# SketchUp vs 3D modeling

SketchUp and 3D modeling both sit at 4.5 stars, but that hides the real split: 68% of 3D modeling's written reviews are positive against 37% of SketchUp's. 3D modeling also leads on iOS requirement (15.0 vs 18.6). SketchUp's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months). On price, rating, ratings volume 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 sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month. 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 4.6 for 3D modeling. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 18K and 15K respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 37% of SketchUp's written reviews are positive against 68% of 3D modeling's.

SketchUp ships an update every 3 weeks, 3D modeling every 2 months. Both last shipped on November 6, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | SketchUp | 3D modeling |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (18K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sketchup-3d-modeling/id796352563/reviews) | **[4.6 (15K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/3d-modeling-design-my-model/id1583923782/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **18K** | 15K |
| Positive reviews | 37.0% of reviews | **68.1% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | #110 | **#97** |
| Size | 695 MB | 116 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.6 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Trimble Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/322561665) | [Core five, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1276304756) |

## What reviewers say

### SketchUp

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

**Currently charting:** #110 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

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/3d-modeling-design-my-model/id1583923782)

**Currently charting:** #97 Top Free · Graphics & Design, #179 Top Grossing · Graphics & Design (US App Store)

Create 3D models and digital art on your mobile device. Sculpt, sketch, and color your designs with intuitive gesture controls and a comprehensive set of modeling tools. Export your creations in standard formats.

**Highlights:** Gesture-based 3D manipulation, Vertex, edge, and face editing tools, Sculpting and coloring capabilities, UV editor for texture placement, Material application, OBJ file import/export, Video tutorials for all tools

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

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Monthly | $5.99 | per month |
| Monthly Pro | $6.99 | per month |
| Premium Yearly | $34.99 | per year |
| Premium Yearly | $34.99 | per year |
| Yearly Pro | $39.99 | per year |
| Yearly Pro | $39.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Smooth performance
- 💡 Helpful tutorials
- 🎨 Good modeling tools
- 🎨 Intuitive interface

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔒 Exporting locked behind paywall
- 🔒 Subscription model
- 🐛 Crashes and freezes
- 🔍 Unclear file management
- 🔍 Confusing controls

**Reported bugs**

- Painting issues with textures
- Inconsistent scaling behavior
- Reference images disappearing
- Inability to delete objects

**Requested features**

- Add layer management
- Improve UV mapping tools
- Implement lighting controls
- Allow importing custom models
- Add mirror/symmetry mode


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SketchUp free?

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

### Is 3D modeling free?

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

### Which has better reviews, SketchUp or 3D modeling?

3D modeling is rated higher. SketchUp averages 4.5 out of 5 from 18K ratings, while 3D modeling averages 4.6 from 15K ratings.

### Do SketchUp or 3D modeling have ads?

Neither SketchUp nor 3D modeling shows ads.

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

SketchUp ships an update every 3 weeks, and 3D modeling every 2 months. Most recently, SketchUp was updated on November 6, 2026 and 3D modeling on November 6, 2026.

### Which is more popular, SketchUp or 3D modeling?

SketchUp currently peaks at #110 in the App Store charts, and 3D modeling at #97. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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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.*