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 |
| 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.

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 turns phone LiDAR, photos, and drone footage into 3D models, floor plans, and point clouds.
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
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 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.
More ARLOOPA or Polycam comparisons
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Last reviewed: July 3, 2026