22 Best 3D rendering software in 2023 for Windows and macOS

Intro

Since 3D rendering is an integral part of industries such as animation films, special effects, and architectural and design visualization, numerous programs are available today. Many exist only as integrations with popular modeling software. Others are standalone applications. Some are both. So, which software is best for rendering? The variety of renderers available can make it challenging to identify the right one for you that fits both your needs and your budget. We’ve compiled the following list of the best 3D rendering software in 2023 to help you find the right and high-quality solution for your business or project. It lists compatible programs, prices, system requirements, and software specialization. Information is relevant for 2023.

Top 3D rendering software

About rendering software 2023 in detail

To better understand the software listed above, we have made for you a detailed description of each of them. The programs in this list are placed according to the average rating by Applet3D, which we derived based on user reviews of solutions on such platforms as G2, Capterra, Software Advice, GetApp, and others. Let’s go deeper.

1. Chaos Corona

Price: $5.40 per month for an Educational plan; From $29.90 per month for the Commercial plan; Free 30-day trial; Free old version
Level: For professionals, beginners, and amateurs
Platform: Windows, macOS
Last version: 2022 (Next release in May 2023)
Plugins/Plugin for/Compatible with: 3ds Max, Cinema 4D; can be used Standalone 
Use: 3D rendering

4.9

Rating by Applet3D

Capterra

5.0

G2

4.7

Chaos Corona is rightfully at the top of our list of the best 3D rendering software. Being very popular among users, this rendering engine offers almost unlimited possibilities. With it, you can make your renders as realistic as possible.

Compared with 3ds Max or V-Ray, Chaos Corona is one of the newest 3D architectural rendering software on the market. Providing deep integration with 3ds Max, the program allows you to use complex 3D models. This 3D rendering software is very flexible in terms of how realistic the renders are. It allows the creation of animations easily and promises great final results. 

Pros:

• Best photorealistic rendering software
• Ideal for architectural visualization
• The pretty fast rendering program
• Attractive price for a year purchase
• Regular updates and patches from a support team
• Realistic animations
• Superb light effects.

Cons:

• Some features missing.

2. Autodesk Arnold  

Price: $1,140 every 3 years; $380 annually; $50 monthly; Free 30-day trial; Free one-year educational license
Level: For professionals 
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
Last version: 2022
Plugins/Plugin for/Compatible with: Softimage, Maya, Katana, Cinema 4D, Houdini
Use: Photorealistic rendering, animation

4.8

Rating by Applet3D

Capterra

5.0

G2

4.6

Autodesk Arnold is a program designed to render a wide variety of objects. This 3D rendering software will be useful for professional animators and studios involved in video processing with the addition of visual effects and the creation of animated videos. This 3D visualization software will add all the special effects you need quickly and unexpectedly without taking up a lot of PC memory or overloading the processor.

Arnold is also extremely flexible. With this 3D rendering program, you can get photorealistic images, impressionistic illustrations, or anything in between. Arnold is very reliable and easy to use, which is why it is a leader in the film industry. However, Arnold does not have a fully functional texture renderer. It is only available in a limited mode. The controls and user interface are simple and intuitive.

Pros:

• Extremely convenient and easy to use
• Easily configure shaders and rendering settings to get realistic and desirable results
• AI-standard shader 
• Great dynamics and effects.

Cons:

• Sometimes the rendering status continues despite the end of rendering
• In some cases, you can create a lot of noise in the shadows
• Rendering time can be long.

3. Cinema 4D

Price: $94.00 per month; Free 14-day trial
Level: For professionals and amateurs
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
Last version: 2023
Plugins/Plugin for/Compatible with: V-Ray, Chaos Corona, Maxon One, Redshift;  Red Giant, ZBrush, Forger, Octane Render, Maxwell Render, RenderMan, Arnold, IndigoRenderer 
Use: 3D animation, modeling, simulation, rendering

4.7

Rating by Applet3D

Capterra

4.7

Software Advice

4.65

GetApp

4.7

G2

4.6

Cinema 4D is the best software for rendering 3D models. With Cinema 4D you can not only draw, sculpt and model, but also create compositions and animations. It allows you to perform high-quality rendering, and realize unusual 3D effects. It has a great set of features for architects. Cinema 4D is possible to create both realistic and abstract shapes. 

