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CAD · head to head

Rhino 3D vs SolveSpace

Rhino 3D logo

Rhino 3D

CAD

3D computer graphics and CAD application

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
S

SolveSpace

CAD

Open source parametric CAD with a constraint solver in a few megabytes

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Rhino 3D windows-only for certain features including 3D digitizing hardware support; SolveSpace the in-house geometry kernel fails on complex boolean operations and fillets, and the failure is sometimes silent bad geometry rather than an error message, so models must be checked before export or manufacture.
  • They diverge on capability: Rhino 3D covers NURBS modeling, SolveSpace covers Constraint solver.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 1 September 2026.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Rhino 3D and SolveSpace differ
AttributeRhino 3DSolveSpace
Pricing modelone-timeOpen source, no licence fee
PlatformsWindows, Mac, iOSWindows, macOS, Linux
Founded1980Unknown

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), 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 Rhino 3D

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

Only in SolveSpace

  • Constraint solver
  • Solid modelling
  • Assemblies
  • Export formats
  • Cross-platform
  • Small footprint

What people use each for

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

Rhino 3D

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

SolveSpace

  • Designing 3D printed parts on a machine that cannot run mainstream CADnot Rhino 3D
  • Teaching constraint-based parametric modelling without buying licences for a classroomnot Rhino 3D
  • Checking that a mechanical linkage moves as intended before cutting metalnot Rhino 3D
  • Producing dimensionally accurate STEP or STL output from a small open source toolchainnot Rhino 3D

Where each one falls short

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

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

SolveSpace

  • The in-house geometry kernel fails on complex boolean operations and fillets, and the failure is sometimes silent bad geometry rather than an error message, so models must be checked before export or manufacture.
  • There is no proper drawing and dimensioning workflow, so manufacturing documentation has to be produced in another application.
  • Development is volunteer-led and intermittent; long gaps between releases are normal and there is no support contract available at any price.
  • Assembly-level import of external CAD is very limited, so it does not fit a supply chain that exchanges native or assembly-level models with suppliers.
  • The interface follows its own conventions rather than mainstream CAD ones, so existing SolidWorks or Fusion users spend time unlearning habits for a tool with a lower ceiling.

Pricing, plan by plan

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

SolveSpace

Free
  • SolveSpaceFree
    • Full application under the GPL
    • No seat limit
    • Windows, macOS and Linux builds

Which should you pick?

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

Choose SolveSpace if

  • You need constraint solver.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux.
  • You also want solid modelling.
SolveSpace review

Questions people ask

Is Rhino 3D or SolveSpace better?
Neither clearly leads. Rhino 3D starts at Free and SolveSpace at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Rhino 3D or SolveSpace?
Rhino 3D starts at Free and SolveSpace at Free.
Does Rhino 3D or SolveSpace run on more platforms?
Rhino 3D runs on Windows, Mac, iOS. SolveSpace runs on Windows, macOS, Linux.
Can I use Rhino 3D for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Rhino 3D best used for?
Rhino 3D is most often used for nurbs-based 3d modelling for product design and engineering, precision engineering and prototyping (aerospace, automotive, jewellery), generative design with grasshopper visual programming, mesh editing and point cloud processing. Of those, nurbs-based 3d modelling for product design and engineering and precision engineering and prototyping (aerospace, automotive, jewellery) are not what SolveSpace is typically brought in for.
What can Rhino 3D do that SolveSpace cannot?
Rhino 3D covers NURBS modeling, Surface modeling, 3D visualization, Grasshopper. SolveSpace covers Constraint solver, Solid modelling, Assemblies, Export formats.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

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
SolveSpace: Is it really free for commercial work?

Yes. It is released under the GPL with no licence fee and no seat limit. Support is community only.

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
SolveSpace: Can it replace Fusion 360 or SolidWorks?

No. It handles parts and simple assemblies well. Complex geometry, drawings and supply chain interoperability are outside its range.

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
SolveSpace: What hardware does it need?

Very little. It runs on old laptops and small Linux machines where mainstream CAD will not start.

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