Comparison
Maquete vs Rendair
Both are browser-based AI rendering tools for architects. The practical difference is the SketchUp plugin — Maquete renders directly from your active viewport; Rendair requires you to export and upload. Here is when each fits.
Overview
Rendair (rendair.ai) is a browser-based AI rendering tool that produces photorealistic images from uploaded architectural images. It uses general diffusion models and accepts uploads from any 3D tool. There is no native CAD plugin — you export an image from your modelling software and upload it to the browser dashboard.
Maquete is an AI rendering platform with a native SketchUp plugin and direct image upload from Archicad, Revit, Rhino, and Blender. The engineering priority is geometry fidelity — walls, openings, proportions, and structural elements are preserved exactly as modelled. Paid plans include AI video walkthroughs and public client sharing links.
If you use SketchUp as your primary tool, the plugin difference alone is decisive. If you're price-sensitive and do occasional renders without needing the plugin, Rendair's lower entry price is a reasonable trade-off.
Feature comparison
| Feature | Maquete | Rendair |
|---|---|---|
| SketchUp integration | Native plugin — one-click viewport render | No native plugin — browser upload only |
| Geometry preservation | Engineered for fidelity — never reinterprets | Standard diffusion — some style drift reported |
| Render time | ~30 seconds per 4K still | 30–90 seconds typical |
| Output resolution | Up to 4K | Up to 4K |
| Pricing (entry) | Free tier; paid from $10/mo | Free tier; paid from ~$19/mo |
| Client sharing | Public share links + inline client feedback | Download and share manually |
| Video walkthroughs | AI video walkthroughs included | Not available |
| Lighting presets | 15+ named presets (golden hour, blue hour, etc.) | Prompt-controlled |
| Target audience | Architects & interior designers | Architects, designers, general |
When to choose which
Choose Maquete if you use SketchUp
Rendair has no SketchUp plugin; Maquete renders directly from your active viewport in one click. No export step, no browser switch, no upload — the rendered image appears in your dashboard in ~30 seconds without leaving SketchUp.
Choose Rendair if you're price-sensitive at entry level
Rendair's entry paid tier is cheaper. If you're doing occasional renders and don't need the SketchUp plugin, Rendair works. For professional studio volumes where the plugin and video walkthroughs matter, the cost difference narrows considerably.
Choose Maquete for client collaboration
Maquete's share links let clients view and comment inline — no account required on their end. Rendair requires exporting and emailing files. For studios doing async client review, Maquete's collaboration layer saves significant back-and-forth.
Choose Maquete for video walkthroughs
Rendair doesn't generate walkthrough videos; Maquete does. If video walkthroughs are part of your client deliverable workflow, this is a hard capability gap.
Frequently asked questions
Is Maquete a Rendair alternative?+
Yes. Both are browser-based AI rendering tools that produce photorealistic stills from architectural inputs. The main practical difference is the SketchUp plugin — Maquete renders directly from your active viewport; Rendair requires you to export and upload. If you use SketchUp as your primary modelling tool, that difference alone makes Maquete the better fit.
How does Maquete compare to Rendair on geometry fidelity?+
Maquete is engineered specifically to preserve your model geometry — walls, openings, proportions, structural elements are never reinterpreted. Rendair uses general diffusion models where some style drift is common. For client-facing deliverables where the render must match what you actually designed, Maquete's fidelity-first approach is the differentiator.
Which is cheaper — Maquete or Rendair?+
Rendair's entry paid tier is slightly cheaper. Maquete's free tier is generous for low-volume use. For professional studio volumes, both tools land in the $25–50/month range. The deciding factor is product capability (SketchUp plugin, video walkthroughs, client sharing), not cost.
Does Rendair have a SketchUp plugin?+
No — Rendair is browser-upload only. You export an image from SketchUp and upload it to Rendair's browser dashboard. Maquete ships a native SketchUp plugin that renders directly from your current viewport with one click, without leaving SketchUp.
Can I use Maquete for video walkthroughs?+
Yes — Maquete generates AI walkthrough videos from your renders, included in paid plans. Rendair produces stills only.