ARLOOPA vs Polycam
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, and ratings
At a glance
| Dimension | ARLOOPA | Polycam |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | AR/VR content creation & visualization | 3D scanning & photogrammetry |
| Pricing | Free with in-app purchases; Studio subscription unknown | Free tier + Pro at $16.58/mo (annual) |
| Key Technology | Marker/markerless/location-based AR, no-code studio | LiDAR, photogrammetry, AI 3D generation |
| Output Formats | AR experiences, 3D models (in-app) | GLTF, OBJ, FBX, USDZ, PLY, LAS, STL, DAE, ESX, DXF |
| Platform | iOS, Android, Meta Quest | iOS, Android, Web |
| Best For | Creators & educators wanting easy AR experiences | Professionals needing accurate 3D scans |
Choose Polycam if you need precise 3D scanning, floor plans, or photogrammetry for professional workflows. Choose ARLOOPA if you want to build interactive AR experiences without coding, or explore AR/VR for entertainment or education. They serve very different use cases.
Create and experience AR/VR apps without code — ARLOOPA's no-code platform for brands, educators, and creators.
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AI-powered 3D scanning, floor plans, and reality capture for mobile, drones, and teams.
Visit WebsiteWhat real users say: ARLOOPA 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.
ARLOOPA
32 mentions across 2 sources · 80% positive
Product Hunt, App Store
What users praise
- • Fun and immersive AR experiences make users feel like kids again.
- • Free to use with a wide library of 3D models.
- • Easy to start – no coding or prior AR knowledge needed.
- • Includes AR scanner, map, and feed for content discovery.
What frustrates them
- • Paid users experience unresponsive customer support.
- • Video recording feature is broken on iPhone 12.
- • App may hang for hours during 'cleaning up shelves' initialization.
- • Some users find AR wait times frustrating.
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 needing floor plansPick: Polycam
Polycam generates automatic floor plans with measurements from LiDAR or photos, and recently improved the floor plan editor.
- Content creator building AR for social mediaPick: ARLOOPA
ARLOOPA provides no-code AR creation via Studio, a feed, and location-based AR for engaging experiences.
- Product designer scanning prototypesPick: Polycam
Polycam offers LiDAR scanning, AI texture generation, and exports to CAD-friendly formats.
- Educator creating interactive museum toursPick: ARLOOPA
ARLOOPA's marker-based and location-based AR plus map view enable location-triggered educational content.
- Forensics team documenting a scenePick: Polycam
Polycam's accurate measurements, point cloud export, and drone photogrammetry suit forensic documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
ARLOOPA vs Polycam: which should you choose?
Choose Polycam if you need precise 3D scanning, floor plans, or photogrammetry for professional workflows. Choose ARLOOPA if you want to build interactive AR experiences without coding, or explore AR/VR for entertainment or education. They serve very different use cases.
Which tool is better for photogrammetry?
Polycam is built for photogrammetry with AI-assisted processing from photos and video, and supports drone photogrammetry. ARLOOPA's 3D scanner is basic.
Can I create AR experiences without coding?
Yes, ARLOOPA offers no-code AR creation via ARLOOPA Studio. Polycam does not create AR experiences; it outputs 3D models and floor plans.
Which supports more export formats?
Polycam exports to 15+ formats including point clouds and CAD formats. ARLOOPA primarily keeps content within its ecosystem.
Is there a free version?
Both have free tiers. Polycam free limits captures/month; ARLOOPA free includes basic features with in-app purchases.
Which is better for large-scale site surveys?
Polycam with drone photogrammetry and floor plan generation is better. ARLOOPA lacks large-scale capture tools.
Does ARLOOPA work on Meta Quest?
Yes, ARLOOPA launched on Meta Quest for mixed reality experiences.
Does Polycam support LiDAR scanning?
Yes, Polycam leverages iOS LiDAR for detailed 3D scanning and spatial capture.
Which is easier for beginners?
ARLOOPA is more beginner-friendly for AR experiences. Polycam has a learning curve for professional scans.
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Last reviewed: July 3, 2026