Choosing between PolyCam and MetaScan depends on your requirements. For iOS or Android users who prioritize diverse capture modes, 3D printing, and collaborative editing, PolyCam is a superior choice. However, for those deeply concerned with on-device processing and robust antivirus protection, MetaScan should be your go-to option.

Detailed comparison: PolyCam vs Metascan

Key Differences Between PolyCam and MetaScan

  • PolyCam offers a variety of features including 3D capture, photogrammetry, 360-degree panorama capture, while MetaScan emphasizes on-device processing of LiDAR scans.
  • PolyCam provides video making features and room mode for creating interactive floor plans; such features are absent in MetaScan.
  • PolyCam includes community platform for sharing and exploring models, non-existent in MetaScan.
  • MetaScan requires an active internet connection for functioning, while PolyCam operates offline too.
  • Both offer professional subscription options, but while PolyCam’s Pro edition enhances export formats and capture options, MetaScan Pro focuses on providing detailed scans, access to all formats, and Web version access.
  • MetaScan runs on iOS 15 and beyond with a focus on enhanced malware detection, while PolyCam is available on Android, iOS and the Web.
Comparison Polycam Metascan.ai
Application Type 3D scanning app 3D and LiDAR scanning
Availability Android 8.0+, iOS 15.2+, iPadOS 15.2+ Any iPhone or iPad from 2015 running iOS15 or above
LiDAR Support Yes Requires a device with LiDAR scanner
Photogrammetry Processing Adopts Apple’s Object Capture technology On photogrammetry servers
Photo Mode Availability Unlimited in Pro edition Yes
Premium Subscription $14.99/month or $79.99/year Higher detail scans, access all supported file formats, access to Metascan Web
Collaborative Features Sharing, Collaborative Editing No
Interesting Features 365-degree panorama, 360 Capture system, Room mode Partnership with OPSWAT for malware detection
Required for Use For LiDAR captures, device with LiDAR sensor Active internet connection
Supported File Formats Mesh data, Blueprint, Pointcloud data Mesh: USDZ, OBJ, glTF, FBX, STL

What Is Polycam and Who’s It For?

Polycam is a state-of-the-art 3D scanning app, developed by Polycam Inc., offering functionalities beyond the ordinary measure. With its offerings, including LiDAR scanning, photogrammetry, and 360-degree panorama capture, Polycam amplifies every aspect of AR visualization. The target audience is vast, involving contractors, interior designers, architects, VFX artists, filmmakers, and 3D artists. It is available on iOS 15.2+, iPadOS 15.2+, and Android 8.0+ platforms.

Colorful depiction of a design enthusiast exploring a 3D model of an architectural design on his iPhone using Polycam

Pros of Polycam

  • Comprehensive 3D scanning and visualization features
  • Collaborative editing with sharing features
  • Pro edition supports numerous file export formats
  • Dedicated features for room modeling and measurements
  • Drone mapping support

Cons of Polycam

  • High-resolution textures may not display correctly on mobile web browsers
  • At $14.99/month or $79.99/year, the Pro edition might not suit all budgets
  • Starters need a device with a LiDAR sensor

What Is Metascan.ai and Who’s It For?

Metascan.ai is an advanced app engineered for 3D and LiDAR scanning, supporting any iPhone or iPad from 2015, running on iOS 15 or above. The technology shines amongst those requiring high-precision scanning and modeling, ranging from architectural enthusiasts to professional 3D designers. Uniquely, it doubles as an anti-malware solution, thanks to its partnership with OPSWAT, scanning files using 17 antivirus engines.

Colorful visualization of a tech-savvy user scanning a 3D model on his iPad using Metascan.ai, while ensuring safety with malware detection

Pros of Metascan.ai

  • On-device processing in LiDAR mode for greater security
  • Metascan Pro offers higher detail scans in multiple formats
  • Partnership with OPSWAT for enhanced malware detection

Cons of Metascan.ai

  • Requires active internet connection for scanning
  • Processing time can be long depending on file size
  • LiDAR mode requires a device with a LiDAR scanner

Final Word: Polycam or Metascan?

In the intense world of AR/VR, the question stands—should your choice be Polycam or Metascan?

AR/VR Creators

If you are an AR/VR creator, Polycam’s LiDAR scanning, photogrammetry, and 360-degree panorama capture functionalities would be instrumental for your work. More importantly, you’ll find value in Polycam’s unlimited Photo Mode captures only available on its Pro edition.

AR/VR creator, meticulously modeling their virtual environment

3D Artists

3D artists, your choice could lean towards Polycam. Its advanced export formats make the 3D models usable in mainstream software, such as Blender, Cinema 4D, Unity, and Unreal.

3D artist deeply engrossed in rendering a detailed virtual environment

Architects and Interior Designers

Architects and interior designers, consider looking into Polycam’s Room Mode feature, which excels in generating floor plans and aiding furniture placement. The measurement tool provides inch-level accuracy for those meticulous implementations.

Integration of augmented reality in an architect's workspace, relying on a robust app

Cybersecurity Enthusiasts

Cybersecurity enthusiasts, you’d find Metascan a worthwhile tool. With its antivirus capabilities, powered by its partnership with OPSWAT, you’d have peace of mind scanning your files with over 40 anti-virus/anti-malware engines.

Security enthusiast wrangling with potential vulnerabilities amidst a multimonitor setup

Ultimately, Polycam shines for 3D scene creation due to its superior scanning capabilities and AR implementation. However, if secure scanning is a priority, Metascan’s strength in maintaining cyber hygiene could be your pick.

Grant Sullivan

Content writer @ Aircada and self proclaimed board game strategist by day, AI developer by night.

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