ArchRender vs Polycam
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, and ratings
At a glance
| Dimension | ArchRender | Polycam |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Architectural rendering from sketches/elevations | 3D scanning, floor plans, photogrammetry |
| Core Technology | AI rendering from 2D images and 3D models | AI photogrammetry, LiDAR, Gaussian splatting |
| Export Formats | Images (JPG, PNG) up to 4K | GLTF, OBJ, FBX, USDZ, PLY, LAS, STL, DAE, ESX, DXF |
| Latest Update | No recent news | HDRI lighting (5 presets), floor plan editor drag fix |
| Platform | Web-only | iOS, Android, Web, desktop |
If you need to capture real-world spaces and objects as 3D models or floor plans, Polycam is the clear choice with its versatile scanning and generous export options. For architects who want to generate photorealistic renders quickly from elevations or sketches, ArchRender offers a streamlined, prompt-driven workflow that beats Polycam in rendering speed and stylistic control. Choose Polycam for reality capture, ArchRender for design visualization.

ArchRender turns sketches, elevation drawings, and 3D models into photorealistic AI architectural renders in seconds.
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Polycam turns phone LiDAR, photos, and drone footage into 3D models, floor plans, and point clouds.
Visit WebsiteWho should pick which
- Architect scanning as-built conditionsPick: Polycam
Polycam's LiDAR and photogrammetry capture accurate floor plans and 3D models with measurements, essential for documenting existing structures.
- Architect rendering early design conceptsPick: ArchRender
ArchRender turns elevation drawings and sketches into photorealistic visuals quickly, with prompt-driven styling and Edit Mode for iterative refinement.
- Real estate agent creating 3D toursPick: Polycam
Polycam's spatial capture and virtual walkthroughs generate immersive property tours, and its affordable pricing suits agents.
- Homeowner visualizing a remodel from plansPick: ArchRender
ArchRender allows uploading plan elevations and adjusting materials via prompts, enabling homeowners to see potential designs without CAD skills.
- Product designer scanning prototypesPick: Polycam
Polycam's object scanning and AI texture generator create digital twins for product reviews, with export to CAD-friendly formats.
Frequently Asked Questions
ArchRender vs Polycam: which should you choose?
If you need to capture real-world spaces and objects as 3D models or floor plans, Polycam is the clear choice with its versatile scanning and generous export options. For architects who want to generate photorealistic renders quickly from elevations or sketches, ArchRender offers a streamlined, prompt-driven workflow that beats Polycam in rendering speed and stylistic control. Choose Polycam for reality capture, ArchRender for design visualization.
Can ArchRender handle 3D model imports?
Yes, ArchRender supports OBJ, FBX, and GPL file imports for rendering.
Does Polycam offer architectural rendering similar to ArchRender?
Polycam has HDRI lighting presets and a beta AI texture generator, but it lacks ArchRender's prompt-driven architectural rendering with season, time, and environment controls.
Which tool is better for floor plan generation?
Polycam automatically generates floor plans with measurements from scans, and its editor lets you fix overlapping objects. ArchRender does not generate floor plans.
Can I export from Polycam to use in ArchRender?
Yes, Polycam exports to OBJ/FBX, which ArchRender can import, allowing a combined workflow: scan with Polycam, render with ArchRender.
Is there a free trial for ArchRender?
ArchRender does not currently offer a free trial; it is a paid-only service.
What's the latest update for Polycam?
Recent updates include HDRI lighting with 5 presets (Default, Daylight, Overcast, Sunset, Colorful) and floor plan editor drag overlapping objects fix.
Which tool is more affordable for beginners?
Polycam's free tier allows basic scanning and exports, making it more accessible for beginners than ArchRender's $49/month minimum.
Can ArchRender generate renders from sketches?
Yes, ArchRender can render from elevation drawings, sketches, or photos, converting 2D inputs into photorealistic visuals.
More ArchRender or Polycam comparisons
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Last reviewed: July 3, 2026