Substance 3D vs Maya: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Substance 3D and Maya comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Substance 3D
Craft stunning 3D materials and textures with professional-grade tools.
Best for you if:
- • Create and paint realistic 3D textures.
- • Craft customizable 3D materials.
Maya
3D animation and modeling by Autodesk
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.0/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • Maya is a professional 3D animation software for film and game production
- • It provides modeling, rigging, animation, and rendering tools
| At a Glance |  Substance 3D |  Maya |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | Animation | Animation |
Rating | —/100 | 90/100 |
| Feature | Substance 3D | Maya |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Editorial Score | — | 90 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Animation3D Design | Animation3D Design |
How Substance 3D and Maya Compare
Substance 3D
Craft stunning 3D materials and textures with professional-grade tools.
Paid
Maya
3D animation and modeling by Autodesk
Paid · 90/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are paid. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Maya
Want the highest-rated option?
Maya scores 90/100. Substance 3D is unrated.
Go with: Maya
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Maya
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are paid. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are animation tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Maya
- Higher score: 90/100 vs unrated
- Our pick for this comparison
Substance 3D
The Bottom Line
Maya (90/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Substance 3D or Maya better?
Maya scores 90/100 in our evaluation. Both are paid.
What are Substance 3D and Maya used for?
Substance 3D: Craft stunning 3D materials and textures with professional-grade tools.. Maya: 3D animation and modeling by Autodesk.
What does Substance 3D cost vs Maya?
Substance 3D is a paid tool. Maya is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.