# SketchUp vs 3D Modeling, Design

The clearest difference is monetization model: SketchUp at free with in-app purchases against 3D Modeling, Design's subscription. SketchUp also leads on chart position (#125 vs unranked) and ratings volume (18K vs 5.7K). 3D Modeling, Design's advantage is update cadence (every 10 days vs every 3 weeks) and iOS requirement (16.0 vs 18.6). On price, rating, review sentiment and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. SketchUp sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $11.99 per month and 3D Modeling, Design sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.5 for SketchUp against 4.5 for 3D Modeling, Design. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 18K and 5.7K respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 37% of SketchUp's written reviews are positive against 34% of 3D Modeling, Design's.

SketchUp ships an update every 3 weeks, 3D Modeling, Design every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on October 17, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SketchUp | 3D Modeling, Design |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (18K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sketchup-3d-modeling/id796352563/reviews) | [4.5 (5.7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/3d-modeling-design-shapeyard/id1397002448/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **18K** | 5.7K |
| Positive reviews | **37.0% of reviews** | 34.1% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 10 days** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Best chart rank | **#125** | — |
| Size | 695 MB | 115 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.6 | **16.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Trimble Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/322561665) | [Magic Unicorn Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1182004809) |

## What reviewers say

### SketchUp

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sketchup-3d-modeling/id796352563)

**Currently charting:** #125 Top Free · Graphics & Design (US App Store)

This platform offers intuitive 3D modeling tools for design enthusiasts and professionals. Visualize concepts, create photorealistic visuals, and even use AI to generate design ideas. Scan real-world spaces and view your creations in augmented reality.

**Highlights:** 3D modeling tools, Generative AI designs, Room planner & space design, Photorealistic visuals, Scan-to-design, Augmented reality (AR) visualization, DWG compatibility

**Features:** Apple Wallet, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| SketchUp AI Monthly | $11.99 | per month |
| SketchUp Go Monthly | $19.99 | per month |
| SketchUp Go Yearly | $129.00 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Great potential
- 👍 Intuitive and easy to use
- 🚀 Powerful and capable
- 👍 Excellent for designers, engineers, and contractors
- 👍 Smooth performance and rendering

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔒 Requires paid subscription
- 🐛 Crashes and stability issues
- 🔒 Limited functionality in free version
- 🔒 Expensive for casual users
- 🔒 Complicated navigation and UI

**Reported bugs**

- Login and account creation problems
- Crashes and freezes when opening large models
- Inability to hide/unhide components
- Inconsistent behavior with Apple Pencil
- Outdated model not updating properly

**Requested features**

- 2D drawing and 3D model integration
- More intuitive navigation and controls
- Improved file management and syncing
- Offline mode and reduced dependency on internet
- Affordable pricing options for casual users


### 3D Modeling, Design

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/3d-modeling-design-shapeyard/id1397002448)

This app offers intuitive 3D modeling tools for creating detailed models on mobile devices. It's suitable for beginners, kids, and professionals, with features for game development and 3D printing. Export your designs for use in popular game engines or to bring them to life with a 3D printer.

**Highlights:** Intuitive 3D modeling tools, Sculpting capabilities, 3D model export (OBJ, STL), Game development asset creation, 3D printing model preparation, Beginner-friendly interface, Model library for printing

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Version | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Pro Version | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Pro Version | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Pro Version | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Pro Version | $14.99 | per month |
| Pro Version | $14.99 | per month |
| Pro Version | $29.99 | per year |
| Pro Version | $49.99 | per year |
| Pro Version | $49.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Access | $99.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy to use
- 🚀 Smooth performance
- 🚀 Convenient for mobile 3D modeling
- 👍 Good for 3D printing projects
- 👍 Impressive results for a mobile app

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔒 Requires subscription to access core features
- 🔒 Limited functionality without paid plan
- 🐛 Crashes and glitches reported
- 🐛 Unreliable saving and exporting
- 🔋 High resource consumption

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes when trying to create models
- Inability to save progress
- Unreliable face tracking and scanning
- Compatibility issues on older devices

**Requested features**

- Add ability to customize avatars
- Improve sculpting and modeling tools
- Integrate with other 3D platforms
- Provide more free content and features
- Improve stability and reduce bugs


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SketchUp free?

SketchUp is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is 3D Modeling, Design free?

3D Modeling, Design is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, SketchUp or 3D Modeling, Design?

SketchUp and 3D Modeling, Design are both rated 4.5 out of 5 on the App Store, from 18K and 5.7K ratings respectively.

### Do SketchUp or 3D Modeling, Design have ads?

Neither SketchUp nor 3D Modeling, Design shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, SketchUp or 3D Modeling, Design?

SketchUp ships an update every 3 weeks, and 3D Modeling, Design every 10 days. Most recently, SketchUp was updated on October 17, 2026 and 3D Modeling, Design on October 16, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*