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PrusaSlicer vs Redshift

PrusaSlicer logo

PrusaSlicer

Software

Feature-rich 3D printing slicer

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Redshift logo

Redshift

Software

World's first fully GPU-accelerated biased renderer

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; Redshift redshift is sold only as part of the Maxon One subscription bundle (via the Maxon App, 14-day free trial), with no standalone perpetual license offered on the vendor page
  • They diverge on capability: PrusaSlicer covers Automatic supports, Redshift covers GPU rendering.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which PrusaSlicer and Redshift actually diverge.

Attributes where PrusaSlicer and Redshift differ
AttributePrusaSlicerRedshift
Starting priceFree$29/month
Pricing modelopen-sourcesubscription
Free tierYesNo
Founded20122014

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 Redshift

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

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

Redshift

  • Production renderingnot PrusaSlicer
  • Motion graphicsnot 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

Redshift

  • Redshift is sold only as part of the Maxon One subscription bundle (via the Maxon App, 14-day free trial), with no standalone perpetual license offered on the vendor page

Pricing, plan by plan

PrusaSlicer

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the PrusaSlicer review.

Redshift

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

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 Redshift if

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

Questions people ask

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