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CAD · head to head

Redshift vs Ultimaker Cura

Redshift logo

Redshift

CAD

World's first fully GPU-accelerated biased renderer

From
$29/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Ultimaker Cura logo

Ultimaker Cura

CAD

Powerful 3D printing slicer

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Ultimaker Cura has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Redshift no specific pricing amounts published on product page; Ultimaker Cura support varies by community contribution
  • They diverge on capability: Redshift covers GPU rendering, Ultimaker Cura covers Universal printer support.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Redshift and Ultimaker Cura actually diverge.

Attributes where Redshift and Ultimaker Cura differ
AttributeRedshiftUltimaker Cura
Starting price$29/monthFree
Pricing modelsubscriptionUnknown
Free tierNoYes
Founded20142011

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

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 Redshift

  • GPU rendering
  • Out-of-core rendering
  • Proxy system
  • AOVs
  • Motion blur
  • Production shading
  • Maya
  • 3ds Max

Only in Ultimaker Cura

  • Universal printer support
  • Custom profiles
  • Plugin marketplace
  • Cloud integration
  • Tree supports
  • Arachne engine
  • Ultimaker 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.

Redshift

  • 3D rendering and visualizationnot Ultimaker Cura
  • GPU-accelerated ray tracingnot Ultimaker Cura
  • Multi-GPU rendering up to 8 GPUs per machinenot Ultimaker Cura

Ultimaker Cura

  • 3D print slicingnot Redshift
  • Professional printingnot Redshift

Where each one falls short

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

Redshift

  • No specific pricing amounts published on product page
  • Only 14-day free trial duration mentioned; no longer-term free tier
  • Must contact sales team for subscription cost details

Ultimaker Cura

  • Support varies by community contribution
  • No commercial technical support

Pricing, plan by plan

Redshift

$29/month
  • Redshift$45/month
    • Full GPU rendering
  • Maxon One$149.91/month
    • Redshift + C4D + ZBrush

Ultimaker Cura

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Ultimaker Cura review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Redshift if

  • You need gpu rendering.
  • You work on Windows, MacOS, Linux.
  • You also want out-of-core rendering.
Redshift review

Choose Ultimaker Cura if

  • You need universal printer support.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux.
  • You also want custom profiles.
Ultimaker Cura review

Questions people ask

Is Redshift or Ultimaker Cura better?
Neither clearly leads. Redshift starts at $29/month and Ultimaker Cura at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Redshift or Ultimaker Cura?
Ultimaker Cura has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $29/month for Redshift and Free for Ultimaker Cura.
Does Redshift or Ultimaker Cura run on more platforms?
Redshift runs on Windows, MacOS, Linux. Ultimaker Cura runs on Windows, macOS, Linux.
Can I use Ultimaker Cura for free?
Yes. Ultimaker Cura has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Redshift starts at $29/month.
What is Redshift best used for?
Redshift is most often used for 3d rendering and visualization, gpu-accelerated ray tracing, multi-gpu rendering up to 8 gpus per machine. Of those, 3d rendering and visualization and gpu-accelerated ray tracing are not what Ultimaker Cura is typically brought in for.
What can Redshift do that Ultimaker Cura cannot?
Redshift covers GPU rendering, Out-of-core rendering, Proxy system, AOVs. Ultimaker Cura covers Universal printer support, Custom profiles, Plugin marketplace, Cloud integration. Both handle Windows support, MacOS support, Linux support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Redshift: What is included with a Redshift subscription?

Redshift Subscription includes all integration plugins and capability for multiple instances up to 8 GPUs on a single computer. Specific features beyond rendering engine not detailed in public pricing documentation.

Source
Ultimaker Cura: Is Ultimaker Cura free?

Yes. Ultimaker Cura is completely free and open-source under the LGPL license. There are no premium versions, subscriptions, or hidden fees. All features are available to everyone.

Source
Redshift: How long is the Redshift trial period?

Redshift offers a 14-day free trial for users to evaluate the software before purchase commitment.

Source
Ultimaker Cura: How many printers does Cura support?

Ultimaker Cura supports over 400 different 3D printer models with out-of-the-box configuration. Users can add custom printers and profiles.

Source
Redshift: Where can I find Redshift pricing details?

Specific pricing is available through Redshift store access or by contacting the sales team directly. Pricing amounts are not listed on the public product page.

Source
Ultimaker Cura: What file formats does Cura import?

Ultimaker Cura converts STL, OBJ, 3MF, and other 3D file formats into G-code instructions that 3D printers can execute.

Source
Ultimaker Cura: What features are available?

Cura offers 400+ configurable print settings, material profiles, intent profiles for specific applications, plugin support via the Ultimaker Marketplace, and active community development on GitHub.

Source
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