Rooms vs Polycam
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, and ratings
At a glance
| Dimension | Rooms | Polycam |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Type | Browser-based 3D creation & scripting | Mobile & desktop 3D scanning & floor plans |
| Pricing | Free (no tiers) | Free tier (limited exports/processing); Pro ~$100+/yr |
| Core Technology | Visual editor + JavaScript-like API + AI characters | AI photogrammetry, LiDAR, drone, Gaussian splatting |
| Output Capabilities | Interactive 3D rooms shared via link (desktop/iOS) | 3D models, floor plans, point clouds; 15+ export formats |
| Target User | Creative makers, educators, hobbyists, social devs | Architects, engineers, forensics, product designers, media pros |
| Recent Update | No recent news | HDRI lighting toggle (5 presets) on iOS/Web (Feb 2026); Library UI compacted (Mar 2026) |
If you want to create interactive 3D rooms in your browser for free, Rooms is unbeatable. If you need to capture real-world spaces and objects with photogrammetry, LiDAR, or drones, Polycam is the professional-grade choice—especially with its recent HDRI lighting and UI improvements. Choose based on your creative goal: virtual worlds vs. reality capture.
AI-powered 3D scanning, floor plans, and reality capture for mobile, drones, and teams.
Visit WebsiteWhat real users say: Rooms 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.
Rooms
43 mentions across 2 sources · 43% positive — mixed
Hacker News, Lemmy
What users praise
- • Free to use with no premium tiers announced yet.
- • Browser-based, no installation required — easy to start.
- • Visual scripting with JavaScript API for advanced customization.
- • Remix any existing room to accelerate creation.
What frustrates them
- • No direct community feedback confirms quality or usability.
- • Limited platforms — desktop browser and iOS only.
- • No integrations with popular tools like Slack or Zapier.
- • Support channels are unknown or nonexistent.
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
- Educator teaching programming through game designPick: Rooms
Rooms provides a free, browser-based environment with visual scripting and AI characters, ideal for teaching coding concepts interactively without installation.
- Architect needing on-site floor plans and 3D capturesPick: Polycam
Polycam generates automatic floor plans with measurements from LiDAR or photos, exports in AEC-friendly formats, and recent updates improved the floor plan editor.
- Hobbyist creating interactive 3D art galleries for webPick: Rooms
Rooms allows remixing and scripting of 3D spaces with particle effects, sound, and multiplayer—perfect for immersive browser-based galleries at zero cost.
- Forensics investigator requiring accurate scene documentationPick: Polycam
Polycam’s LiDAR and photogrammetry produce high-fidelity 3D models with measurements, exportable to point clouds (LAS/PLY) for analysis in CloudCompare.
- Product designer scanning prototypes for digital reviewPick: Polycam
Polycam captures detailed object scans from photos or LiDAR, with AI-assisted processing and export to GLTF/USDZ for CAD or AR review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms vs Polycam: which should you choose?
If you want to create interactive 3D rooms in your browser for free, Rooms is unbeatable. If you need to capture real-world spaces and objects with photogrammetry, LiDAR, or drones, Polycam is the professional-grade choice—especially with its recent HDRI lighting and UI improvements. Choose based on your creative goal: virtual worlds vs. reality capture.
Can I use Rooms offline?
No, Rooms is entirely browser-based and requires an internet connection.
Does Polycam support Android devices?
Yes, Polycam uses ARCore for LiDAR-like scanning on Android, but iOS offers native LiDAR for higher detail.
Can I export a Rooms project as a 3D file (OBJ/GLTF)?
No, Rooms only shares via a link for playback in browser or iOS app; no standard 3D model export.
What file formats does Polycam export?
GLTF, OBJ, FBX, USDZ, PLY, LAS, STL, DAE, ESX, DXF, and more (15+ total).
Is Polycam free for unlimited scanning?
No, free tier has limited exports (low resolution) and processing; pay for unlimited high-res exports.
Does Rooms have a multiplayer feature?
Yes, Rooms supports multiplayer messaging and go-to-room/user linking for shared experiences.
Can Polycam generate floor plans?
Yes, it automatically generates floor plans with measurements from spatial captures, and you can edit them (drag overlap fix added March 2026).
Which tool is better for beginners?
Rooms is easier for beginners interested in 3D creation, while Polycam requires some learning for reality capture; both have free options.
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Last reviewed: July 3, 2026