Tesana vs Polycam
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, and ratings
At a glance
| Dimension | Tesana | Polycam |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | No-code AI game engine for hobbyists | 3D scanning & reality capture for professionals |
| Pricing | Freemium (Pro for exports) | Freemium (free tier limited) |
| Key Feature | Generate complete games from text prompts | AI photogrammetry, LiDAR, floor plans, drone support |
| Export | HTML (Pro), shareable links | 15+ formats including GLTF, OBJ, FBX, USDZ |
| Best For | Hobbyists, educators, rapid prototyping | Architects, engineers, forensics, AEC pros |
| Not For | Complex 3D games, multiplayer, full code control | Casual users wanting free unlimited scans |
Polycam and Tesana serve entirely different purposes. Polycam is a professional-grade reality capture tool for AEC, forensics, and product design—backed by LiDAR, photogrammetry, and floor plans—while Tesana is a no-code AI game engine for hobbyists building games from text prompts. Choose Polycam if you need accurate 3D scans of real spaces; choose Tesana if you want to prototype games without coding. Neither competes directly.
Tesana is an AI game maker that turns a plain-English prompt or a single image into a playable browser game in minutes.
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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: Tesana 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.
Tesana
33 mentions across 3 sources · 43% positive — mixed (averaged across 3 sources)
Hacker News, App Store, Lemmy
What users praise
- • Can generate playable games from text prompts with iteration.
- • Some users find it the best among AI game makers.
- • Freemium model allows free creation with limited credits.
- • Games are shareable via links without recipients needing an account.
What frustrates them
- • Credit system is too restrictive; 50 credits not enough to test.
- • Frequently generates unplayable or off-prompt games.
- • No visible support or bug-fix responsiveness.
- • Pro version and extra tokens still fail to deliver promised results.
Researched Jul 2, 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 as-built floor plansPick: Polycam
Polycam offers automatic floor plan generation with measurements and LiDAR scanning, ideal for on-site documentation.
- Game jam participant prototyping an ideaPick: Tesana
Tesana generates complete playable games from text prompts instantly, perfect for rapid prototyping without code.
- Forensics team documenting a crime scenePick: Polycam
Polycam captures detailed 3D scans with LiDAR and photogrammetry, exportable to point cloud formats for analysis.
- Educator teaching game design basicsPick: Tesana
Tesana’s no-code approach allows students to focus on design logic and storytelling without programming barriers.
- Product designer scanning physical prototypesPick: Polycam
Polycam’s AI photogrammetry and LiDAR scanning turn objects into digital models for review or sharing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tesana vs Polycam: which should you choose?
Polycam and Tesana serve entirely different purposes. Polycam is a professional-grade reality capture tool for AEC, forensics, and product design—backed by LiDAR, photogrammetry, and floor plans—while Tesana is a no-code AI game engine for hobbyists building games from text prompts. Choose Polycam if you need accurate 3D scans of real spaces; choose Tesana if you want to prototype games without coding. Neither competes directly.
Can Polycam create 3D games like Tesana?
No. Polycam is for 3D scanning and reality capture, not game creation.
Can Tesana produce 3D floor plans?
No. Tesana generates playable 2D/3D games from text, not architectural measurements.
Which tool exports to professional 3D formats?
Polycam exports to 15+ formats including GLTF, OBJ, FBX, USDZ. Tesana exports to HTML (Pro) and shareable links.
Are both tools free to start?
Yes, both offer freemium models, but Polycam’s free tier is limited, while Tesana’s free tier may allow game creation with restrictions.
Which tool supports drone scanning?
Polycam includes drone photogrammetry processing. Tesana does not involve real-world scanning.
Can I use Tesana without any coding?
Yes, Tesana is no-code—games are generated from natural language prompts.
Do either tools require special hardware?
Polycam supports iOS LiDAR and Android ARCore for enhanced scanning, but can also use photos/video. Tesana runs in a web browser.
Which one is better for professional AEC work?
Polycam is designed for AEC with floor plans, measurements, and drone surveys. Tesana is not applicable.
More Tesana or Polycam comparisons
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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026