Cinema 4D is a versatile program for any 3D artist, as works as both a 3D renderer and 3D modeling software. It has four available versions for purchase: Studio, Broadcast, Visualize, and Prime. 

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Compatibility with plugins and render engines
• A powerful suite of features and tools
• It’s a 3D modeling software and renderer combined
• Great lighting options. 

Cons:

• Weak UV mapping interface
• Poor weight mapping.

4. V-Ray 

Price: From $77.90 per month; $149 per year for the Educational version; Free 30-day trial
Level: For professionals, beginners, and amateurs
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
Last version: 2022
Plugins/Plugin for/Compatible with: 3ds Max, Maya, SketchUp, Rhinoceros, Revit, Unreal Engine, Cinema 4D, Houdini, Nuke, Render Node, Blender
Use: Photorealistic rendering, real-time visualization

V-Ray is a 3D rendering program that is appropriate for all levels of 3D artists, both beginners, and experienced professionals. Best software for architectural visualization. It is one of the most powerful rendering engines available today. Primarily used in conjunction with 3ds Max. V-Ray specializes in lighting and shadows and helps architects and designers create photorealistic images. It also allows using a variety of camera effects; provides effects with a depth of field, and precise blur. 

As a professional 3D visualization company, we always keep up with all the latest and greatest software updates to ensure that we are working with the best and most advanced tools available. We have been using the latest versions of V-Ray in conjunction with 3ds Max for a long time to create excellent results for our clients. Take advantage of our 3D rendering and architectural visualization services and get top-notch images and animations of your project.

Pros:

• A various set of textures and models to work with
• Competitive price
• High-speed and high-quality
• Comprehensive list of tools and features. 

Cons:

• It has many settings, so it may be difficult to learn.

5. Blender

Price: Free 
Level: For professionals, beginners, and amateurs
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
Last version: 2023
Plugins/Plugin for/Compatible with: Blender Cycles, Dream Textures, BlenderKit, Bygen, V-Ray
Use: Modeling, sculpting, animation, rendering, simulation

Blender is an open-source 3D modeling software. The program supports all the tools you need to develop from scratch – from modeling and sculpting to rendering, simulation, post-processing, and video editing. Blender has many tools and functions needed to design skyscrapers, houses, bridges, amusement parks, or any other location. It also has powerful built-in 3D sculpting features.

This 3D modeling and rendering software is perfect for architects and designers. The renderer allows for the greatest physically possible depth to the terrain and helps to provide realistic lighting. Blender has in-house physically-based path tracer Cycles, that help to focus on every tiny detail and bring 3D models to life. Interesting in Free rendering software? So, read more about it by the link ahead.

Pros:

• It is one of the most powerful rendering software free
• Has many useful animations features
• Community is helpful.

Cons:

• It may be harder to achieve results than in 3ds Max
• Difficult to learn.

6. Lumion

Price: From €54.08 per month; Free 14-day trial
Level: For professionals
Platform: Windows
Last version: 2023
Plugins/Plugin for/Compatible with: LiveSync, Autodesk Formit Pro, Allplan, Revit, Rhinoceros, Vectorworks, ArchiCAD, AutoCAD, SketchUp, BricsCAD
Use: Architectural visualization

Lumion is a rendering software that is especially suitable for architects who need to work with exteriors. It’s compatible with every other 3D rendering software on the market, making it incredibly useful.

Lumion has one of the best user interfaces, making this program easy to use. This 3D model rendering software includes an extensive library of materials, water, sky, grass, plants, trees, people, and other objects. The program offers a Pro version. It has some additional features such as audio import for 2D backgrounds, real-time flight, and workflow. 

Pros:

• The interface is easy to use and learn
• Compatible with virtually all renderers on the market, including CAD
• Has a set of powerful tools and a simple user interface 
• The student license is free
• Allows the creation of unique designs with minimal effort.

Cons:

• Not the easiest program, so it may be difficult to learn.

