Softwr

Construction · head to head

Autodesk Revit vs Rhino 3D

Autodesk Revit logo

Autodesk Revit

Construction

BIM software for architects and engineers

From
$29/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Rhino 3D logo

Rhino 3D

CAD

3D computer graphics and CAD application

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Rhino 3D has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Autodesk Revit exact subscription rates not shown on product page; pricing template contains placeholder {{PRICE}} variable; Rhino 3D windows-only for certain features including 3D digitizing hardware support
  • They diverge on capability: Autodesk Revit covers BIM modeling, Rhino 3D covers NURBS modeling.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Autodesk Revit and Rhino 3D actually diverge.

Attributes where Autodesk Revit and Rhino 3D differ
AttributeAutodesk RevitRhino 3D
Starting price$29/monthFree
Pricing modelsubscriptionone-time
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWindowsWindows, Mac, iOS
CategoryConstructionCAD
Founded19821980

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated).

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 Autodesk Revit

  • BIM modeling
  • Parametric components
  • Collaboration
  • Documentation
  • Structural analysis
  • MEP design
  • Cloud worksharing
  • AutoCAD

Only in Rhino 3D

  • NURBS modeling
  • Surface modeling
  • 3D visualization
  • Grasshopper
  • Grasshopper
  • KeyShot
  • V-Ray
  • CAM software

Both cover

  • Rendering
  • Windows support

What people use each for

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

Autodesk Revit

  • Building designnot Rhino 3D
  • Construction documentationnot Rhino 3D
  • BIM coordinationnot Rhino 3D

Rhino 3D

  • NURBS-based 3D modelling for product design and engineeringnot Autodesk Revit
  • Precision engineering and prototyping (aerospace, automotive, jewellery)not Autodesk Revit
  • Generative design with Grasshopper visual programmingnot Autodesk Revit
  • Mesh editing and point cloud processingnot Autodesk Revit

Where each one falls short

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

Autodesk Revit

  • Exact subscription rates not shown on product page; pricing template contains placeholder {{PRICE}} variable
  • Multiple pricing options (monthly, annual, 3-year term) available but actual costs require navigation to separate pricing flow

Rhino 3D

  • Windows-only for certain features including 3D digitizing hardware support
  • Performance depends on hardware capabilities; complex projects require better equipment
  • Pre-release/Work-in-Progress builds may contain bugs and are not production ready

Pricing, plan by plan

Autodesk Revit

$29/month
  • Revit$2545/month
    • Full BIM capabilities
    • Collaboration tools
  • AEC Collection$2975/month
    • Revit + AutoCAD + Civil 3D + more

Rhino 3D

Free
  • EvaluationFree
    • 90-day trial
    • All features included
    • No credit card required
  • Student License$195/mo
    • Perpetual license
    • Support included
    • Service releases
  • Commercial License$995/mo
    • Perpetual license
    • Support included
    • Service releases
  • Student Upgrade$95/mo
    • Perpetual license
    • Requires prior license key
    • Support included

Which should you pick?

Choose Autodesk Revit if

  • You need bim modeling.
  • You work on Windows.
  • You also want parametric components.
Autodesk Revit review

Choose Rhino 3D if

  • You need nurbs modeling.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Mac, iOS.
  • You also want surface modeling.
Rhino 3D review

Questions people ask

Is Autodesk Revit or Rhino 3D better?
Neither clearly leads. Autodesk Revit starts at $29/month and Rhino 3D at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Autodesk Revit or Rhino 3D?
Rhino 3D has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $29/month for Autodesk Revit and Free for Rhino 3D.
Does Autodesk Revit or Rhino 3D run on more platforms?
Autodesk Revit runs on Windows. Rhino 3D runs on Windows, Mac, iOS.
Can I use Rhino 3D for free?
Yes. Rhino 3D has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Autodesk Revit starts at $29/month.
What is Autodesk Revit best used for?
Autodesk Revit is most often used for building design, construction documentation, bim coordination. Of those, building design and construction documentation are not what Rhino 3D is typically brought in for.
What can Autodesk Revit do that Rhino 3D cannot?
Autodesk Revit covers BIM modeling, Parametric components, Collaboration, Documentation. Rhino 3D covers NURBS modeling, Surface modeling, 3D visualization, Grasshopper. Both handle Rendering, Windows support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Autodesk Revit: How much does Autodesk Revit cost per month?

Autodesk Revit is available on a monthly subscription, with a 15-day return policy for trial conversions. Specific rates are not published on the product page.

Source
Rhino 3D: How much does Rhino 3D cost?

Student licenses cost EUR 195, commercial licenses cost EUR 995. Both are perpetual one-time purchases. Upgrades from prior versions cost EUR 95 for students and EUR 595 for commercial users.

Source
Autodesk Revit: What discount does Autodesk offer for annual Revit subscriptions?

Revit annual subscriptions save 33% compared to monthly pricing. Specific price points are not displayed on the homepage.

Source
Rhino 3D: Is there a free trial?

Yes, a 90-day evaluation license is available free with no credit card required. Full features are included and commercial use is allowed.

Source
Autodesk Revit: Can I install Revit on multiple computers?

Revit subscriptions allow installation on up to 3 computers, but only one named user can sign in at a time. Multi-seat team pricing is not detailed on the site.

Source
Rhino 3D: Can Rhino 3D licenses be shared across multiple users?

Commercial versions support floating licenses that can be shared. Student licenses are limited to single-user perpetual licenses. All licenses include support and service releases.

Source
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