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PrusaSlicer vs Mudbox

PrusaSlicer logo

PrusaSlicer

Software

Feature-rich 3D printing slicer

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Mudbox logo

Mudbox

Software

Digital painting and sculpting software

From
$29/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only PrusaSlicer has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: PrusaSlicer limited to slicing workflow only; no interactive 3D design capabilities; Mudbox a Mudbox subscription license may be installed on up to 3 computers (Internet Archive capture, 12 November 2023)
  • They diverge on capability: PrusaSlicer covers Automatic supports, Mudbox covers Digital sculpting.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which PrusaSlicer and Mudbox actually diverge.

Attributes where PrusaSlicer and Mudbox differ
AttributePrusaSlicerMudbox
Starting priceFree$29/month
Pricing modelopen-sourcesubscription
Free tierYesNo
Founded20121982

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 PrusaSlicer

  • Automatic supports
  • Multi-material
  • Variable layer height
  • Custom G-code
  • Paint-on supports
  • Ironing
  • Prusa printers
  • Most FDM printers

Only in Mudbox

  • Digital sculpting
  • Texture painting
  • Retopology
  • PTEX support
  • Layer system
  • Stencils
  • Stamps
  • GPU tessellation

Both cover

  • Windows support
  • MacOS support
  • Linux support

What people use each for

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

PrusaSlicer

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

Mudbox

  • Character sculptingnot PrusaSlicer
  • Texture creationnot PrusaSlicer
  • Asset detailingnot PrusaSlicer

Where each one falls short

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

PrusaSlicer

  • Limited to slicing workflow only; no interactive 3D design capabilities
  • Designed for RepRap-based printers; compatibility with other printer architectures varies

Mudbox

  • A Mudbox subscription license may be installed on up to 3 computers (Internet Archive capture, 12 November 2023)
  • Sold as monthly, annual or 3-year subscription terms with no perpetual license option offered on the pricing page (Internet Archive capture, 12 November 2023)

Pricing, plan by plan

PrusaSlicer

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the PrusaSlicer review.

Mudbox

$29/month
  • Mudbox$85/month
    • Full sculpting
    • Texture painting
  • M&E Collection$2390/month
    • Mudbox + Maya + 3ds Max + more

Which should you pick?

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

Choose Mudbox if

  • You need digital sculpting.
  • You work on Windows, MacOS, Linux.
  • You also want texture painting.
Mudbox review

Questions people ask

Is PrusaSlicer or Mudbox better?
Neither clearly leads. PrusaSlicer starts at Free and Mudbox at $29/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, PrusaSlicer or Mudbox?
PrusaSlicer has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for PrusaSlicer and $29/month for Mudbox.
Does PrusaSlicer or Mudbox run on more platforms?
PrusaSlicer runs on Windows, macOS, Linux. Mudbox runs on Windows, MacOS, Linux.
Can I use PrusaSlicer for free?
Yes. PrusaSlicer has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Mudbox starts at $29/month.
What is PrusaSlicer best used for?
PrusaSlicer is most often used for preparation of stl models for 3d printing, multi-material printing preparation, g-code generation and customisation via macros. Of those, preparation of stl models for 3d printing and multi-material printing preparation are not what Mudbox is typically brought in for.
What can PrusaSlicer do that Mudbox cannot?
PrusaSlicer covers Automatic supports, Multi-material, Variable layer height, Custom G-code. Mudbox covers Digital sculpting, Texture painting, Retopology, PTEX support. Both handle Windows support, MacOS support, Linux support.
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