7. ZBrush

Price: 39.00 per month; $20 per year for students and educators; Free 30-day trial
Level: For professionals and amateurs
Platform: Windows, macOS
Last version: 2023
Plugins/Plugin for/Compatible with: Maya, 3ds Max, Cinema 4D, LightWave 3D, Poser Pro, Daz Studio, EIAS, Modo, Blender
Use: 3D modeling, sculpting

4.6

Rating by Applet3D

Capterra

4.6

G2

4.6

ZBrush is a great program to sculpt the 3D model needed. ZBrush allows you to professionally design figures of people, animals, and other objects, and then export them to create three-dimensional animations in other software packages. Among the main functions of ZBrush are 3D modeling, sculpting, texturing, and painting. The program is used for 3D printing, advertising, creating movies, illustrations, video games, scientific visualization, automotive, and jewelry design. Besides, ZBrush is a popular solution for creating 3D prototypes.

Models in ZBrush are made up of points that store 3D coordinates as well as color, depth, orientation, and material. So, it is easy to create a realistic object and paint it using textures and strokes. The 3D modeling program will automatically add natural shadows and highlights. ZBrush is a rather complicated piece of software, so it is hard to master it. 

Pros:

• The best for sculpting
• Has a system of customizable brushes 
• Noise sculpting
• Detailed, high-poly work
• Re-topologizing.

Cons:

• Difficult to learn
• Some restrictions on work.

8. Keyshot

Price: $99.00 per month; $7.92 per month for Education; Free 14-day trial
Level: For professionals, beginners, and amateurs 
Platform: Windows, macOS
Last version: 2023
Plugins/Plugin for/Compatible with: Cinema 4D, Maya, 3ds Max, Blender, ZBrush, Solidworks, Rhinoceros, Siemens NX, Substance, Creo, Fusion 360, Onshape, Revit, SketchUp, VStitcher
Use: 3D rendering

4.6

Rating by Applet3D

Capterra

4.7

G2

4.5

Keyshot is a 3D rendering software unmatched on this list. Keyshot is a solution that provides the most user-friendly rendering experience. Besides 3D rendering and animation, the software is used to create interactive visuals. This rendering tool has a vast library of physically accurate materials that are drag-and-drop assigned to a 3D file.

Working in real-time, you can customize the materials, light sources, and cameras in your scene. The program constantly updates the rendered image during the process. So this solution allows you to work much faster and easier. A great choice for engineers and architects. 

Pros:

• Simple and intuitive interface
• Easy to use for quick renderings
• Allows for seeing real-time changes. 

Cons:

• Expensive compared to other software 
• Can’t modify geometry like a standard 3D software 
• Does not rely on GPU rendering.

9. Revit

Price: $8,025 every 3 years; $2,675 annually; $335 monthly; Free 30-day trial
Level: For professionals 
Platform: Windows
Last version: 2023
Plugins/Plugin for/Compatible with: Twinmotion, V-Ray, Lumion, Enscape, Artlantis
Use: 3D modeling, architectural visualization

4.6

Rating by Applet3D

Capterra

4.6

Software Advice

4.60

GetApp

4.6

G2

4.5

Autodesk Revit is one of the most powerful rendering engines on the market. It is a software package for a computer-aided design that implements the principle of building information modeling. Designed for architects, designers, and design engineers. 

Revit provides opportunities for 3D modeling of building elements and flat drawing of design elements, creating custom objects, and organizing teamwork on a project, from concept to the release of working drawings and specifications. Revit database can contain information about a project from concept development to construction. The modeling program has a powerful set of tools and a wide selection of models and textures. 

Pros:

• One of the most powerful architectural programs on the market 
• Has decent rendering capabilities
• An impressive array of tools and textures on hand
• Free license for students.

Cons:

• Disconnection of elements while working
• Revit uses a lot of computer memory.

10. 3ds Max

Price: $5,355 every 3 years; $1,785 annually; $225 monthly; Free 30-day trial 
Level: For professionals
Platform: Windows
Last version: 2023
Plugins/Plugin for/Compatible with: Substance, Forest Pack, V-Ray, Chaos Corona, Maxwell Render, Phoenix, Railclone
Use: 3D rendering, modeling, animation

4.5

Rating by Applet3D

Capterra

4.6

Software Advice

4.64

GetApp

4.6

G2

4.3

3ds Max is rightfully at the top of this list. The program is universal, it is used for both 3D modeling, rendering, and 3D animation. 3ds Max is user-friendly and easy-to-learn software. It works with the V-Ray and Chaos Corona systems.

