Tesana vs Polycam

Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, and ratings

Analysis reviewed Live tool data as of 2026-08-24
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At a glance

DimensionTesanaPolycam
PurposeNo-code AI game engine for hobbyists3D scanning & reality capture for professionals
PricingFreemium (Pro for exports)Freemium (free tier limited)
Key FeatureGenerate complete games from text promptsAI photogrammetry, LiDAR, floor plans, drone support
ExportHTML (Pro), shareable links15+ formats including GLTF, OBJ, FBX, USDZ
Best ForHobbyists, educators, rapid prototypingArchitects, engineers, forensics, AEC pros
Not ForComplex 3D games, multiplayer, full code controlCasual 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
Tesana

Turn natural language prompts into playable browser games without writing code.

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Polycam
Polycam

AI-powered 3D scanning, floor plans, and reality capture for mobile, drones, and teams.

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Pricing
Freemium
Freemium
Plans
$0/mo
$19/mo
$0/mo
$12.50/mo (yearly) or $30/mo (monthly)
$25/mo per user (yearly) or $400/mo per user (monthly)
$1200/yr per seat (3 seats minimum)
Popularity
7 views
7.5k views
Skill Level
Beginner-friendly
Beginner-friendly
API Available
Platforms
Web
WebMobileAPI
Categories
🎮 Gaming & Game Development
🧊 3D Generation & Scanning🏠 Interior Design & Architecture👷 Construction & Field Service
Features
Natural language game generation
No-code game creation
AI-driven game logic and mechanics
Real-time playable previews
Shareable game links
HTML export (Pro)
Community game gallery
Unlimited revisions (Pro)
Web-based interface
Basic 2D physics and scoring
Procedural asset generation
Educational game templates
Iterative prompt refinement
LiDAR spatial scanning for rooms and buildings
Object capture with AI-assisted processing
Photogrammetry from photos/video (up to 2000 images on Business)
Drone photogrammetry processing for aerial models
2D and 3D floor plan generation with editable walls
AI 3D model generator (beta)
AI texture generator (beta)
Gaussian splatting tool
HDRI lighting with 5 presets (iOS and Web)
Virtual Walkthrough (full on Business, preview on Free/Basic)
Apple Vision Pro viewing
Point cloud exports (PLY, LAS, Geo-LAS, PTS, XYZ, DXF)
Mesh exports (GLTF, OBJ, FBX, DAE, STL, USDZ, ESX)
360 photosphere capture
API access (Enterprise)
Integrations
Xactimate
SketchUp
Apple Vision Pro

What 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

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

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

  • Architect needing as-built floor plans
    Pick: Polycam

    Polycam offers automatic floor plan generation with measurements and LiDAR scanning, ideal for on-site documentation.

  • Game jam participant prototyping an idea
    Pick: Tesana

    Tesana generates complete playable games from text prompts instantly, perfect for rapid prototyping without code.

  • Forensics team documenting a crime scene
    Pick: Polycam

    Polycam captures detailed 3D scans with LiDAR and photogrammetry, exportable to point cloud formats for analysis.

  • Educator teaching game design basics
    Pick: Tesana

    Tesana’s no-code approach allows students to focus on design logic and storytelling without programming barriers.

  • Product designer scanning physical prototypes
    Pick: 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.

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026