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 a 3D model, dress the scene with assets, and render. Lumion Pro is an annual subscription: $1,149/year for a named user in the US ($1,499/year for a floating licence), with prices varying by region, and a free Lumion Pro trial is available.
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.
Methodology
We compare workflow fit, geometry fidelity, setup time, hardware needs, output format, pricing model, and how quickly an architect can move from model view to client-ready image.
Last checked
Updated 26 September 2026. Competitor pricing and feature names can change, so verify the current vendor page before buying.
Feature comparison
| Feature | Maquete | Lumion |
|---|---|---|
| Annual cost | From $90/yr to $990/yr (billed annually) | Lumion Pro: $1,149/yr (US, named user); Floating $1,499/yr; varies by region |
| Render speed | Seconds — AI cloud rendering | Seconds to minutes — real-time GPU |
| Hardware required | None — runs in browser | Windows 10+ PC; GPU scoring 8,000+ on G3DMark (14,000+ 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) | Lumion Pro: Windows; Lumion View for SketchUp also has a narrower Mac edition |
| 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.
Cloud rendering without a workstation
The full Lumion Pro workflow requires Windows and a compatible dedicated GPU. Lumion View for SketchUp now has a narrower Mac edition, while Maquete runs in any modern browser. For mixed-device teams or site laptops, Maquete removes the local rendering requirement.
Cost comparison
Maquete plans run $9–$99/month ($90–$990/year billed annually). Lumion Pro costs $1,149/year per named user in the US ($1,499/year floating; regional prices vary), plus a capable Windows workstation. Both offer a free trial: Lumion Pro's trial and Maquete's 7-day Pro trial let you test 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 cloud-based and runs in a modern browser on Mac, Windows, Linux and iPad. Lumion Pro's full application remains Windows-based; Lumion View for SketchUp has a separate Mac edition with a narrower feature set. Check Lumion's current compatibility before choosing a workflow.
How does the price compare to Lumion?+
Maquete offers a 7-day Pro trial and paid plans from $9 to $99 per month, with annual options. Lumion Pro costs $1,149/year per named user in the US ($1,499/year for a floating licence; 3-year plans save about 20%), with prices varying by region, and a free Lumion Pro trial is available. Include local workstation costs; an exact percentage saving depends on plan, region and team size.
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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