Buying Rhino 9 in the UK

Rhinoceros 9 (Rhino 9) is the upcoming version of McNeel's NURBS-based 3D modelling application, currently in public beta as of late June 2026. While Rhino 9 is not yet available for commercial purchase, you can start using it today through the beta programme — and position yourself for a straightforward upgrade when the final version ships.

This guide covers how to get Rhino 9 now, what it costs, and the licence path that makes sense depending on whether you're a new user or upgrading from a previous version.

Can You Buy Rhino 9 Yet?

Rhino 9 moved from Work-in-Progress (WIP) into public beta in late June 2026. The beta is feature-complete and open to any Rhino 8 licence holder to download and test. However, McNeel has not announced a final release date — the official position is that Rhino 9 ships once beta testers confirm it's ready, not on a pre-announced schedule.

Until the final version is released, you cannot purchase a standalone "Rhino 9" licence. What you can do is purchase a Rhino 8 licence, which gives you two things at once: a production-ready version of Rhino for professional work today, and immediate access to the Rhino 9 beta programme.

How to Get Rhino 9 Today

The path to Rhino 9 goes through Rhino 8. Here's how it works:

1. Purchase a Rhino 8 licence from CADWAX — commercial, academic, or upgrade options are available with same-day email delivery.
2. Download the Rhino 9 beta using your Rhino 8 licence key. The beta installs alongside Rhino 8 without affecting your production install, so you can test Rhino 9 features while continuing professional work in Rhino 8.
3. Upgrade to Rhino 9 Final when McNeel releases it. McNeel typically offers an introductory upgrade discount in the first three months after a new version ships, so purchasing Rhino 8 now positions you to take advantage of that window when Rhino 9 launches.

This approach means you're not waiting idle for Rhino 9 to ship. You get a fully licensed, production-ready CAD tool on day one, plus early access to Rhino 9's new features and the ability to provide feedback that shapes the final release via the McNeel forum.

Rhino 9 Pricing and Licence Options

McNeel has not announced final pricing for Rhino 9. However, Rhino's pricing model has remained consistent across versions — a one-time perpetual licence purchase with no subscription fees. Current Rhino 8 pricing (which includes Rhino 9 beta access) is:

For a full breakdown of licence types and pricing, see our Rhino 3D pricing guide and buy Rhino 3D page.

Upgrading from Rhino 7 or Earlier

If you currently hold a Rhino 6 or Rhino 7 licence, you can upgrade to Rhino 8 now using the upgrade licence. A Rhino 8 licence includes access keys for Rhino 6, 7, and 8 — so you can install whichever version your workflow requires while gaining Rhino 9 beta access in parallel.

When Rhino 9 reaches final release, upgrading from Rhino 8 will require purchasing an upgrade licence — this is a paid upgrade, not a free update. McNeel typically offers an introductory discount in the first three months after a new version launches, so buying Rhino 8 now means you will be ready to upgrade at the lower rate when that window opens. After the introductory period, the standard upgrade price applies.

Licensing Methods

Every Rhino licence — Rhino 8 now and Rhino 9 when it ships — uses the same activation system. You choose your licensing method at activation, and you can switch between methods at any time using the same licence key:

• Cloud Zoo — cloud-based licence management. Your licence is linked to your McNeel account and can be shared across computers. Requires periodic internet check-ins (every 14 days).
• LAN Zoo — a licence pool hosted on the Zoo server on your own network. No internet dependency; suited to teams that keep everything on-network.
• Single-computer — licence tied to one machine. No ongoing internet connection required after activation.

All three methods are interchangeable from the same licence key — you can unregister from one method and re-register on another at any time.

Windows and macOS

Every Rhino licence covers both Windows and macOS. You can install on both platforms simultaneously using the same licence key — useful for teams with mixed hardware or individuals who work across desktop and laptop. On macOS, Rhino uses Metal for GPU rendering (since Rhino 8). On Windows, Rhino 9 introduces a Direct3D display pipeline, replacing the OpenGL-based system from previous versions.

Delivery and Support

Orders placed before 5pm UK time are processed the same day. You receive your activation key, download links, and training access via email. CADWAX provides pre-sales advice on licence selection and after-sales support for installation and licensing questions — contact our team for guidance on which licence path fits your situation.