The Best?

[LeleleleMAXIMUM]

If you're already using 3dsmax, which is industry standard, why switch?

But for the best free 3d software, I believe it's Blender.
I'll just quote my explanation on why I think Blender is the best:

Spoiler

Blender is free and can do most of the things the expensive ones do.
Some developers use it as an alternative to 3dsmax and maya.

i use it for ALL my 3d modelling, no exceptions.
and that's considering i have tried 3dsmax and have zbrush on my laptop.

While Blender does not have the high-tech simulators of maya/3dsmax, it does support inverse kinematics at least.

One downside to Blender is it's got a steep learning curve. Compared to other programs, I'd say it's behind 3dsmax and anim8or (being the simplest), but ahead of zbrush (zbrush's interface is... goddammit, all my anger and ragggge..). But the fact that there are easy-to-remember shortcuts and hotkeys, and that you could work either solely with the mouse, pen tablet, or mousepad are big plus's, imo.
I have literally sat in class with my laptop and made something in Blender.

All my 3d models were made with Blender and another image editing program (GIMP, MSPaint, or Photoshop).
1. make model
2. possible sculpt
3. unwrap
4. possibly bake the details
5. edit textures in image editing program
6. rig

tl;dr: try out both Blender and Anim8or first, but know that Blender is better in my opinion.