Whether you are new to 3D scanning and photogrammetry, or simply looking for a better scanning app to help you create digital replicas of real-world objects faster, you have come to the right place.
We’ve put together this list of 15 popular 3D scanning apps for iPhone and Android. As each one has different features, functionality and prices, we decided to lay them all out and let you decide which one might be right for your application.
Can you do 3D scanning with a smartphone?
3D scanning with your phone is the process of creating a model by moving your phone’s camera or LiDAR scanner around an object. The result is a digital 3D model without the need to take hundreds of photos and upload them to photogrammetry software.
While it’s still an emerging technology that needs to be improved for better results and ease of use, there are many apps that can use your phone to scan and create an almost exact replica of a physical object for use in a variety of applications.
As phone technology continues to improve, 3D scanner apps are beginning to integrate LiDAR capabilities, which Android phones do not currently support. However, even the standard photogrammetry-based apps are getting better, which means you should be able to create an acceptable 3D scan no matter what generation of Android or iPhone you have.
How to use a 3D printer in general is explained in this article.
iOS- & Android-compatible 3D Scanner Apps
While some 3D scanner apps are exclusive to iOS or Android, the following 6 are available on both app stores.
1.KIRI Engine
- Score: 3.8/5.0 (595 reviews on Google Play); 3.5/5.0 (35 reviews on Apple App Store)
- Price: Free (with in-app purchases)
- Official Website: kiriengine.app
With KIRI Engine, any Android or iPhone can start scanning your favourite objects to create an exact or modified 3D replica. There is a premium version where you can unlock more features if you want, but the free version has enough features for any home creator.
Download KIRI Engine
You can get KIRI Engine for both Android and iOS through its respective app stores by visiting the provided links.
2.Polycam
- Score: 4.3/5.0 (2.59k reviews on Google Play); 4.8/5.0 (14.4k reviews on Apple App Store)
- Price: Free (with in-app purchases)
- Official Website: poly.cam
Polycam is capable of creating 3D scans using either photogrammetry or LiDAR. As well as high quality renderings, it really shines with the variety of file formats it can export to, including OBJ, DAE, FBX, STL, DXF, PLY, LAS, XYZ, PTS and GLTF. This app has a high rating on both Google Play and the Apple App Store, and for good reason.
Download Polycam
You can get Polycam for both Android and iOS through its respective app stores by visiting the provided links.
3.3D Probox
- Score: Not available
- Price: Free
- Official Website: 3dprobox.com
3D Probox is not limited to phones with a built-in LiDAR scanner, so you don’t have to worry about which model you have nor its camera quality. The app lets you export the scanned 3D model in GLB, GLTF, and OBJ file formats, which can be used for eCommerce, games, architecture, and more.
Download 3D Probox
You can get 3D Probox for both Android and iOS through its respective app stores by visiting the provided links.
4.Spectre3D
- Score: 4.6/5.0 (34 reviews on Apple App Store)
- Price: Free (with in-app purchases)
- Official Website: spectre3d.io
Spectre3D is a 3D scanner app that utilizes photogrammetry technology to create models that are easy to scan, share, and export. While the free version is solid, you will need to upgrade to the paid pro version to be able to have unlimited access to its features.
Download Spectre3D
You can get Spectre3D for both Android and iOS through its respective app stores by visiting the provided links.
5.MagiScan
Score: Not available
Price: Free (with in-app purchases)
Official Website: Not available
MagiScan creates a 3D model of any object you scan using either photogrammetry (Android) or LiDAR scanner technology (iPhone). The free version allows you to export your models as GLB/GLTF files. The paid version expands the file formats to include STL, DAE, OBJ, IGES, STP, FBX and PLY. Other paid features include the removal of the daily scan cap and access to cloud backup.
Download MagiScan
You can get MagiScan for both Android and iOS through its respective app stores by visiting the provided links.
