3D scanning apps
We identified twenty-four scanning apps for testing on four types of devices: iPhone 14, Google Pixel 7a (Android), iPad WIFI 64GB, and iPad Pro 11. Not all scanning apps are compatible with all devices or platforms; however, this list includes apps that provide a range of access across devices. The selected apps were created for consumers, designers, industry professionals, and for commercial applications. They included apps for scanning faces, rooms, and objects.
Table 1: 3D scanning apps selected for testing
The majority of testing was conducted using various versions of iOS (both the above listed devices as well as our team members’ personal iPhones); however, four scanning apps that are compatible with Android phones and tablets were also tested using the Pixel 7 and the teams’ personal Android devices. Given the crossover offered by KIRI Engine and WIDAR – and the quality of those scanning apps - we focused on these apps for Android operating systems. MagiScan is also compatible with various operating systems; however, a number of factors prevented us from including this app in further testing such as slow processing speed, inconsistent scanning results, and cost. Overall, xOne provided good results; however, we encountered errors in several scans so we did not continue testing this app.
Table 2: 3D Scanning apps for Android devices
Our tests were not exhaustive, as there were a number of variables that came into play when using the apps. For example, while we tested scanning apps on a number of devices, we did not test every object and every lighting scenario with each device. In addition, while the majority of testing was conducted on iPhones, there were multiple device versions in play, each with slightly different camera hardware. All of these factors influenced the quality of scans, the processing time, and file export functionality. As a result, this resource stands as general information only, and it is a snapshot within a specific timeframe with limitations. However, this information offers an invaluable starting point for exploring 3D scanning apps.
After preliminary research into available scanning apps, we identified the following prohibitive factors for the use of some apps:
- a paywall in the form of high monthly or yearly subscription fees, and/or in-app purchases at each stage of scanning, processing, and exporting.
- proprietary apps that required subscription to other applications or services by the same company in order to access full functionality.
- the intended use of the app was not suitable for our specific outreach work, such as apps designed specifically to scan faces, or measure rooms and/or for creating architectural blueprints through LiDAR technology.
- the functionality or usability of the app was not intuitive, or it was difficult to navigate.
- inconsistent scanning results based on object-type, device, and/or lighting.
As a result, the selection criteria for shortlisting scanning apps for further testing was based on:
- free use, one time access fee, and/or low monthly subscription fees of $20 or less.
- user-friendly design and intuitive interface.
- in-app processing and rendering time between 5 minutes and one hour.
- available file formats for export of models/scans.
- suitability of app for users with various levels of experience and digital literacy.
Selected apps
Based on the results of our preliminary tests, four scanning apps were selected for more comprehensive testing: KIRI Engine, LUMA AI, Scaniverse, and WIDAR. We had originally selected Qlone as well based on the high quality of scans; however, in the early stages of testing the subscription fees increased (and varied between iOS and Android), and additional in-app costs were added for exporting models. In addition, Qlone requires the use of a mat (that needs to be printed out) for its free scanning option adding an additional step in the process. As a result, we removed Qlone from further testing.
Cost comparison and compatibility
Table 3 provides a cost comparison between the four selected scanning apps as well as information regarding compatibility. All four apps are available for free; however, the free versions provided by KIRI and WIDAR have some limitations. They offer a Premium or Pro version at a low monthly cost for additional functionality.
Table 3: Cost comparison and compatibility
To demonstrate the difference between the free version of KIRI compared to the Premium version, the free version allows a maximum of 70 photos per scanned object, 3 exports per week, online shareability, access to all export formats, in-app editing tools, zero watermarks, LiDAR room scan for compatible iOS devices, up to 1 million vertices, and low-poly conversion with the same texture quality. By comparison, Premium includes everything in the free version with the following additions: up to 200 photos per scanned object, unlimited scan exports, faster processing, retopology with quad mesh, advanced camera settings, the ability to upload photos from local albums, and “AI-powered Featureless Object” mode to enhance scanning of shiny objects or objects with low or no colour contrast.
In the free version of WIDAR, users can create unlimited scans and compositions, they have access to all editing tools, they have unlimited video exports, they can share their 3D scans through the app, and they can use LiDAR Scan on pro-version iOS devices. One limitation of the free version of WIDAR is that users cannot export their scanned models. In the Pro version of WIDAR, added features include the ability to export scanned models with different professional file formats, expanded sharing options, 4K high-res texture, and no watermark when exporting videos.
KIRI Engine offers the greatest compatibility: it is available for both iOS and Android devices, and a web version is also available. WIDAR and LUMA AI are next in line for compatibility since they are available for both iOS and Android devices. SCANIVERSE is only compatible with iOS devices.
KIRI, Scaniverse, and WIDAR all support LiDAR on devices that have LiDAR functionality. LUMA AI is marketed as a high-quality scanning app that relies on AI technology that does not require LiDAR to optimize the quality of scans. Of note is that many scanning apps are adopting various levels of AI in their development, and the increase in uptake of this technology will most likely influence results in all apps moving forward to various degrees.
3D scanning 101
While all scanning apps have their idiosyncrasies, we determined the following ‘best practice’ when scanning an object in order to optimize success:
- Choose a neutral toned, solid colour surface to scan on
- Create even lighting without shadows
- Take your time when collecting images
- Make sure you can move around the object 360 degrees
- Move around the object slowly when collecting images
- Be sure your device camera is in focus before recording an image
- Discard blurry images before processing the scan
- Make sure you take the minimum number of images recommended by the app
- OR, take the maximum number of images allowable in the app
- STUDY the object in detail like it’s the first time you’ve ever seen it!
In some cases, you can scan an object by turning it around or changing its position rather than walking around the object (a rotating platform is great in this case!). The same principles apply: take your time, and be sure you turn the object around 360 degrees.
Scanning tests
To push the limits of these applications, we used a wide range of objects for our control group (See Table 4). This enabled us to test the quality of scans in relation to texture/material, colour, transparency, levels of reflectivity/mattedness, and scale. As the tests progressed, we recognized lighting, device type, and thus camera quality, also became important variables that impacted the results of the scans.
The majority of objects selected were small; however, tests were also conducted on a full human figure, on large objects such as statues and tractors, and on exterior scenes (a garden, trees, and 1-2 m2 sections of urban environments). We determined that the scanning apps we selected for more in-depth testing could accommodate larger objects and scenes to varying degrees; however, there were some unexpected and potentially undesirable outcomes such as artifacting and noise, blurring of texture map (especially in the peripheries), misinterpretation of distance/perspective, and omission of details. Future tests may be conducted to explore this avenue further.
Table 4: Objects selected for 3D scanning
There were significant differences in the quality of scans based on lighting conditions (most notably interior and exterior lighting), the type of device used (iPhone, iPad, Android, Tablet and versions thereof), and the type of camera in the selected device.
With regards to internet/network connectivity/service, users can scan or photograph objects without cellular data/network connectivity/WIFI; however, the processing and exporting of scans requires some form of connectivity.
As a result of our in-depth testing, we are able to recommend all four selected apps for use. However, each app has strengths and limitations that should be considered.
The models from our scanning app tests were carried into our testing of 3D modeling apps and software (see 3D modeling app page).
The PDF document below provides a more detailed overview of the 3D scanning tests we conducted including a comparison of in-app tools and in-app object manipulation, a comparison of the scanning interface of each app, troubleshooting tips to ensure high quality scans, export file formats, and summary reviews of the four 3D scanning apps with attention to their pros and cons.
You can also view comparisons of results from scanning apps on our YouTube channel: