Head-to-head · 3D Scanning Software
CloudCompare vs FARO RevEng
CloudCompare leads on 1 check, FARO RevEng on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreCloudCompare · 7.9/10
- Free planonly CloudCompare
CloudCompare scores higher on our rubric for 3d scanning software: 7.9 against 7.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #13 and #16.
CloudCompare offers free plan; FARO RevEng doesn't.
CloudCompare is the better fit for free point-cloud and mesh processing. FARO RevEng is the better fit for FARO ScanArm mesh reconstruction.
- CloudCompare fits best
Free point-cloud and mesh processing
- FARO RevEng fits best
FARO ScanArm mesh reconstruction
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Side by side
| Feature | CloudCompare 7.9/10 Visit ↗ | FARO RevEng 7.5/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 7.9 | 7.5 |
| Ranking | #13 in 3D Scanning Software | #16 in 3D Scanning Software |
| Best for | Free point-cloud and mesh processing | FARO ScanArm mesh reconstruction |
| Pricing model | Free | Paid |
| Starting price | Free plan | Pricing on request |
| Free plan | ✓ (best) | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows |
| Support | Email, Community, Docs | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features CloudCompare 3/4 · FARO RevEng 3/4 | ||
| Point-cloud tools | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mesh reconstruction | ✓ | ✓ |
| Real-time capture | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| API access | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Supported inputs | BIN, ASCII point clouds, LAS, E57, PTX, FARO, DotProduct, PCD, PLY, OBJ, VTK, STL, OFF, FBX, DXF, SHP, raster and image formats | Quantum Series FaroArm and ScanArm with FAROBlu or Prizm LLP; Design ScanArm 2.0, 2.5, and 2.5C; PC, ASC, XYZ, PTS, E57, NPTS, VTX, PCS, and PWN point-cloud files; STL, PLY, OBJ, OFF, OM, GLTF, and GLB mesh files |
| Supported platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows 10/11 |
| Export formats | BIN, ASCII, LAS, E57, PCD, PLY, DRACO, VTK, OBJ, STL, OFF, FBX, DXF, SHP, raster formats | PC, ASC, XYZ, PTS, E57, NPTS, VTX, PCS, PWN, STL, PLY, OBJ, OFF, OM, and STEP |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | CloudCompare is desktop software for viewing, editing, comparing, and processing 3D point clouds and triangular meshes. It is aimed at technical users working with large 3D datasets in surveying, geospatial, research, engineering, and… Read the review → |
FARO RevEng is desktop software for capturing 3D point clouds, generating and editing meshes, and creating CAD-ready surfaces. It is aimed at industrial design, product engineering, replacement-part development, rapid prototyping, 3D… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
CloudCompare — where it wins
- Free, GPL-licensed, and open source
- Strong registration, distance analysis, and segmentation tools
- Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux with batch and Python options
Where it doesn't
- Primarily processes data rather than capturing it
- Technical workflows may require specialist knowledge
- Advanced extensions depend on plugins or CloudComPy integration
FARO RevEng — where it wins
- Direct capture from supported FARO ScanArm devices
- NURBS surfaces with editable control points
- Watertight mesh output and STEP export for downstream workflows
Where it doesn't
- Contact-sales pricing limits upfront cost comparison
- Windows 10/11 is the listed platform support
- Direct capture depends on supported FARO hardware
- CloudCompare7.9/10 · Free plan
A capable free processor for technical point-cloud and mesh workflows.
Visit CloudCompareFull verdict → - FARO RevEng7.5/10 · Pricing on request
A focused Windows tool for ScanArm capture, mesh repair, and CAD-ready surface work.
Visit FAROFull verdict →
All 3D scanning software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update