6.Qlone 3D Scanner
- Score: 2.1/5 (94 reviews on Google Play)
- Price: $19.99 Google Play; Free (with in-app purchases) Apple App Store
- Official Website: qlone.pro
Qlone 3D Scanner provides excellent photogrammetry-based scanning results and the ability to edit the 3D model without having to export it to CAD software. File formats are comprehensive with OBJ, STL, FBX, GLB, USDZ, PLY, and X3D currently available.
This app also gives you the ability to easily share your models with others via social media, which is, of course, not only convenient but fun.
Download Qlone 3D Scanner
You can get Qlone 3D Scanner for both Android and iOS through its respective app stores by visiting the provided links.
3D Scanner Apps for Android
Not all 3D scanner apps are currently available for Apple phones. There are two apps worth mentioning that can only be found on Google Play.
1.Unlimited 3D Scanner
- Score: 1.2/5 (134 reviews)
- Price: Free
- Official Website: threedium.co.uk
Unlimited 3D Scanner uses AI to turn short video or pictures you take of your desired object into a 3D model.
Like other apps on this list, Unlimited 3D Scanner lets you easily share your 3D models with friends and family via messaging apps and social media, and you can export models in GLB, FBX and OBJ file formats for use in CAD, VR and game development software. It’s free to sign up, but the monthly subscription is currently $79.
Download Unlimited 3D Scanner
You can get Unlimited 3D Scanner for Android through Google Play by visiting the provided link.
2.SCANN3D
Score: 1.7/5 (6.09k reviews)
Price: Free
Official Website: Not available
SCANN3D is another Android-exclusive 3D scanner app that allows users to scan objects and convert them to digital form.
This app allows you to export 3D models not only in OBJ and PLY file formats, but also as STL files, making your scans ready for 3D printing without the need for other equipment such as a laptop or desktop to convert the file format.
The premium version of this app offers a more in-depth experience and better results than the free version, but the free version should be sufficient for most home users.
The main drawback to SCANN3D is that it hasn’t been updated since 2017, so it may not be able to compete with newer apps in terms of technology and developer support.
Download SCANN3D
You can get SCANN3D for Android through Google Play by visiting the provided link.
3D Scanner Apps for iOS
The Apple App Store has many more options than Android when it comes to 3D scanner apps. Below are our 7 iOS-exclusive picks we think are worth trying.
1.Canvas
- Score: 4.7/5 (117 reviews)
- Price: Free
- Official Website: canvas.io
Canvas is a LiDAR-based scanning app that requires a 12th generation iPhone or later. The app allows you to scan anything from buildings to objects and create 3D models so you can export them in the industry-standard file format of your choice for applications such as construction, 3D modelling, 3D printing and more.
In addition, Canvas can dramatically increase your efficiency by letting you measure a room and create a 3D CAD rendering without ever taking out your tape measure.
Download Canvas
You can get Canvas for iOS through the Apple App Store by visiting the provided link.
2.Metascan
- Score: 4.6/5 (377 reviews)
- Price: Free (with in-app purchases)
- Official Website: metascan.ai
Metascan is a dual LiDAR/photogrammetry scanner app with many useful features in the free version and even more in the premium version. With this app, you can create 3D models either by taking a series of photos from all angles and stitching them together into a single model, or by using your iPhone’s LiDAR scanner to quickly capture the data you need.
In addition to its many professional uses, Metascan lets you create models of things you love or want to remember in a way that a photo simply can’t.
Download Metascan
You can get Metascan for iOS through the Apple App Store by visiting the provided link.
3.Scaniverse
- Score: 4.8/5 (3K reviews)
- Price: Free
- Official Website: scaniverse.com
Scaniverse is a 3D scanner app that has received much praise from its iPhone users. It offers functionality for older phone models, but can also use LiDAR when available. Additionally, it supports a variety of file formats including FBX, OBJ, GLB, USDZ, and STL. It can also export point clouds to PLY and LAS.
Download Scaniverse
You can get Scaniverse for iOS through the Apple App Store by visiting the provided link.
4.Sitescape
- Score: 4.6/5 (277 reviews)
- Price: Free (with in-app purchases)
- Official Website: sitescape.ai
Sitescape is another great application if you are a CAD engineer looking for an efficient, portable 3D scanner that you can access anytime, anywhere.
It allows you to export models as RCP, E57 or PLY files that are uploaded to Sitescape’s cloud server, where you can then access them from your CAD workstation.
Download Sitescape
You can get Sitescape for iOS through the Apple App Store by visiting the provided link.
5.Heges
- Score: 2.8/5 (230 reviews)
- Price: Free (with in-app purchases)
- Official Website: hege.sh
Heges utilizes iPhone’s FaceID and LiDAR scanner features to create a unique app that lets you scan just about anything and turn it into a PLY, OBJ, GLB, or STL file. You can also check out your models in AR. As long as your phone has facial identity recognition, you should be able to use this app.
Download Heges
You can get Heges for iOS through the Apple App Store by visiting the provided link.
6.Scandy Pro
- Score: 4.3/5 (2.2k reviews)
- Price: Free (with in-app purchases)
- Official Website: scandy.co
If you have an iPhone X series or later, or a 2018+ iPad, Scandy Pro is one of the best iOS apps for real-time 3D scanning. This is because the app uses Apple’s TrueDepth front-facing sensor.
You can edit scans within the app and export them in PLY, OBJ, STL, USDZ and GLB file formats, although you’ll need to pay a subscription fee for unlimited downloads.
Download Scandy Pro
You can get Scandy Pro for iOS through the Apple App Store by visiting the provided link.
7.3D Scanner App
- Score: 4.5/5 (11 reviews)
- Price: Free
- Official Website: 3dscannerapp.com
The 3D Scanner App doesn’t require LiDAR capabilities, instead using photogrammetry to create 3D models. While there is not much user feedback for this app yet, the developer claims that it supports CAD, 3D design and architectural needs, in addition to other industries that rely on 3D models. File formats currently supported include PLY, OBJ, STL, USDZ and GLB.
Download 3D Scanner App
You can get 3D Scanner App for iOS through the Apple App Store by visiting the provided link.
3D Scanning with the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Series Phone
Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Series has an option for 3D scanning using its built-in camera. However, you have to download “3D Scanner” from the Galaxy Store.
Tips on 3D Scanning with Your Phone
Whichever 3D scanner app you use, the following tips should help improve your scans.
- If you are using a photogrammetry-based app, always take many pictures, because this will provide the app with a larger set of data to create the 3D model from.
- Avoid scanning objects on shiny surfaces or in shadows because the cameras have a lot of light entering them, which makes it difficult to distinguish between the object and the background.
- Scan the object slowly to ensure that the software is able to accurately collect the data.
If you also want to try using a 3D printer, please see this article.
Which 3D Scanner App Is the Best?
I personally recommend Polycam, which has a good reputation. It is compatible with both iPhone and Android.
If you plan to use a 3D scanner app for work, whether for eCommerce, CAD engineering, or architecture, you are likely better off with a LiDAR-capable iPhone and app. Fortunately, many of the apps listed above have official websites that provide more in-depth information on what they can do, which can help you with choosing the right app for your needs.
Many of the free apps, whether LiDAR- or photogrammetry-based, will require some form of payment, either to download the 3D models in your preferred file format or unlock the number of scans you can perform in a given set of time. For this reason, it’s important to do a cost analysis on how much the 3D scans are worth for your business and compare that with the in-app purchase prices.
If you’re trying out 3D scanner apps for your own hobby or personal enjoyment, then we suggest playing around with several of them to see which fits your needs best.
In addition, AutoCAD is useful for creating 3D models, and for those wanting to learn how to use AutoCAD, the online training course here is a good place to learn how to use it.
3D scanner app conclusion
There are many 3D scanner apps, so choose one based on the functionality and purpose. Although the accuracy of the app is not that high, it is good for quickly measuring the size of objects and using it as a starting point for blueprints.
Please take this opportunity to try out some 3D scanner apps.