This powerful 3D architecture and design rendering software allow you to create realistic models and detailed volumetric animations. You can also simulate various particles and environments. Use 3ds Max with thousands of objects to build the most complex scenes. Finally, you can apply textures and perform ray-traced rendering in the built-in Arnold component. 

Pros:

• Universal software
• Has improved animation performance 
• Has an extensive library of various modifiers 
• Can speed up the modeling process
• Allows for creating general animation, skinning, and character animation
• Easy to learn.

Cons:

• High price.

11. SketchUp 

Price: From €109 per year; Free versions for personal use and training
Level: For professionals and amateurs
Platform: Windows, macOS
Last version: 2022
Plugins/Plugin for/Compatible with: Lumion LiveSync, V-Ray
Use: 3D modeling, architectural design

4.5

Rating by Applet3D

Capterra

4.5

Software Advice

4.50

GetApp

4.5

G2

4.5

SketchUp is a simple package for 3D modeling and architectural design. The program is mainly used in construction and architecture, landscape design and furniture creation, 3D modeling, and 3D printing. SketchUp also helps create 3D walkthrough and flythrough animations. The software offers two versions: Free and Paid. It has a user-friendly interface, and it is easy to use. 

Pros:

• Universal and quite an easy software
• Support all the formats 
• Allows working on 3D models created in other programs 
• Offers to test the 3D model when it is ready 
• Allows creating 3D models of all kinds of products, like furniture.   

Cons:

• Rendering is limited
• Photo-realistic images are not possible using SketchUp alone.

12. Enscape

Price: From $42.90 per month; Free 14-day trial
Level: For professionals and amateurs
Platform: Windows, macOS
Last version: 2022
Plugins/Plugin for/Compatible with: Revit, SketchUp, Rhinoceros, ArchiCAD, Vectorworks
Use: Architectural visualization, virtual reality, real-time rendering

4.5

Rating by Applet3D

Capterra

4.5

Software Advice

4.48

GetApp

4.5

G2

4.6

Enscape is a real-time 3D rendering software that is mainly aimed at architectural rendering. The software can export project files from Revit, SketchUp, Rhino, and ArchiCAD as standalone executables to provide step-by-step tutorials that can be shared with clients or colleagues. Enscape is also a great tool for supporting the design process. 

Pros: 

• Offers various features 
• Material library and material editor overhaul are available for rendering
• Ability to check and evaluate any changes made. 

Cons:

• Does not allow creating batch 360 renderings or animations.

13. Rhinoceros

Price: €995 per license
Level: For professionals and amateurs
Platform: Windows, macOS
Last version: 2020
Plugins/Plugin for/Compatible with: Grasshopper, Brazil, Flamingo, Bongo; MicroStation, SketchUp, CATIA, Inventor, Creo, Solid Edge, Siemens NX
Use: NURBS modeling, animation, rendering

4.5

Rating by Applet3D

Capterra

4.6

GetApp

4.6

G2

4.4

Rhinoceros 3D is an open-source rendering program. It allows you to quickly create a new interior and view it from different angles. Great for planning renovation, redevelopment, or rearrangement of furniture. The main features of the 3D modeling and rendering software include extremely fast 3D graphics, shaded, unlimited viewports, full-screen display, working views, perspective working views, 3D stereo view modes, two‑point perspective, draw order support, clipping planes, and one-to-one scale to view models at full size.

Modelers use Rhino3D in areas of architectural design, computer-aided design, product design, manufacturing, rapid prototyping, industrial design – automotive and watercraft design, and 3D printing. 

Pros:

• Allows for easy manipulation of the render 
• High precision and functionality
• Allows for an easy/rapid iterative process.

Cons:

• Sometimes large files become slow to save.

