3d Scanner App™ vs Polycam
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, and ratings
At a glance
| Dimension | 3d Scanner App™ | Polycam |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $9.99/mo (Pro) or $79.99/year | $7.99/mo (Pro), $23.99/mo (Pro+) |
| Device Platform | iOS only (iPhone/iPad) | iOS, Android, Web (capture mobile, edit web) |
| LiDAR Required | No (photogrammetry mode on non-LiDAR) | No (photos/video also work) |
| Export Formats | USDZ, OBJ, STL, PLY, GLTF | GLTF, OBJ, FBX, USDZ, PLY, LAS, STL, DAE, ESX, DXF (15+) |
| Special Capabilities | Measurement tool, AR QuickLook, iMessage sharing, on-device editing | Floor plan generation, drone photogrammetry, Gaussian splatting, AI texture gen |
| Latest News | Domain migration to 3DScannerLidar.com (no app changes) | HDRI lighting added (5 presets), improved library UI, drag-overlap fix in floor plan editor |
For professionals needing floor plans, drone support, and AI-powered features, Polycam is the clear choice with more export formats and cross-platform capture. Casual iOS users or those wanting a simple, on-device LiDAR scanner with quick AR sharing should pick 3D Scanner App for its ease of use and lower friction.
Professional LiDAR 3D scanning on iPhone/iPad: precise, on-device, export-ready.
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AI-powered 3D scanning, floor plans, and reality capture for mobile, drones, and teams.
Visit WebsiteWhat real users say: 3d Scanner App™ vs Polycam
Not marketing copy and not our opinion — a structured sweep of public discussion (reviews, forums, communities and video comments), showing what people praise and what they complain about for each tool.
3d Scanner App™
31 mentions across 2 sources · 43% positive — mixed
Product Hunt, App Store
What users praise
- • Professional-grade LiDAR and photogrammetry scanning on iPhone/iPad.
- • Real-time 3D preview and on-device editing tools.
- • Seamless integration with Apple ecosystem: AR QuickLook, iMessage.
- • Export in multiple formats: USDZ, OBJ, STL, PLY, GLTF.
What frustrates them
- • Core scanning features locked behind subscription.
- • Free tier is extremely limited, barely useful.
- • Subscription model feels unjustified for local processing.
- • Original developer sold out, breaking user trust.
Researched Jul 3, 2026
Polycam
61 mentions across 4 sources · 55% positive — mixed
Hacker News, YouTube, Product Hunt, App Store
What users praise
- • Fast, easy LiDAR scans with minimal learning curve.
- • Generates mesh, floor plan, and idealized model from one scan.
- • Cross-platform with iOS, Android, and web support.
- • Free tier includes valuable tools like AI generator and Gaussian splat.
What frustrates them
- • Scan reliability is spotty: failed uploads, lost tracking, backdrop capture.
- • Dimensions and full floor plans locked behind $400 paywall.
- • Curved walls and stairs render angular, forcing Matterport for pros.
- • Confusing free/paid feature split, feels like dark patterns.
Researched Aug 18, 2026
Who should pick which
- Architect/EngineerPick: Polycam
Needs floor plan generation, measurements, and drone mapping; Polycam's floor plan editor and drone support are unmatched by 3D Scanner App.
- Casual iOS User / MakerPick: 3d Scanner App™
Simple, on-device scanning with no cloud dependency; quick AR sharing and 3D printing export at a lower cost.
- Product Designer / Media CreatorPick: Polycam
AI texture generator and multiple export formats (e.g., FBX for game engines) plus easier cleanup via Blender integration from Polycam's tutorials.
- Real Estate AgentPick: Polycam
Automatic floor plans and virtual walkthroughs; 3D Scanner App lacks these but is cheaper for simple room scans.
- Forensics / DocumentationPick: Polycam
Point cloud export (LAS/PLY) and georeferencing with CloudCompare tutorial support; 3D Scanner App limited to CAD formats.
Frequently Asked Questions
3d Scanner App™ vs Polycam: which should you choose?
For professionals needing floor plans, drone support, and AI-powered features, Polycam is the clear choice with more export formats and cross-platform capture. Casual iOS users or those wanting a simple, on-device LiDAR scanner with quick AR sharing should pick 3D Scanner App for its ease of use and lower friction.
Do I need a LiDAR device for Polycam?
No, Polycam works with photos/video from any device (including Android) and LiDAR on iPhone/iPad. 3D Scanner App also works without LiDAR via photogrammetry.
Which app is better for 3D printing?
Both export STL. Polycam offers more cleanup tools (Blender integration tutorials) and AI texture generation. 3D Scanner App is simpler for quick scans.
Can I export point clouds?
Yes, Polycam exports PLY, LAS, DXF. 3D Scanner App exports PLY but not LAS or DXF.
Is there a free version?
Both have free tiers. Polycam free limited to a few exports and lower resolution. 3D Scanner App free includes watermark and limited editing.
Which works on Android?
Polycam supports Android capture and web editing. 3D Scanner App is iOS only.
Do they support drone photogrammetry?
Polycam explicitly supports drone image uploads. 3D Scanner App does not.
Can I generate floor plans?
Polycam has automatic floor plan generation with a drag-overlap editor. 3D Scanner App does not.
Which app offers AI features?
Polycam has beta AI 3D generator and AI texture generator. 3D Scanner App relies on manual capture and editing only.
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Last reviewed: July 3, 2026