Unraveling the Mystery: Metashape vs Meshroom

For free, high-quality 3D reconstruction software, Meshroom stands tall. However, if advanced, detailed 3D modeling is a priority and cost isn’t a concern, Metashape provides more refined results and an array of professional features.

Key Differences Between Metashape and Meshroom

• Metashape provides a professional edition with AI land-use classification and cloud processing support, Meshroom is free and open-source with plugins for Blender, Maya, Houdini.
• In contrast to Meshroom’s platform compatibility for Windows and OSX/Linux, Metashape supports Windows, Linux, and MacOS.
• Where Meshroom targets textured, rough items ideal for photogrammetry, Metashape allows precise model scaling and offers multiple texture mapping options.
• While Metashape’s processing times vary and could be lengthy; Meshroom offers real-time 3D capture with Kinect or Xtion Pro Live.

Comparison	Agisoft Metashape	Meshroom
Application Type	Photogrammetry application for 3D models	Free open-source 3D Reconstruction Software
Used in	GIS, Cultural Heritage Documentation, VFX Production	3D printing, 3D scanning, photogrammetry
Processing Capability	Windows, Linux, MacOS	Windows and OSX/Linux
Price	$3499 for Professional, $179 for Standard	Free
Compatible Applications	Meshlab, Cloudcompare, Sketchfab	Blender, Maya, Houdini
Recommended for	Image alignment	Textured, rough items for photogrammetry
Additional Features	Cloud dataset processing, Single Camera mode, Texture building, Model scaling	Integration in render farm systems, Augmented, Live Reconstruction modes

What Is Metashape and Who’s It For?

Metashape by Agisoft is a robust photogrammetry tool that caters to professionals across diverse disciplines. The software creates 2D and 3D models from images, making it indispensable in GIS, cultural heritage documentation, VFX production, and indirect object measurement. Available for Windows, Linux, and MacOS, Metashape offers tiered pricing with a $3499 professional version and a standard version at $179 for a perpetual license.

Metashape is intended for users who need thorough, detailed models and appreciate efficiency. It is acclaimed for its high computational speeds, eliminating hardware barriers by setting no limitations on photo number or GPU usage. The software is also a fitting choice for students, courtesy of the educational discount offered at $59.

Pros of Metashape

• Flexible platform compatibility
• No limitations on photo number or GPU usage
• Feature-rich, with dark mode, detailed 3D models, and several export format options
• Cloud dataset processing offered

Cons of Metashape

• Higher cost compared to other photogrammetry software
• Processing times can reach 19+ hours for high accuracy

What Is Meshroom and Who’s It For?

Meshroom is a free, open-source 3D reconstruction software rooted in the AliceVision framework. Designed for integration in render farm systems and customizable for studio pipeline, Meshroom is birthed from a collaboration between academia and industry, nuancing it with top-notch algorithms for 3D reconstruction and camera tracking.

In light of the growing demand for hands-free tech catalyzed by COVID-19, Meshroom’s offerings in 3D printing, 3D scanning, and photogrammetry are highly sought-after. Its application stretches across multiple areas including robotics, medicine, video games, movies, and geomatics.

Pros of Meshroom

• Free and open-source
• Designed for integration in render farm systems
• Has a wide reach, being used in diverse fields

Cons of Meshroom

• Requires citation when used for publication
• Video input delivers lower quality than still images

Metashape vs Meshroom: Pricing

While Metashape offers a feature-packed solution at a premium, Meshroom provides a strong, free, open-source alternative.

Metashape

Agisoft’s Metashape comes with two pricing tiers, Standard and Professional. The Standard edition costs a flat fee of $179, granting access to a wealth of features with a perpetual license. The Professional version steps it up with advanced tools such as AI land-use classification and cloud processing support, priced at $3499. Educational users can take advantage of a hefty discount, securing the Standard license for just $59. Cloud computational power can be additionally bought from within the software.

Meshroom

Meshroom takes a different approach to pricing by offering its powerful 3D reconstruction software for free. Born out of a blend of academia and industry know-how, it gives users access to tools such as Blender, Maya, and Houdini plugins at no cost. Moreover, there are no cited payment tiers or additional cloud computing costs, making it a cost-effective solution for those on a budget or just starting out.

Metashape vs Meshroom: The Bullseye Verdict

Ambivalence curls away as we dive into a concise comparison of Metashape and Meshroom, two leading 3D mapping technologies.

AR/VR CREATORS

For AR/VR creators valuing efficiency and processing speed, Metashape trumps with its double-speed processing and Cloud dataset handling, catering for smoother mesh refinement and optimum model creation.

ACADEMIA

The academia, with a knack for transparency and extensive features, will gravitate towards Meshroom. The open-source nature coupled with a blend of industry-standard algorithms make it apparent.

HANDS-FREE TECH ENTHUSIASTS

Meshroom’s live and AR modes are a boon for those with an amplified demand for hands-free technology post-COVID-19.

PROFESSIONALS NEEDING CUSTOMIZATION

For professionals requiring high customization for their studio pipeline, Meshroom’s integrability in render farm systems offers enhanced flexibility.

In the kernel of Metashape vs Meshroom, the former professes speed and efficiency for AR/VR creators, while the latter champions academicians and hands-free tech enthusiasts with stellar open-sourceship and customizable features.