is free. Plasticity's cheapest paid plan is Upgrade from Indie to Studio at $175/mo. Prices read on the vendors' pricing pages, latest check Oct 20, 2026.
What's the main difference between OpenSCAD and Plasticity?
OpenSCAD's main strength: provides full control over the modeling process through scripting. Plasticity's main strength: perpetual license, no subscription required.