14. Fusion 360

Price: $1,635 every 3 years; $545 annually; $70 monthly; Free 30-day trial for professional users; Free for students and educators
Level: For professionals and amateurs
Platform: Windows, macOS; applications for Android, iOS; may be used online
Last version: 2022
Plugins/Plugin for/Compatible with: AutoCAD LT, Solidworks
Use: 3D modeling, design

4.5

Rating by Applet3D

Capterra

4.5

Software Advice

4.53

GetApp

4.5

G2

4.5

Fusion 360  is a comprehensive tool for industrial design and mechanical engineering. It is a cloud-based 3D design and product development program that combines collaboration, digital design, and machining capabilities in one package. Fusion 360 enables you to explore your design ideas using the world’s first integrated platform that covers everything from concept to production.

The 3D modeling program allows you to perform structural calculations, and prepare project models for production, combining all project development processes into a single software product. This software is great for post-processing renders. Its main disadvantage is that it is quite difficult to master.

Pros:

• Free for non-commercial use
• Powerful, intuitive tools
• Cloud-based storage
• A huge body of information and tutorials.

Cons:

• Some functionality changes in the working process
• The free version is now limited to 3-axis machining
• Some settings (such as custom color) are hard to find.

15. OctaneRender

Price: €23.95 per month (billed monthly); Free for personal and commercial use
Level: For professionals 
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
Last version: 2022
Plugins/Plugin for/Compatible with: 3ds Max, Cinema 4D, Modo, Nuke, AutoCAD, Daz Studio, Revit, Inventor, ArchiCAD, Rhinoceros, Maya, Houdini, SketchUp, Blender, LightWave, Unity, After Effects
Use: Real-time rendering

4.5

Rating by Applet3D

Capterra

5.0

G2

4.1

OctaneRender is the popular rendering software that has a really powerful rendering engine with tons of features. OctaneRender can handle complex phenomena (such as motion blur, subsurface scattering, and depth of field) that are difficult for other rendering tasks. OctaneRender combines fast rendering with quality. This is ambitious software that will match V-Ray and Maxwell.

Pros:

• Fast real-time rendering software 
• Has a powerful set of tools
• Great variety of materials and textures
• Offers a free trial for commercial and personal use.

Cons:

• Difficult to use and learn
• Unstable
• It doesn’t import FBX files.

16. Maya

Price: $5,355 every 3 years; $1,785 annually; $225 monthly; Free 30-day trial 
Level: For professionals 
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
Last version: 2023
Plugins/Plugin for/Compatible with: Autodesk Maya Bonus tools, V-Ray
Use: 3D animation, modeling, simulation, rendering

4.5

Rating by Applet3D

Capterra

4.6

Software Advice

4.47

GetApp

4.5

G2

4.3

Maya is considered to be one of the best software for rendering 3D models, simulations, animations, rendering of complex scenes. Maya is used primarily by 3D designers and artists who create games, special effects, and images for cinema. The popular rendering program can simulate powerful explosions, realistic movement of clothes or hair, water surfaces with small waves, or the flight of a bullet – there are special tools and modules for this. 

Pros:

• Has sculpting tools
• Has various modeling features.

Cons:

• It has many options available, so it can be difficult to learn
• Sophisticated rigging workflow.

17. Artlantis

Price: €650 per full license; Free 30-day trial
Level: For professionals and amateurs
Platform: Windows, macOS
Last version: 2021
Plugins/Plugin for/Compatible with: ArchiCAD, Rhinoceros, Vectorworks, Revit, SketchUp, Arc +
Use: Architectural visualization

4.2

Rating by Applet3D

G2

4.2

Artlantis is a 3D rendering software that has been designed with the needs of architects and designers in mind. It provides a wide variety of presets such as indoor/outdoor lighting for quick changes. The materials inside Artlantis are based on physical characteristics to achieve photorealistic results. Also, among the advanced shaders are glowing materials. These materials expand the possibilities of scenes that can be illuminated. Soft shadows and blur are easy to adjust with the interactive cursor. 

With Artlantis you can create a 360-degree panorama in two versions available for this rendering software. You are also free to create both high-resolution still images and high-resolution animation. One of the main features the realistic rendering software is softening the overall atmosphere of scenes and animations. Read more about Artlantis in our blog post named “Best architectural rendering software”.

