Best 3D modeling software for unity in 2021: This list is based on my personal opinion and from the 3D modeling community from Reddit, Quora, and the Unity forum.
If you think this list needs to update, feel free to comment with your suggestion we will discuss it.
A large number of Unity users are willing to know which 3D modeling software is best for unity to make the entire designing process more organized and gain the possibility to make top-notch 3D models.
Best 3D Modeling Software for Unity
- Maya
- Blender
- 3ds Max
- Cinema 4D
- Modo
- ZBrush
| Name | Learning | Supported OS | Price |
| Maya | Difficult | Windows, Mac, and Linux | $205 / month and $1,620 / year |
| Blender | Intermediate | Windows, Mac, and Linux | Free |
| 3ds Max | Intermediate | Windows | $205 / month and $1,620 / year |
| Cinema 4D | Easy | Windows, Mac, and Linux | $94.99 / month and $999 / year |
| Modo | Intermediate | Windows, Mac, and Linux | $65 / month and $659 / year |
| ZBrush | Difficult | Windows and Mac | $39.95 / Month and $895 / One Time Fee |
Maya
| Supported OS | Windows, Mac, and Linux |
| Price | $205 / month and $1,620 / year |
| Download Link | Click here |
Pros
- Powerful
- Comprehensive toolset
Cons
- Expensive
- Hard to learn
Maya is originally developed by Alias Systems Corporation and currently owned and developed by Autodesk. Maya is the first choice of professional artists. Largely seen as the industry standard. Maya is great at modelling, texturing, lighting and rendering. Maya has unrivaled tools and features. Its tools and features are hugely complex and take time to learn.
If you’re aiming to get a job, you’d be wise to use the same software that the likes of ILM, Pixar and Framestore use.
Blender
| Supported OS | Windows, Mac, and Linux |
| Price | Free |
| Download Link | Click here |
Pros
- Free
- Incredibly customizable input
Cons
- Slow viewport performance with high-poly scenes
- Unintuitive layers system
Blender is an open-source 3D creation tool that is free to use even for commercial purposes. Blender is the only free 3D modeling software that I recommend. Blender is one of those tools that anyone can use without any cost or if it will be updated. Blender has features for modeling, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing, and also motion tracking to video editing.
Fact: Many commercial companies use it to create effects elements for big-budget movies.
3ds Max
| Supported OS | Windows, Mac, and Linux |
| Price | $205 / month and $1,620 / year |
| Download Link | Click here |
Pros
- Easier to learn compare to Maya
- Substantial feature set
Cons
- Windows support only
3ds Max, formerly called 3D Studio or 3D Studio Max. It is developed and produced by Autodesk Media and Entertainment. It is widely used for TV and feature film production and for architectural and product visualization. Like Maya, 3ds Max also includes a very robust toolset for 3D modeling. Unlink Maya 3ds Max is easy to learn.
It uses both direct manipulation and procedural modelling techniques, and also a large set of libraries of different modifiers makes the modelling process easier for new or intermediate 3D artists.
Cinema 4D
| Supported OS | Windows, Mac, and Linux |
| Price | $94.99 / month and $999 / year |
| Download Link | Click here |
Pros
- Shallow learning curve
- Hugely extensible
Cons
- Limited features in free version
- Expensive
Cinema 4D is a 3D software suite developed by the German company Maxon. Cinema 4D Studio is the very best for professional 3D artists. If you want to create advanced 3D graphics but need a helping hand to ensure you create jaw-dropping graphics quickly and easily, then maybe this is the best choice for you.
Once you start using the Cinema 4D, you will find that the learning curve attached to it is pretty undemanding and simplistic.
Modo
| Supported OS | Windows, Mac, and Linux |
| Price | $65 / month and $659 / year |
| Download Link | Click here |
Pros
- Excellent modeller
- Impressive workflow
Cons
- Some tools feel underdeveloped
Modo developed by Foundry is a versatile and powerful 3D modeling program that makes texturing and rendering very easy. Modo has grown from a basic subdivision surface modeller to the fully-featured content creation software. With modelling at its core, Modo is one of the best software out there. It is very easy to learn as compared to others. Modo is excellent at creating medium-level designs, but working with extensive projects becomes complicated.
ZBrush
| Supported OS | Windows, Mac, and Linux |
| Price | $39.95 / Month and $895 / One Time Fee |
| Download Link | Click here |
Pros
- Incredible sculpting
- Handles millions of polys with ease
Cons
- Difficult to learn
- Non-standard menus and UI
ZBrush is a digital sculpting tool that combines 3D/2.5D modeling, texturing, and painting developed by Pixologic. It uses a proprietary “pixol” technology that stores lighting, color, material, orientation, and depth information for the points making up all objects on the screen. ZBrush is on this list only because of its capability of creating a stunning quality of 3D designs which are ideal for 3D printing.
ZBrush is not only for sculpting and modeling. It can also be used to create UV maps and paint textures, enabling seasoned artists to craft entire figures, with clothing and props, ready for rendering. ZBrush is a popular choice among artists wanting to 3D print toys and action figures, too, with tools specifically aimed at 3D printing.
Best Free 3D modeling software for unity
I personally think besides Blender there is no free 3D modeling software that is usable in a real-world project. Blender is the only software I recommend for 3d modeling. Even if this is free but still has such great features.