When comparing 3D Studio Max vs Modo, the Slant community recommends Modo for most people. In the question“What is the best 3D modeling software?” Modo is ranked 5th while 3D Studio Max is ranked 13th. The most important reason people chose Modo is:
Even long-standing Maya users envy Modo's modeling toolset and pipeline for its power, flexibility, and speed.
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros

Pro Huge community
As a top-end industry standard tool, 3DS Max users benefit from a rich ecosystem of third-party tools and community knowledge.

Pro Excellent viewport performance
3DS Max is extremely responsive.
Pro Great polygon modeling
Great for poly-modeling for both high and low polygon counts.
Pro Unparalleled modeling pipeline
Even long-standing Maya users envy Modo's modeling toolset and pipeline for its power, flexibility, and speed.
Pro User-friendly
It's very easy to get the grasp of the modeling work flow.
Pro Decent user interface
Pro Organized layout and UX
Allow the users to take control of different aspects of the modeling pipeline with ease: UV maps, Weight maps, shader tree, selections methods included selections by statistics, falloff, workplane management.
Pro Great value
The new subscription-based licensing option brings entry costs down to $599 / year for floating licenses and promises even faster feature development.
Pro MeshFusion
MeshFusion is a procedural boolean-based workflow that helps you to create complex meshes effortlessly.
Pro A lot of learning resources exist for this program
There are great support resources for newcomers and pros alike.
Cons

Con Expensive
A 3DS Max license can be purchased outright for $3675. Subscription plans are available from $122.50/mo (for a full year commitment).
Con Can no longer purchase perpetual license
It is now $185/month, $1,470.00/year, or $4410/4years - subscription only.
Con Unstable and outdated
Bugs carry on from version to version. Lots of old code that still runs on one thread, even if modern systems offer 16+ threads.
Con Only for Windows
Con Crashing non stop!
If you like deleting CFG files regularly, and sending bug reports then give modo a go!
Con The most unstable 3D software
Modo takes UNSTABLE to a whole another level! Use Maya, Max, or Blender instead!
Con Very unstable with too many bugs that were never fixed
Con Poor value
Con Not good for animation
Con Very slow viewport performance
