LM Studio vs Polycam
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, and ratings
At a glance
| Dimension | LM Studio | Polycam |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free | Free tier (limited), Pro $79.99/mo, Business custom |
| Primary Use | Run LLMs locally on your own hardware | 3D scanning of objects, spaces, and drones |
| Platform | Mac, Windows, Linux (headless), iOS | iOS, Android, Web |
| Key Feature | Offline LLM inference with OpenAI-compatible API | LiDAR scanning + AI photogrammetry |
| Latest News | Locally mobile app launched June 2026; LM Link no longer waitlisted | New tutorials for MeshLab, Blender, Unreal Engine 5 workflows |
| Best For | Developers & privacy-conscious users running local models | AEC professionals & designers needing 3D capture |
Choosing between LM Studio and Polycam is straightforward: they solve completely different problems. LM Studio is ideal for developers who need private, offline LLM inference on their own hardware, while Polycam is purpose-built for professionals capturing 3D scans of objects and spaces. Neither can substitute the other; your choice should be driven by whether your primary need is local AI computation or 3D reality capture.
AI-powered 3D scanning, floor plans, and reality capture for mobile, drones, and teams.
Visit WebsiteWho should pick which
- Solo developer building private AI agentsPick: LM Studio
LM Studio is free, runs on local hardware, and supports OpenAI-compatible APIs and SDKs for integrating LLMs into agentic workflows.
- Architect capturing as-built floor plansPick: Polycam
Polycam's LiDAR scanning and automatic floor plan generation with measurements are purpose-built for AEC professionals.
- Privacy-conscious researcher running LLMs offlinePick: LM Studio
LM Studio runs entirely offline on your machine, ensuring data never leaves your hardware.
- Forensics team documenting a crime scenePick: Polycam
Polycam's fast LiDAR capture and photogrammetry provide accurate 3D documentation suitable for forensic analysis.
- Game developer importing real-world propsPick: Polycam
Polycam exports to common 3D formats and integrates with Unreal Engine, Blender, and Maya, ideal for game asset creation.
Frequently Asked Questions
LM Studio vs Polycam: which should you choose?
Choosing between LM Studio and Polycam is straightforward: they solve completely different problems. LM Studio is ideal for developers who need private, offline LLM inference on their own hardware, while Polycam is purpose-built for professionals capturing 3D scans of objects and spaces. Neither can substitute the other; your choice should be driven by whether your primary need is local AI computation or 3D reality capture.
Can LM Studio replace cloud LLM services like ChatGPT?
Not entirely, but it can run many open-source models locally for free, offering privacy and offline access. It lacks proprietary models like GPT-4.
Does Polycam require a LiDAR-equipped device?
LiDAR enhances scanning but is not required. Polycam also works with standard cameras using photogrammetry from photos and video.
Is LM Studio available on Linux?
Yes, via the headless command-line tool 'llmster', which also works in cloud and CI environments.
What file formats does Polycam export?
Polycam exports to OBJ, FBX, GLTF, USDZ, PLY, LAS, and more, depending on the tier.
Can I use LM Studio's API remotely?
Yes, through LM Link (no longer waitlisted) and the headless server for remote access.
Does Polycam have a free trial?
Yes, the free tier allows limited exports with watermarks. Pro offers a free trial with full features.
Which models can I run on LM Studio?
Many open models, including Qwen3.6, DeepSeek, Gemma4, and other gguf-compatible ones via its engine.
Can Polycam generate floor plans automatically?
Yes, it generates automatic floor plans with measurements from LiDAR captures, accessible on Pro and Business tiers.
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Last reviewed: June 1, 2026