Comparison
Maquete vs Lumion
Lumion is a powerful real-time rendering application with a massive asset library. Maquete takes a fundamentally different approach — AI-powered rendering that needs no 3D scene setup, no GPU, and no Windows machine.
Overview
Lumion is a real-time 3D rendering application popular in architecture for its speed relative to offline renderers and its extensive library of vegetation, people, furniture, and effects. You import your 3D model, dress the scene with assets, and render. Plans range from $299/year for students to $1,499/year for professionals.
Maquete skips the scene-dressing step entirely. Upload a SketchUp viewport — or render directly from the plugin — and AI handles materials, landscaping, lighting, and atmosphere automatically. No asset placement, no GPU, no Windows requirement.
The trade-off is control. Lumion gives you precise placement of every tree, car, and person. Maquete gives you speed and simplicity, generating a complete visualisation from your geometry alone.
Feature comparison
| Feature | Maquete | Lumion |
|---|---|---|
| Annual cost | From $0 (free tier) to $840/yr | $299/yr (Student) to $1,499/yr (Pro) |
| Render speed | Seconds — AI cloud rendering | Seconds to minutes — real-time GPU |
| Hardware required | None — runs in browser | High-end GPU (RTX 2080+ recommended) |
| Setup complexity | Upload image, choose style, render | Import model, place assets, set materials, render |
| Asset library | AI generates environment context | 10,000+ 3D objects, materials, effects |
| SketchUp integration | Native plugin — render without exporting | LiveSync plugin — mirrors SketchUp scene |
| Animation / video | AI video walkthroughs from renders | Full animation paths and movie mode |
| Scene control | Prompt-based style and mood control | Full 3D scene editing and placement |
| Platform | Web + SketchUp plugin (any OS) | Windows only |
| Best for | Fast concepts, client presentations, iteration | Detailed scenes, animations, VR walkthroughs |
When to use which
Choose Maquete for instant visualisation
When you need a photorealistic image from your SketchUp model in under a minute — for a design review, a quick client check-in, or testing compositions — Maquete delivers without any scene setup.
Choose Lumion for scene control
When you need to place specific trees, furniture, vehicles, and people in exact positions, Lumion gives you a full 3D environment to work with. Its asset library is one of the largest in the industry.
No GPU, no Windows, no problem
Lumion requires a Windows machine with a dedicated GPU. Maquete runs in any browser on any operating system. If you work on a Mac or want to render from a laptop on site, Maquete removes the hardware barrier.
Cost comparison
Lumion Pro costs $1,499 per year. Maquete's Studio plan — with generous render limits and all features — costs a fraction of that. The free tier lets you evaluate the output before committing.
Frequently asked questions
Is Maquete a Lumion alternative?+
For most architectural visualisation work, yes. Lumion needs a powerful Windows machine and a learning curve to master; Maquete runs in the browser on any OS, with no setup. For real-time walkthroughs and live presentations, Lumion's interactive engine still wins. For stills and short videos, Maquete is faster and cheaper.
Can I run Maquete on a Mac?+
Yes. Maquete is fully cloud-based and runs in any modern browser — Mac, Windows, Linux, even iPad. Lumion is Windows-only and requires a high-end GPU. For Mac-using studios, Maquete removes a major workflow blocker.
How does the price compare to Lumion?+
Lumion Standard starts around €1,749/year for an annual licence; Lumion Pro is roughly €3,499. Maquete starts free, with paid plans from $25-$70/month — typically 80-95% lower total cost for a similar volume of architectural renders.
Does Maquete render exteriors and landscapes like Lumion does?+
Maquete handles interior and exterior architectural scenes including landscape elements. Lumion's library of pre-built foliage, vehicles, and people is more extensive for ultra-large landscape and master-planning scenes. For typical residential and commercial architectural work, Maquete's output is comparable.
Can I import a SketchUp model into Maquete the same way I do with Lumion?+
Easier — Maquete's SketchUp plugin renders directly from your active viewport in one click, no export step. Lumion's LiveSync requires you to maintain a synced project in both apps. Maquete also accepts a flat PNG/JPG export from Archicad, Revit, Rhino, or Blender if you don't use SketchUp.
No GPU required
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