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3D & CAD · head to head

PrusaSlicer vs V-Ray

PrusaSlicer logo

PrusaSlicer

3D & CAD

Feature-rich 3D printing slicer

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
V-Ray logo

V-Ray

3D & CAD

Professional 3D rendering 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; V-Ray licences are subscription only with no perpetual option listed for any product
  • They diverge on capability: PrusaSlicer covers Automatic supports, V-Ray covers Ray tracing.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which PrusaSlicer and V-Ray actually diverge.

Attributes where PrusaSlicer and V-Ray differ
AttributePrusaSlicerV-Ray
Starting priceFree$29/month
Pricing modelopen-sourcesubscription
Free tierYesNo
Founded20121997

Identical on both: platforms (Windows, macOS, Linux), user rating (Not yet rated), category (3D & 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 PrusaSlicer

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

Only in V-Ray

  • Ray tracing
  • Global illumination
  • GPU rendering
  • CPU rendering
  • Materials
  • Lighting
  • VR output
  • Scene intelligence

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 V-Ray
  • Multi-material printing preparationnot V-Ray
  • G-code generation and customisation via macrosnot V-Ray

V-Ray

  • Photorealistic rendering for architecture and product visualisationnot PrusaSlicer
  • Real time and ray traced rendering inside CAD and 3D applicationsnot 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

V-Ray

  • Licences are subscription only with no perpetual option listed for any product
  • Subscription terms renew automatically
  • Cloud rendering runs on separately purchased credits, with the Pro tier at $25.30 a month for 1,000
  • Enterprise pricing requires contacting sales

Pricing, plan by plan

PrusaSlicer

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the PrusaSlicer review.

V-Ray

$29/month
  • V-Ray Solo$60/month
    • 1 workstation
    • 5 render nodes
  • V-Ray Premium$80/month
    • Multiple apps
    • Cloud credits

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 V-Ray if

  • You need ray tracing.
  • You work on Windows, MacOS, Linux.
  • You also want global illumination.
V-Ray review

Questions people ask

Is PrusaSlicer or V-Ray better?
Neither clearly leads. PrusaSlicer starts at Free and V-Ray at $29/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, PrusaSlicer or V-Ray?
PrusaSlicer has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for PrusaSlicer and $29/month for V-Ray.
Does PrusaSlicer or V-Ray run on more platforms?
PrusaSlicer runs on Windows, macOS, Linux. V-Ray runs on Windows, MacOS, Linux.
Can I use PrusaSlicer for free?
Yes. PrusaSlicer has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. V-Ray 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 V-Ray is typically brought in for.
What can PrusaSlicer do that V-Ray cannot?
PrusaSlicer covers Automatic supports, Multi-material, Variable layer height, Custom G-code. V-Ray covers Ray tracing, Global illumination, GPU rendering, CPU rendering. Both handle Windows support, MacOS support, Linux support.
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