LightWave 3D vs SketchUp
LightWave 3D
lightwave3d.com
SketchUp
sketchup.trimble.comSide by side
| Figure | LightWave 3D | SketchUp |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | £450/mo | $0.90/mo |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| API | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 10 | 16 |
| Spec score · 3D modeling software | 8.6 (#29) | 9.2 (#6) |
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| Headquarters | England, UK | Westminster, Colorado, United States |
Plans
LightWave 3D
- New LightWave 2025 Licence£795 a month
- LightWave 2025 Upgrade - LightWave 2024 users£450 a month
- LightWave 2025 Upgrade - LightWave 2023 or earlier users£550 a month
- 30-day trialFree
- LightWave 2025 Upgrade — LightWave 2024 users£450, paid once
- LightWave 2026 upgrade from 2025£450, paid once
- LightWave 2025 Upgrade — LightWave 2023 or earlier users£550, paid once
- LightWave 2026 upgrade from 2024 or earlier£550, paid once
- LightWave 2025 licence£795, paid once
- New LightWave 2026 licence£795, paid once
SketchUp
- FreeFree
- Go Annual$10.75 a month
- Pro Annual$33.25 a month
- Studio Annual$71.58 a month
- Pro Scan Annual$41.58 a month
- Pro Civil Contractor Annual$41.58 a month
- Pro Advanced Workflows Annual$49.92 a month
- Go$10.75 a year
- Pro$33.25 a year
- Pro Civil Contractor$41.58 a year
In their own words
LightWave 3D
LightWave 3D has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
SketchUp
SketchUp is 3D modeling software with parametric modeling, animation tools, rendering, and 3D-print export. It runs on the web, iOS, and Windows, though Studio’s advanced visualization and BIM workflows are Windows-only. A free browser-based plan includes Trimble Connect storage and 3D Warehouse access, but is not for commercial use. SketchUp for Schools is free with an eligible Google Workspace for Education or Microsoft Education account and works on Chromebooks or other internet-connected computers. Its education tier includes lesson plans, 3D printing, community support, and storage through Google Drive or OneDrive. Paid plans add different capabilities: Go includes web and iPad access, Pro includes desktop modeling and 2D documentation, while Studio adds point-cloud modeling and rendered animations. Go Annual costs $10.75 a month billed annually; Pro Annual costs $33.25 a month billed annually. Users can share and collaborate through Trimble Connect, and Extension Warehouse offers more than 600 extensions. SketchUp is part of Trimble and was founded in 2000.