Sketchfab
A 3D model marketplace and web viewer for publishing, previewing and licensing assets.
why this verdict
Keep paying — Google has not replaced it
Google's version overlaps, but does not finish the design job, so this one still earns its $15/mo.
- A named launch, not a vibe named, unlinked
- Text-to-3D generators producing usable assets without browsing a marketplace. Google, May 20, 2025 — no announcement link recorded yet.
- How much of the job it covers not the job editorial call
- Parts of it. The job still needs the tool to get finished.
- Is there a free way to do it? yes
- 3 of 3 listed replacements have a usable free tier: Polycam, Meshy and Blender.
- What the call is worth $180/yr
- $15/mo at the entry paid tier — $180 a year per seat.
- Threatened by
- Since
- May 20, 2025
- List price
- $15/mo
- Per year
- $180
The backstory
Sketchfab hosts and displays 3D models in the browser and sells licensed assets from creators. Generative 3D tools cover quick placeholder needs, which reduces marketplace browsing for rough props. What survives is the viewer and the licensing layer: teams need models with known rights, clean topology and a way to show them to clients. Generation makes more 3D work, not less of it.
Escape hatches
Capture real-world objects and spaces as 3D
poly.cam open_in_newGenerate rough assets instead of buying them
meshy.ai open_in_newFree tool to author and export your own models
blender.org open_in_new3 of 3 replacements have a usable free tier.