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3D-Coat vs PrusaSlicer

3D-Coat logo

3D-Coat

Software

Digital sculpting for game artists

From
$29/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
PrusaSlicer logo

PrusaSlicer

Software

Feature-rich 3D printing slicer

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only PrusaSlicer has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: 3D-Coat split into separate products, so 3DCoatTextura covers texturing only and the full sculpting toolset needs the complete 3DCoat licence; PrusaSlicer limited to slicing workflow only; no interactive 3D design capabilities
  • They diverge on capability: 3D-Coat covers Voxel sculpting, PrusaSlicer covers Automatic supports.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which 3D-Coat and PrusaSlicer actually diverge.

Attributes where 3D-Coat and PrusaSlicer differ
Attribute3D-CoatPrusaSlicer
Starting price$29/monthFree
Pricing modelone-timeopen-source
Free tierNoYes
Founded20072012

Identical on both: platforms (Windows, MacOS, Linux), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in 3D-Coat

  • Voxel sculpting
  • Surface sculpting
  • Retopology
  • UV mapping
  • Texture painting
  • PBR materials
  • Smart materials
  • Baking

Only in PrusaSlicer

  • Automatic supports
  • Multi-material
  • Variable layer height
  • Custom G-code
  • Paint-on supports
  • Ironing
  • Prusa printers
  • Most FDM printers

Both cover

  • Windows support
  • MacOS support
  • Linux support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

3D-Coat

  • Voxel sculpting from a digital clay blocknot PrusaSlicer
  • Retopology of high-density sculpts into production meshesnot PrusaSlicer
  • UV mapping and PBR texturingnot PrusaSlicer
  • Preparing print-ready models for 3D printingnot PrusaSlicer
  • Node-based material authoring on the GPUnot PrusaSlicer

PrusaSlicer

  • Preparation of STL models for 3D printingnot 3D-Coat
  • Multi-material printing preparationnot 3D-Coat
  • G-code generation and customisation via macrosnot 3D-Coat

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

3D-Coat

  • Split into separate products, so 3DCoatTextura covers texturing only and the full sculpting toolset needs the complete 3DCoat licence
  • Pricing is not published on the product pages
  • Licences are sold node-locked or floating, so moving a seat between machines depends on which was bought

PrusaSlicer

  • Limited to slicing workflow only; no interactive 3D design capabilities
  • Designed for RepRap-based printers; compatibility with other printer architectures varies

Pricing, plan by plan

3D-Coat

$29/month
  • Amateur$99/month
    • Non-commercial use
  • Professional$379/month
    • Full commercial license
  • Floating$568/month
    • Network licensing

PrusaSlicer

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the PrusaSlicer review.

Which should you pick?

Choose 3D-Coat if

  • You need voxel sculpting.
  • You work on Windows, MacOS, Linux.
  • You also want surface sculpting.
3D-Coat review

Choose PrusaSlicer if

  • You need automatic supports.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux.
  • You also want multi-material.
PrusaSlicer review

Questions people ask

Is 3D-Coat or PrusaSlicer better?
Neither clearly leads. 3D-Coat starts at $29/month and PrusaSlicer at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, 3D-Coat or PrusaSlicer?
PrusaSlicer has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $29/month for 3D-Coat and Free for PrusaSlicer.
Does 3D-Coat or PrusaSlicer run on more platforms?
3D-Coat runs on Windows, MacOS, Linux. PrusaSlicer runs on Windows, macOS, Linux.
Can I use PrusaSlicer for free?
Yes. PrusaSlicer has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. 3D-Coat starts at $29/month.
What is 3D-Coat best used for?
3D-Coat is most often used for voxel sculpting from a digital clay block, retopology of high-density sculpts into production meshes, uv mapping and pbr texturing, preparing print-ready models for 3d printing. Of those, voxel sculpting from a digital clay block and retopology of high-density sculpts into production meshes are not what PrusaSlicer is typically brought in for.
What can 3D-Coat do that PrusaSlicer cannot?
3D-Coat covers Voxel sculpting, Surface sculpting, Retopology, UV mapping. PrusaSlicer covers Automatic supports, Multi-material, Variable layer height, Custom G-code. Both handle Windows support, MacOS support, Linux support.
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