Softwr

Software · head to head

Modo vs PrusaSlicer

Modo logo

Modo

Software

Creative 3D modeling and rendering

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: Modo foundry announced on November 7, 2024 that it is winding down development of Modo after the Modo 17.1 release, with no further feature or maintenance releases anticipated; PrusaSlicer limited to slicing workflow only; no interactive 3D design capabilities
  • They diverge on capability: Modo covers Polygon modeling, PrusaSlicer covers Automatic supports.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Modo and PrusaSlicer actually diverge.

Attributes where Modo and PrusaSlicer differ
AttributeModoPrusaSlicer
Starting price$29/monthFree
Pricing modelsubscriptionopen-source
Free tierNoYes
Founded19962012

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 Modo

  • Polygon modeling
  • Subdivision surfaces
  • Sculpting
  • UV tools
  • Procedural modeling
  • Rendering
  • Animation
  • MeshFusion

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.

Modo

  • Polygon and subdivision surface modelling for media and entertainment assetsnot PrusaSlicer
  • Look development and rendering of product and character modelsnot PrusaSlicer

PrusaSlicer

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

Where each one falls short

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

Modo

  • Foundry announced on November 7, 2024 that it is winding down development of Modo after the Modo 17.1 release, with no further feature or maintenance releases anticipated
  • Support continues only until each customer's current contract term expires
  • Foundry does not guarantee that Modo will keep working on future operating system updates because no patches will be issued, and recommends customers migrate to alternative 3D workflows
  • Perpetual licences keep working but receive no further updates, bug fixes or support
  • The Modo forums closed in December 2024 and downloads, docs and the support knowledgebase were committed only until November 2025

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

Modo

$29/month
  • Indie$599/month
    • Full Modo
    • Revenue limit $100K
  • Modo$1898/month
    • Full commercial license

PrusaSlicer

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the PrusaSlicer review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Modo if

  • You need polygon modeling.
  • You work on Windows, MacOS, Linux.
  • You also want subdivision surfaces.
Modo 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 Modo or PrusaSlicer better?
Neither clearly leads. Modo 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, Modo or PrusaSlicer?
PrusaSlicer has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $29/month for Modo and Free for PrusaSlicer.
Does Modo or PrusaSlicer run on more platforms?
Modo 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. Modo starts at $29/month.
What is Modo best used for?
Modo is most often used for polygon and subdivision surface modelling for media and entertainment assets, look development and rendering of product and character models. Of those, polygon and subdivision surface modelling for media and entertainment assets and look development and rendering of product and character models are not what PrusaSlicer is typically brought in for.
What can Modo do that PrusaSlicer cannot?
Modo covers Polygon modeling, Subdivision surfaces, Sculpting, UV tools. PrusaSlicer covers Automatic supports, Multi-material, Variable layer height, Custom G-code. Both handle Windows support, MacOS support, Linux support.
ShareXLinkedInRedditWhatsAppEmail

Related pages

More on Modo

More on PrusaSlicer

Keep looking

Other head to heads