ArchRender vs Polycam

Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, and ratings

Analysis reviewed Live tool data as of 2026-10-09
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At a glance

DimensionArchRenderPolycam
Best ForArchitectural rendering from sketches/elevations3D scanning, floor plans, photogrammetry
Core TechnologyAI rendering from 2D images and 3D modelsAI photogrammetry, LiDAR, Gaussian splatting
Export FormatsImages (JPG, PNG) up to 4KGLTF, OBJ, FBX, USDZ, PLY, LAS, STL, DAE, ESX, DXF
Latest UpdateNo recent newsHDRI lighting (5 presets), floor plan editor drag fix
PlatformWeb-onlyiOS, 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
ArchRender

ArchRender turns sketches, elevation drawings, and 3D models into photorealistic AI architectural renders in seconds.

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Polycam
Polycam

Polycam turns phone LiDAR, photos, and drone footage into 3D models, floor plans, and point clouds.

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Pricing
Freemium
Freemium
Plans
$29/mo
$49/mo
$119/mo
$0
$150/year ($12.50/month billed yearly; $30/month billed
$400/year per user ($33/month per user billed yearly)
$1200/year per user (3 users minimum, billed yearly)
Popularity
5 views
7.5k views
Skill Level
Beginner-friendly
Beginner-friendly
API Available
Platforms
Web
WebMobile
Categories
🏠 Interior Design & Architecture
🧊 3D Generation & Scanning🏠 Interior Design & Architecture👷 Construction & Field Service
Features
Render architectural visuals from elevation drawings
Render from sketches, photos, and hand drawings
Import 3D models (OBJ, FBX, GLB)
Render Mode for new generations from source files
Edit Mode for one-click iterative refinement
Season control (spring, summer, fall, winter)
Time of day lighting and shadow control
Environment selection from natural landscapes to developed settings
Camera angle, FOV, and aspect ratio controls
4K image upscaling for print and proposals
Natural language prompt control for materials and style
Save and reuse custom prompts across renders
Mood board upload for color and finish capture
Exterior and interior rendering modes
Project-based organization with version-friendly iteration
LiDAR and non-LiDAR space capture of rooms, buildings, and interiors
360 photosphere capture with an in-app 360 image viewer
Object capture turning phone photos into instantly shareable 3D models
AI Capture mode generating 3D models from low photo counts
Instant 3D and editable 2D floor plans with auto fixture and furniture detection
Advanced measure tools: interior measure, pen measure, and auto measure
Automated measurements, floor area, blueprints, room labels, and compass
Drone and aerial photogrammetry processed into expansive site models
Photogrammetry up to 2000 images and 30-minute videos on Business and Enterprise
Gaussian splatting with unlimited splats on Basic and up
AI 3D model generator and AI texture generator (free web tools)
AI generated reports and custom branding on Business and Enterprise
Virtual walkthroughs and shared team library on Business and up
Mesh exports: GLTF, OBJ, FBX, DAE, STL, USDZ, ESX
Point cloud exports: PLY, LAS, Geo-LAS, PTS, XYZ, DXF
Integrations
SketchUp
Xactimate
Unity
Blender
Unreal Engine
Maya
3ds Max
Rhino
Three.js
Apple Vision Pro

Who should pick which

  • Architect scanning as-built conditions
    Pick: Polycam

    Polycam's LiDAR and photogrammetry capture accurate floor plans and 3D models with measurements, essential for documenting existing structures.

  • Architect rendering early design concepts
    Pick: 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 tours
    Pick: Polycam

    Polycam's spatial capture and virtual walkthroughs generate immersive property tours, and its affordable pricing suits agents.

  • Homeowner visualizing a remodel from plans
    Pick: ArchRender

    ArchRender allows uploading plan elevations and adjusting materials via prompts, enabling homeowners to see potential designs without CAD skills.

  • Product designer scanning prototypes
    Pick: 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.

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Last reviewed: July 3, 2026