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CAD · head to head

Rhino 3D vs Ultimaker Cura

Rhino 3D logo

Rhino 3D

CAD

3D computer graphics and CAD application

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Ultimaker Cura logo

Ultimaker Cura

CAD

Powerful 3D printing slicer

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; Ultimaker Cura support varies by community contribution
  • They diverge on capability: Rhino 3D covers NURBS modeling, Ultimaker Cura covers Universal printer support.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Rhino 3D and Ultimaker Cura differ
AttributeRhino 3DUltimaker Cura
Pricing modelone-timeUnknown
PlatformsWindows, Mac, iOSWindows, macOS, Linux
Founded19802011

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 Ultimaker Cura

  • Universal printer support
  • Custom profiles
  • Plugin marketplace
  • Cloud integration
  • Tree supports
  • Arachne engine
  • Ultimaker printers
  • Most FDM printers

Both cover

  • Windows support

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 Ultimaker Cura
  • Precision engineering and prototyping (aerospace, automotive, jewellery)not Ultimaker Cura
  • Generative design with Grasshopper visual programmingnot Ultimaker Cura
  • Mesh editing and point cloud processingnot Ultimaker Cura

Ultimaker Cura

  • 3D print slicingnot Rhino 3D
  • Professional printingnot 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

Ultimaker Cura

  • Support varies by community contribution
  • No commercial technical support

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

Ultimaker Cura

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Ultimaker Cura review.

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 Ultimaker Cura if

  • You need universal printer support.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux.
  • You also want custom profiles.
Ultimaker Cura review

Questions people ask

Is Rhino 3D or Ultimaker Cura better?
Neither clearly leads. Rhino 3D starts at Free and Ultimaker Cura at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Rhino 3D or Ultimaker Cura?
Rhino 3D starts at Free and Ultimaker Cura at Free.
Does Rhino 3D or Ultimaker Cura run on more platforms?
Rhino 3D runs on Windows, Mac, iOS. Ultimaker Cura 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 Ultimaker Cura is typically brought in for.
What can Rhino 3D do that Ultimaker Cura cannot?
Rhino 3D covers NURBS modeling, Surface modeling, 3D visualization, Grasshopper. Ultimaker Cura covers Universal printer support, Custom profiles, Plugin marketplace, Cloud integration. Both handle Windows support.

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
Ultimaker Cura: Is Ultimaker Cura free?

Yes. Ultimaker Cura is completely free and open-source under the LGPL license. There are no premium versions, subscriptions, or hidden fees. All features are available to everyone.

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
Ultimaker Cura: How many printers does Cura support?

Ultimaker Cura supports over 400 different 3D printer models with out-of-the-box configuration. Users can add custom printers and profiles.

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
Ultimaker Cura: What file formats does Cura import?

Ultimaker Cura converts STL, OBJ, 3MF, and other 3D file formats into G-code instructions that 3D printers can execute.

Source
Ultimaker Cura: What features are available?

Cura offers 400+ configurable print settings, material profiles, intent profiles for specific applications, plugin support via the Ultimaker Marketplace, and active community development on GitHub.

Source
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