ARLOOPA 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

DimensionARLOOPAPolycam
Primary FunctionAR/VR content creation & visualization3D scanning & photogrammetry
Key TechnologyMarker/markerless/location-based AR, no-code studioLiDAR, photogrammetry, AI 3D generation
Output FormatsAR experiences, 3D models (in-app)GLTF, OBJ, FBX, USDZ, PLY, LAS, STL, DAE, ESX, DXF
PlatformiOS, Android, Meta QuestiOS, Android, Web
Best ForCreators & educators wanting easy AR experiencesProfessionals 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.

ARLOOPA
ARLOOPA

ARLOOPA builds custom AR and VR apps and games, plus a free AR viewer app for marker-based and markerless AR.

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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
$0/mo
Custom
$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
7 views
7.5k views
Skill Level
Beginner-friendly
Beginner-friendly
API Available
Platforms
WebMobile
WebMobile
Categories
🧊 3D Generation & Scanning🎮 Gaming & Game Development
🧊 3D Generation & Scanning🏠 Interior Design & Architecture👷 Construction & Field Service
Features
Marker-based AR recognition triggered by print, packaging and physical objects
Markerless AR placement of 3D content into real environments
Location-based AR experiences tied to physical places
AR scanner for discovering hidden content in the real world
3D Models Library of reusable AR-ready assets
Feed for browsing and sharing AR content
Map view for geospatial AR discovery
No-code AR creation with ARLOOPA Studio
2D image to 3D model conversion with ARLOOPA Factory
3D scanning of physical objects into digital models
Meta Quest mixed reality support for stepping into AR creations
Apple Vision Pro app and game development
Custom branded AR app and game development services
Custom VR app and game development for education and training simulation
Cloud-based augmented reality services
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

What 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

39 mentions across 3 sources · 77% positive (averaged across 3 sources)

YouTube, Product Hunt, App Store

What users praise

  • • Free to download with lots of AR content and 3D models
  • • No-code creation makes it accessible for non-programmers
  • • Fun for education: users say it's great for learning
  • • 360-degree object viewing and zoom are highly praised

What frustrates them

  • • Black screen bug on iPhone 13 Pro Max blocks AR use
  • • Video recording broken on iPhone 12, button disappears
  • • Support is unresponsive; promises to fix issues unfulfilled
  • • AR voice in tutorials is hard to understand due to pronunciation

Researched Aug 30, 2026

Polycam

68 mentions across 5 sources · 42% positive — mixed (weighted across 5 sources)

Reddit, Hacker News, YouTube, Product Hunt, App Store

What users praise

  • • Produces usable point clouds and meshes from a plain iPhone in a single site visit
  • • Genuinely fast — users report scan-to-model turnaround in minutes, not days
  • • Broad export coverage: seven mesh formats plus six point cloud formats
  • • Fire investigators use it for measurements, 3D models, and Meta Quest walkthrough training

What frustrates them

  • • Aggressive trial auto-billing: multiple users report $400/yr charges after 7-day trials
  • • Long-standing Pro users report older scans reverting to unprocessable Draft status
  • • Measurements and dimensions sit behind an expensive tier above the monthly plan
  • • Floor plans described as poor and measurements 'very inaccurate' by paying users

Researched Oct 7, 2026

Who should pick which

  • Architect needing floor plans
    Pick: 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 media
    Pick: ARLOOPA

    ARLOOPA provides no-code AR creation via Studio, a feed, and location-based AR for engaging experiences.

  • Product designer scanning prototypes
    Pick: Polycam

    Polycam offers LiDAR scanning, AI texture generation, and exports to CAD-friendly formats.

  • Educator creating interactive museum tours
    Pick: ARLOOPA

    ARLOOPA's marker-based and location-based AR plus map view enable location-triggered educational content.

  • Forensics team documenting a scene
    Pick: 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.

More ARLOOPA or Polycam comparisons

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Last reviewed: July 3, 2026