Pros:

• Has a lot of functions
• Allows to edit a specific outline of an object, image, or scene 
• Allows to manipulate the light rays.

Cons:

• May be confused by too complex models and lots of light sources
• Hard to edit the material shaders.

18. RedShift

Price: $45.00 per month; Free 14-day trial
Level: For professionals, beginners, and amateurs 
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
Last version: 2022
Plugins/Plugin for/Compatible with: Cinema 4D, Maya, 3ds Max, Houdini, Katana, Blender, ZBrush
Use: 3D rendering

4.1

Rating by Applet3D

G2

4.1

Redshift is a powerful GPU-accelerated renderer designed to meet the specific requirements of modern high-performance rendering. Redshift’s out-of-the-box features provide everything you need to get photorealistic results. This 3D rendering software supports complex advanced shading networks and texturing capabilities. 

The functionality of the rendering program allows you to have photorealistic results with the available resources. It supports advanced texturing, as well as shading network capabilities for quality rendering. It integrates with 3D applications out there so that you can jump into any software without paying a lot.

Pros:

• Data integration is very simple to perform
• Support is always complete
• Offers significant query speeds
• Low cost of ownership.

Cons:

• Frequent changes in management console look and feel.

19. Maxwell Renderer

Price: From $595 per license; Free 30-day demo
Level: For professionals, beginners, and amateurs 
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
Last version: 2019
Plugins/Plugin for/Compatible with: 3ds Max, ArchiCAD, Cinema 4D, formZ, Maya, Modo, Revit, Rhinoceros, SketchUp, SolidWorks, Bundle, SoftImage, Houdini, LightWave. ArchiCAD, Bonzai 3D, Photoshop, Nuke, After effects
Use: Architectural visualization, product design

3.9

Rating by Applet3D

G2

3.9

Maxwell is particularly well suited to architectural rendering needs. The program combines an aesthetic user interface with a powerful set of rendering tools for everything you might need in your projects. The user has an extensive library of materials at their disposal, giving architects more options to work with. Endless lighting variations are also stored in a single renderer, saving users time and effort when developing designs. 

Maxwell includes ready-made lights such as fill lights, spots, IES, projectors, backfills, and more. This allows easier to set up the scene. Key features of the 3D visualization software include network rendering post-production, compatibility with many hair systems, volumetric particle rendering, materials realistic camera models, and multi-light fire. The program also merges a high degree of realism with an easy-to-understand workflow.  

Pros:

• Easy to learn and use
• Has great community support
• Provides many resources for support.

Cons:

• Slow at rendering
• The software does not display all the details.

20. 3Delight

Price: $600 per year; Free license 
Level: For professionals and amateurs
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
Last version: 2022
Plugins/Plugin for/Compatible with: Maya, Houdini, Cinema 4D, Katana USD, 3Delight Cloud, Daz Studio
Use: 3D rendering, animation

3.8

Rating by Applet3D

G2

3.8

3Delight takes the honorable 20th place in our list of the best 3D rendering software. It is an excellent 3D special effect rendering software, that integrates well with other programs. The rendering program uses the RenderMan shading language. It is designed for maximum compatibility with industry standards. It also integrates into major 3D modeling solutions like Maya. 

3Delight implements all the necessary features for a RenderMan, as well as additional: texture mapping, ray tracing, solid modeling, level of detail, global illumination, depth of field, etc. There is a 3Delight free version with one 12-core license per customer. 3Delight is a popular option for making feature films.

Pros:

• Supports geometrical camera projections
• Supports Multi-Light output.

Cons:

• Slower with displacements
• Not suited for rendering scenes with high “pixel complexity”.

21. Mental Ray

Price: No longer available for purchase
Level: For professionals, beginners, and amateurs 
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
Last version: 2017
Plugins/Plugin for/Compatible with: Maya, 3ds  Max, Cinema 4D, Revit, Softimage|XSI, Houdini, SolidWorks, CATIA
Use: 3D rendering, animation

3.3

Rating by Applet3D

G2

3.3

Mental Ray is a biased 3D rendering software that uses a global illumination engine to achieve physically accurate renderings. Mental Ray can use both the GPU and the CPU to render at maximum speed. This 3D rendering tool is especially suitable for creating characters as it is known for the quality of its under-surface scattering. This program is free to render single frames, but a commercial license is required to render sequences. 

