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Software · head to head

Fusion 360 vs ZBrush

Fusion 360 logo

Fusion 360

Software

Cloud-based 3D CAD, CAM, and CAE platform

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
ZBrush logo

ZBrush

Software

Industry standard for digital sculpting

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Fusion 360 has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Fusion 360 requires paid subscription for professional use; ZBrush subscription model required; no perpetual licence option available
  • They diverge on capability: Fusion 360 covers 3D CAD modeling, ZBrush covers Digital sculpting.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Fusion 360 and ZBrush actually diverge.

Attributes where Fusion 360 and ZBrush differ
AttributeFusion 360ZBrush
Starting priceFreeOn request
Pricing modelfreemiumsubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWeb, Windows, macOSWindows, macOS, iPadOS
Founded19821986

Identical on both: 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 Fusion 360

  • 3D CAD modeling
  • Simulation
  • CAM programming
  • PCB design
  • Cloud collaboration
  • Autodesk ecosystem
  • Manufacturing partners
  • PLM systems

Only in ZBrush

  • Digital sculpting
  • Dynamesh
  • ZRemesher
  • PolyPaint
  • Live Boolean
  • Sculptris Pro
  • UV Master
  • High polygon handling

Both cover

  • Windows support

What people use each for

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

Fusion 360

  • Product designnot ZBrush
  • Prototypingnot ZBrush
  • Manufacturingnot ZBrush
  • 3D printingnot ZBrush
  • Simulationnot ZBrush

ZBrush

  • Digital character and creature sculptingnot Fusion 360
  • High-polygon organic form designnot Fusion 360
  • Texture painting and PolyPaint worknot Fusion 360
  • Game asset creation and 3D modellingnot Fusion 360

Where each one falls short

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

Fusion 360

  • Requires paid subscription for professional use
  • Cloud-based, requires internet connection
  • Free tier limited to students and educators

ZBrush

  • Subscription model required; no perpetual licence option available
  • iPad version requires separate subscription to ZBrush for iPad

Pricing, plan by plan

Fusion 360

Free
  • Personal UseFree
    • Non-commercial use
    • Basic CAD tools
    • Cloud storage
  • Commercial$70/month
    • Full CAD/CAM/CAE
    • Simulation
    • Rendering

ZBrush

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the ZBrush review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Fusion 360 if

  • You need 3d cad modeling.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Windows, macOS.
  • You also want simulation.
Fusion 360 review

Choose ZBrush if

  • You need digital sculpting.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, iPadOS.
  • You also want dynamesh.
ZBrush review

Questions people ask

Is Fusion 360 or ZBrush better?
Neither clearly leads. Fusion 360 starts at Free and ZBrush at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Fusion 360 or ZBrush?
Fusion 360 has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Fusion 360 and On request for ZBrush.
Does Fusion 360 or ZBrush run on more platforms?
Fusion 360 runs on Web, Windows, macOS. ZBrush runs on Windows, macOS, iPadOS.
Can I use Fusion 360 for free?
Yes. Fusion 360 has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. ZBrush starts at On request.
What is Fusion 360 best used for?
Fusion 360 is most often used for product design, prototyping, manufacturing, 3d printing. Of those, product design and prototyping are not what ZBrush is typically brought in for.
What can Fusion 360 do that ZBrush cannot?
Fusion 360 covers 3D CAD modeling, Simulation, CAM programming, PCB design. ZBrush covers Digital sculpting, Dynamesh, ZRemesher, PolyPaint. Both handle Windows support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Fusion 360: Is Fusion 360 free?

Fusion 360 is free for students, educators, and academic institutions with full features. It offers a 30-day free trial for all users, and a limited personal-use license for hobbyists and makers.

Source
Fusion 360: How much does Fusion 360 cost for professionals?

Fusion 360 professional subscriptions start at $85/month, $680/year, or $2,040 for a 3-year commitment. Startups that qualify can get a discount starting at $150.

Source
Fusion 360: Does Fusion 360 support 3D modeling, CAD, and CAM?

Yes. Fusion 360 is a cloud-based platform that integrates 3D modeling, CAD, CAM, CAE (simulation), and PCB design in one software.

Source
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