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Aviation · head to head

Pix4D vs Rhino 3D

Pix4D logo

Pix4D

Aviation

Professional drone photogrammetry software

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Rhino 3D logo

Rhino 3D

CAD

3D computer graphics and CAD application

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Pix4D split into separate products by job, so PIX4Dreact at $55 a month, PIX4Dfields at $111, PIX4Dmatic at $125 and PIX4Dmapper at $333 are different purchases rather than tiers; Rhino 3D windows-only for certain features including 3D digitizing hardware support
  • They diverge on capability: Pix4D covers Photogrammetry, Rhino 3D covers NURBS modeling.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Pix4D and Rhino 3D actually diverge.

Attributes where Pix4D and Rhino 3D differ
AttributePix4DRhino 3D
Pricing modelsubscriptionone-time
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, WebWindows, Mac, iOS
CategoryAviationCAD
Founded20111980

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), 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 Pix4D

  • Photogrammetry
  • 3D modeling
  • Point clouds
  • Orthomosaics
  • DSM/DTM generation
  • CAD software
  • GIS platforms
  • BIM tools

Only in Rhino 3D

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

Both cover

  • Windows support
  • Macos support

What people use each for

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

Pix4D

  • Photogrammetry from drone imagery into orthomosaics and point cloudsnot Rhino 3D
  • Survey-grade 2D maps and 3D models with PIX4Dmappernot Rhino 3D
  • Rapid 2D mapping for emergency response with PIX4Dreactnot Rhino 3D
  • Multispectral crop analysis with PIX4Dfieldsnot Rhino 3D
  • Large-scale processing with LiDAR integration through PIX4Dmaticnot Rhino 3D

Rhino 3D

  • NURBS-based 3D modelling for product design and engineeringnot Pix4D
  • Precision engineering and prototyping (aerospace, automotive, jewellery)not Pix4D
  • Generative design with Grasshopper visual programmingnot Pix4D
  • Mesh editing and point cloud processingnot Pix4D

Where each one falls short

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

Pix4D

  • Split into separate products by job, so PIX4Dreact at $55 a month, PIX4Dfields at $111, PIX4Dmatic at $125 and PIX4Dmapper at $333 are different purchases rather than tiers
  • Subscription only, with monthly, yearly or three year cycles and no perpetual licence
  • No refunds, and cancellation only takes effect at renewal
  • Cloud processing is an add-on to the desktop subscriptions
  • Hardware scanning kit prices are quoted on request

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

Pix4D

Free
  • PIX4Dreact$55/month
    • Accurate 2D maps from aerial imagery
    • Processing in minutes
    • Monthly, yearly, or 3-year subscription available
  • PIX4Dfields$111/month
    • Precision agriculture mapping
    • Crop analysis and digital farming
    • Monthly, yearly, or 3-year subscription available
  • PIX4Dmatic$125/month
    • Photogrammetry and terrestrial LiDAR capabilities
    • Local machine processing with full control
    • Monthly, yearly, or 3-year subscription available
  • PIX4Dmapper$333/month
    • Professional photogrammetry software
    • Drone mapping capabilities
    • Monthly, yearly, or 3-year subscription available

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 Pix4D if

  • You need photogrammetry.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web.
  • You also want 3d modeling.
Pix4D 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 Pix4D or Rhino 3D better?
Neither clearly leads. Pix4D starts at Free and Rhino 3D at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Pix4D or Rhino 3D?
Pix4D starts at Free and Rhino 3D at Free.
Does Pix4D or Rhino 3D run on more platforms?
Pix4D runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web. Rhino 3D runs on Windows, Mac, iOS.
Can I use Pix4D for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Pix4D best used for?
Pix4D is most often used for photogrammetry from drone imagery into orthomosaics and point clouds, survey-grade 2d maps and 3d models with pix4dmapper, rapid 2d mapping for emergency response with pix4dreact, multispectral crop analysis with pix4dfields. Of those, photogrammetry from drone imagery into orthomosaics and point clouds and survey-grade 2d maps and 3d models with pix4dmapper are not what Rhino 3D is typically brought in for.
What can Pix4D do that Rhino 3D cannot?
Pix4D covers Photogrammetry, 3D modeling, Point clouds, Orthomosaics. Rhino 3D covers NURBS modeling, Surface modeling, 3D visualization, Grasshopper. Both handle Windows support, Macos support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Pix4D: What is the lowest-cost PIX4D subscription?

PIX4Dreact starts at $55/month and produces accurate 2D maps from aerial imagery processed in minutes. Subscriptions are available on monthly, yearly, or 3-year billing cycles.

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
Pix4D: Does PIX4D offer a free trial?

Yes, PIX4D provides a 15-day free trial with no credit card required to test the software before committing to a subscription.

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
Pix4D: What payment methods does PIX4D accept?

PIX4D accepts credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Link globally. Regional options include bank transfers, SEPA Direct Debit for Europe, ACH transfers for the US, and country-specific payment methods.

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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