As of April 2017, Autodesk stopped selling Mental Ray Standalone to new customers. The company noted that this change does not affect existing Mental Ray Standalone licenses, which remain valid and will continue to be supported. But Mental Ray is still among the easiest rendering software to use, so we recommend using it if you are looking for one to start with. You can purchase new Mental Ray Standalone licenses directly from NVIDIA. 

Pros:

• Best industrial-grade 3D rendering software for VFX
• Great for beginners
• Fast
• Free with Maya
• Layered material system.

Cons:

• Does not give a photorealistic result
• Poor export speed
• Difficult to optimize render times.

22. LuxCoreRender

Price: Free; Donate
Level: For professionals and amateurs 
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
Last version: 2021
Plugins/Plugin for/Compatible with: Blender, Cinema 4D, 3ds Max, SketchUp, Maya, Daz Studio
Use: 3D rendering

LuxCoreRender is an open-source rendering software, that is physically based. This 3D rendering program is mainly used for architectural visualizations. The materials used in LuxRender are based on physical characteristics, which provide photorealistic results. LuxRender even supports complex phenomena such as subsurface scattering and volume. It has a great range of features, textures, and materials, so it is excellent software for special effects and architectural rendering. Great alternative for 3ds Max, Maya, and InDesign. LuxCoreRender is completely free-to-use software.

Pros:

• Free 
• Render engine could be used with different 3D programs
• Could be also set up to use Cycles materials
• User-friendly for beginners
• Each material already comes with a pre-rendered preview.

Cons:

• Does not support network rendering
• Works slowly in the interior creating process
• Lack solid documentation.

Best rendering software for mac in 2023

In such an array of information, you can easily get confused and lose what you were looking for. Demand for 3D rendering programs for MacBooks is becoming more common with the development of this brand, that’s why we have selected for you the top 5 3D rendering software for Mac.

1. Blender. Blender is one of the best Mac software out there. It is an open-source free program, that provides 3D modeling with great final results. Blender has a flexible-driven interface. You can easily create your own tools.
2. Maya. Maya is a complete 3D program with advanced features. It is used for animation, rendering, and modeling, often in the film industry. Because it has an intuitive sculpting toolset, it is a great program for Mac. It also makes modeling much easier. This advanced software will enable you to create complex designs.
3. Cinema 4D. This list cannot be without Cinema 4D. It is powerful software for 3D modeling for macOS and Windows. The software has a user-friendly interface, so it is easy to use. The program has a wide range of CAD tools, so you can create great animations or complex designs. 
4. Maxwell. Maxwell is the best architectural rendering software for Mac on this list. The program provides you with a powerful set of rendering tools for your projects. Maxwell is user-friendly open-source software that is free to use and distribute for 30 days.
5. LuxCoreRender. LuxRender has a great range of features, so it is excellent software for special effects and architectural rendering. It even supports complex effects such as volumetrics and subsurface scattering. LuxCoreRender is also suitable for Mac and a great alternative for 3ds Max, Maya, and InDesign.

In addition, the following are programs for 3D rendering, which are also can be used on Mac. Read the details of each of them above.

6. 3Delight
7. Fusion 360
8. Redshift
9. Keyshot
10. V-Ray
11. Maya
12. SketchUp
13. Artlantis
14. ZBrush
15. Rhinoceros
16. OctaneRender
17. Mental Ray.

Conclusion

When working with 3D visualization, you need to keep your finger on the pulse. After all, the world of technology is changeable and new trends always appear, or familiar tools are improved. Thanks to good software, it is possible not only to create high-quality renders and animations but also to make them as realistic as possible. However, its selection takes place individually, depending on the needs and preferences. We put together this massive list of top 3D rendering software in 2023 to help you find the best solutions, that will suit all your needs. If you need professional help in implementing your project, Applet3D rendering company has extensive experience in this area to fulfill orders of any type and complexity.