ScreenMind vs Polycam
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, and ratings
At a glance
| Dimension | ScreenMind | Polycam |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free (open-source MIT) | Freemium with $29.99/mo Pro, $99.99/mo business |
| Use Case | Screen memory for privacy-conscious users | 3D scanning for professionals |
| Platform | macOS (local only) | iOS, Android, Web |
| Key Feature | Gemma 4 analysis, hybrid search, meeting transcription, voice memos | LiDAR scanning, photogrammetry, floor plans, Gaussian splatting |
| Privacy | 100% local, no telemetry, open-source | Cloud processing, no local-only option |
| Target User | Privacy-focused professionals, developers, researchers | Architects, engineers, forensic investigators, media professionals |
Polycam and ScreenMind serve entirely different needs. If you're architecting or documenting the physical world, Polycam's LiDAR and photogrammetry are unmatched. If you need private, local screen memory and analysis on your computer, ScreenMind's open-source, zero-cloud design is the clear winner. Choose based on your reality: physical space vs digital activity.
Feature-by-feature
Polycam focuses on capturing the physical world with AI-assisted photogrammetry, LiDAR scanning, and floor plan generation. It supports drone mapping and Gaussian splatting for advanced 3D reconstruction, making it ideal for AEC professionals and forensic investigators. Polycam offers cross-platform access and collaborative sharing, but relies on cloud processing.
ScreenMind, in contrast, captures digital activity—screenshots, meeting transcripts, and voice memos—all processed locally using Google's Gemma 4 model. It features hybrid semantic+FTS5 search, conversational RAG chat, and three analysis modes (Accurate, Balanced, Fast). Privacy is core: AES encryption, sensitive data redaction, and no telemetry. ScreenMind integrates via MCP Server with tools like Claude Desktop, Obsidian, and Notion, while Polycam lacks native integrations beyond sharing.
Key differentiator: Polycam builds models of spaces; ScreenMind builds searchable memory of screens. Neither overlaps in function.
Pricing compared
Polycam uses a freemium model: free tier with limited exports, Pro at $29.99/month, Business at $99.99/month with team features and a 7-day trial. ScreenMind is completely free under MIT license—no subscriptions, no cloud costs. However, ScreenMind requires local hardware (GPU for Gemma 4), which may incur upfront cost if upgrading.
Polycam's pricing aligns with professional use where value is in accurate, exportable 3D models and floor plans. ScreenMind's zero-cost suits privacy advocates willing to self-host. For long-term budgets, ScreenMind wins, but Polycam justifies its cost with specialized scanning capabilities.
Who should pick which
- Architect needing floor plansPick: Polycam
Polycam generates accurate floor plans from LiDAR scans, with measurement tools and export options; ScreenMind cannot capture physical spaces.
- Privacy-conscious researcherPick: ScreenMind
ScreenMind runs 100% locally with no telemetry, ideal for sensitive research; Polycam uploads data to cloud.
- Forensic investigatorPick: Polycam
Polycam's photogrammetry and LiDAR capture scene details for courtroom evidence; ScreenMind is irrelevant.
- Developer needing screen history automationsPick: ScreenMind
ScreenMind's MCP Server integration with Claude Desktop, Cursor, and webhooks enables custom automations; Polycam has no API.
- Meeting-heavy remote workerPick: ScreenMind
ScreenMind transcribes Zoom/Teams/Meet locally and provides searchable memory; Polycam has no meeting features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Polycam free?
Polycam has a free tier with limited exports, but professional use requires Pro ($29.99/mo) or Business ($99.99/mo) plans.
Is ScreenMind open-source?
Yes, ScreenMind is released under the MIT license, and its code is available for review and modification.
Can Polycam run offline?
Yes, Polycam can capture scans offline, but processing and exports often require internet connectivity.
Does ScreenMind work on Windows?
Currently, ScreenMind is designed for macOS. There is no Windows version mentioned.
Which tool is better for 3D scanning?
Polycam is purpose-built for 3D scanning with LiDAR and photogrammetry; ScreenMind does not scan physical objects.
Can ScreenMind integrate with Obsidian?
Yes, ScreenMind has a direct Obsidian integration, allowing you to store and search screen memories within Obsidian.
Does Polycam offer team features?
Yes, Polycam's Business plan includes team management, collaboration, and shared workspaces.
Is ScreenMind safe for work passwords?
ScreenMind includes sensitive data redaction for credit cards, API keys, etc., but users should still be cautious.
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