Mach vs Polycam
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, and ratings
At a glance
| Dimension | Mach | Polycam |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Civil road feature extraction from mobile LiDAR | 3D scanning objects, interiors, floor plans, drones |
| AI Strength | Automated extraction of paint lines, curbs, poles, signs | Photogrammetry, Gaussian splatting, AI model/texture generator |
| Output Formats | AutoCAD, Microstation, ESRI Feature Service | GLTF, OBJ, FBX, USDZ, PLY, LAS, STL, DAE, ESX, DXF |
| Hardware Integration | Riegl, Trimble, Leica, NavVis (mobile mapping) | iOS LiDAR, Android ARCore, drones, photos/video |
| Target Industry | Civil engineering, transportation, surveying, telecom | Architecture, forensics, product design, media, AEC |
Polycam and Mach serve entirely different use cases. Choose Polycam if you need affordable, versatile 3D scanning (objects, interiors, floor plans, drones) with a free tier and rich exports. Choose Mach if you are a civil engineering firm that needs automated, design-grade road feature extraction from mobile LiDAR data (100x faster). Most buyers will not cross-shop them; the decision is about domain, not features.

Mach9 turns raw LiDAR and reality-capture scans into design-ready CAD linework for civil infrastructure, from curbs to striping to poles.
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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: Mach 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.
Mach
No verifiable community signal. We scanned public discussion on Jul 28, 2026 and found posts matching the name “Mach”, but could not establish that they are about this product rather than something else sharing its name. Rather than publish a score built on the wrong subject, we publish none.
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
- Solo architectPick: Polycam
Polycam offers affordable floor plans, LiDAR scanning, and photogrammetry from any device. Free tier to start, then low-cost Pro.
- Civil engineering firmPick: Mach
Mach automates road feature extraction from mobile LiDAR (Riegl, Leica, etc.) and delivers design-grade CAD output. 100x faster per v2.
- Forensic analystPick: Polycam
Polycam's photogrammetry and LiDAR scanning produce accurate scene captures. Exports to PLY, LAS, OBJ for evidence documentation.
- Transportation agencyPick: Mach
Mach extracts paint lines, curbs, signs, and poles from mobile mapping data with standard-compliant exports to AutoCAD/Microstation.
- Gaming/VFX artistPick: Polycam
Polycam's Gaussian splatting, AI textures, and HDRI presets streamline prop scanning. Exports to GLTF, FBX, USDZ for game engines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mach vs Polycam: which should you choose?
Polycam and Mach serve entirely different use cases. Choose Polycam if you need affordable, versatile 3D scanning (objects, interiors, floor plans, drones) with a free tier and rich exports. Choose Mach if you are a civil engineering firm that needs automated, design-grade road feature extraction from mobile LiDAR data (100x faster). Most buyers will not cross-shop them; the decision is about domain, not features.
Can Polycam generate floor plans from LiDAR scans?
Yes, Polycam automatically generates floor plans from LiDAR scans, with a floor plan editor that can drag overlapping objects (as of March 2026).
Does Mach support drone or photogrammetry data?
No, Mach is designed for mobile LiDAR and imagery data from ground vehicles. It ingests data from Riegl, Trimble, Leica, and NavVis systems.
What is the free tier of Polycam?
Polycam's free tier allows limited captures and exports. For unlimited usage, subscribe to Pro (~$13.25/mo annual) or Team plans.
What file formats can Mach export to?
Mach exports to AutoCAD (DWG), Microstation (DGN), and ESRI Feature Service (geodatabase). It is tailored for engineering design workflows.
Which tool is better for 3D scanning objects?
Polycam is built for object and interior scanning with LiDAR, photogrammetry, and Gaussian splatting. Mach extracts road features, not general objects.
Can I use Mach for telecom infrastructure mapping?
Yes, Mach can extract utility poles and assets from mobile LiDAR, making it useful for telecom planners needing design-grade deliverables.
Does Polycam support drone photogrammetry?
Yes, Polycam processes drone-captured photos and video for photogrammetry, allowing 3D models of large areas.
Is there a free trial for Mach?
Mach requires contacting sales for a demo or trial. There is no public free tier.
More Mach or Polycam comparisons
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Last reviewed: July 3, 2026